I=lotida ~PPC - - - - A NEWSLETTER OF THE FLORIDA ExOTIC PEST PLANT COUNCIL - - - -

Volume 8 - Number 2

Message From the New FLEPPC Chairman

On behalf of the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council, I would like to thank all of you who helped make the thirteenth annual symposium a great success. This years symposium NFlorida's Garden of Good and Evil· was held in conjunction with the Florida Native Plant Society's 18th annual conference and was enjoyed by over 400 attendees. Special thanks to Mike Bodle, Ray Miller, Dan Thayer, Allen Dray, Janice Broda and Betsy Bicknell for putting together a great joint conference.

A big thanks to our post chair, Greg Jubinsky for his outstanding leadership and vision during the last two years. Under Greg's guidance, the FlEPPC has mode significant strides in increasing public awareness over the dramatic losses of natural areas to exotic pest plants. Also a special thanks to our outgoing Treasurer, Allen Dray, and Secretary, Brion Nelson for their extraordinary contributions over the last several years.

FlEPPC launched its new quarterly magazine -Wildland Weeds - this year thanks to Amy Ferriter who agreed to serve as editor. Circulation is growing steadily and, I hope, this publication will become a national forum for researchers, land managers and policy makers to exchange information about exotic pest plant issues.

During the next two years FlEPPC will continue to evolve as a vibrant and dynamic organization. The post and future success of FlEPPC is directly linked to its many dedicated members. One great way to become directly involved in Florida EPPC is to join a committee or working group (see list in the next

Summer 1998

column). If you are interested in serving on one of the committees or becoming a member of a working group, please contact the committee/working group chair or me at (941) 695-4111.

TonyPemas

Committee Chairs/Working Groups

Committees: By Laws - Francois Laroche (561)687-6193 Educationffraining - Jim Duquesnel (305)451-1202 Legislative - To Be Announced Membership - To Be Announced Merchandise - Jackie Smith Plant List - Dan Austin Publications - Ken Langeland Symposium - To Be Announced

(561 )791-4720 (561)791-4720 (352)392-3327

Local Arrangements - To Be Announced Research - To Be Announced Vendors - To Be Announced Internet Home Page - Tony Pernas (941 )695-4111 Programs - To Be Announced

WOrkiD& Groups: Brazilian Pepper - Dan Clark (941)472-3700 Carrotwood - Ed Freeman (941)378-6142 Oimbing FernslVines - Mike Bodle (561)687-6132 Exotic Grasses - Joe McGuire (305)257-0933 Skunkvine - Sheryl Bowman (813)744-5610 Chinese Tallow - Greg Jubinsky (850)487-2600

Summer 1998 Page 1 Florida EPPC

New Officers and Directors

Chairman - Tony Pemas (941) 695-4111 tony.pemas@nps.gov

Past Chairman - Greg Jubinsky (850) 487-2600 jubinsky-g@epic6.dep.state.fl.us

Treasurer - Dan Thayer (561) 687-6129 dan.thayer@sfwmd.gov

Secretary - Jackie Smith (561) 791-4720 jacquelinesmith@juno.com

Editor - Amy Ferriter (561) 687-6097 amy.ferriter@sfwmd.gov

Directors: Doria Gordon (352) 392-5949

dgordon@botany.ufl.edu

Dan Clark (941) 472-3700 dclark@peganet.com

Keith Bradley (305) 6547 bradley2@gate.net

Ed Freeman (941) 3798-6148 efreeman@co.sarasota.fl.us

Kathy Burks (850) 487-2600 burks_k@epic6.dep.state.fl.us

Roger Clark (941) 338-3343 rogerclark@juno.com

Jeff Mullahey (941) 658-3412 Dm@icon.imok.ufl.edu

David Jones (305) 242-7849 david.Jones@nps.gov

I Skunkvine Workshop I A one day workshop is planned to discuss current efforts to manage skunkvine Paederia foetida and the closely related species sewervine Paederia crudasiana. The workshop will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Southwest Florida Water Management District's board meeting room in Brooksville on September 9, 1998. Speakers will discuss what is currently known about these troublesome species, existing control methods and ongoing efforts to initiate a biocontrol project. Following the presentations a group discussion involving the attendees will occur to discuss what additional actions should be taken to address this problem. An aftemoon field trip is also planned to inspect a heavily infested site on the upper Hillsborough River and evaluate herbicide test plots which have been treated by the University of Florida's Center For Aquatic And Invasive Plants.

Attendance will be limited to the first seventy­five people who pre-register by completing and retuming the attached registration form. The workshop is being sponsored by the Southwest Florida Water Management District, Hillsborough Co., The Center For Aquatic And Invasive Plants and The Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council. If you have any questions about the workshop please call Sheryl Bowman at (813) 672-7876 (resmgmt@scfn.thpl.lib.fl.us)orBrian Nelson at (352) 796-7211 (usswfbvn@ibmmail.com).

SKUNKVINE WORKSHOP REGISTRATION FORM

Name: ___________________ Agency/Group: _________ _

Address: ______________________________ _ City State Zip

Telephone #: _____________ E-Mail: ______________ _

I plan to attend: __ Morning presentations/discussion __ Afternoon field trip

Return to: Sheryl Bowman, Hillsborough Co. Parks and Recreation, Resource Mgt. Office 10940 McMullen Rd., Riverview, FL 33569

Summer 1998 Page 2 Florida EPPC

June 2, 1998 - Board of Directors Meeting Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

MINUTES Chairman Greg Jublnsky called the meeting to order at 1 :00 p.m. The following officers and directors were present: Grey Jubinsky, Dan Thayer, Allen Dray, Brian Nelson, Amy Ferriter, Roger Hammer, David Jones, Ken Langeland, Doria Gordon, Kathy Burks, Roger Clark, Doug Devries and Jeff Mullahey. Also in attendance were Dan Clark, Lonnie Bell Francois Laroche, Ed Freeman, J.B. Miller, Alyssa Zanoreah, Steve Kent, Phil Waller, Sandra Vardaman, Jim DuQuesnel, Juan Femandez, Dallas Shanan, Debbie Butts, Mark Zeller and Ray Miller.

I. Minutes A motion to accept the minutes of the February 17, 1998 meeting as published in the Spring, 1998 Newsletter was approved (Clark1Langeland).

II. Correspondence Greg received two requests for EPPC start-up kits. One from Colorado and one from Ohio.

III. Treasurer's Report - Alan Dray Alan distributed a written report for review indicating that as of May 31,1998 the Council has a funds available balance of $34,298.03. Alan indicated that apprOximately 75-80 people were pre-registered for the EPPC meeting, 125 for the Florida Native Plant Society meeting and 20 had preregistered for both meetings. A motion to accept the treasurer's report was approved (LangelandfThayer).

IV. Editor's Report - Amy Ferriter Amy indicated that the Editorial Board met prior to this Board meeting. The third issue of Wildland Weeds has been mailed out. Some members did not receive the second copy. If you have not received a Wildland Weeds issue, you should call Jackie Smith (561) 791-4720.

Layout and printing of the magazine is now being handled by a different printer. The next issue will highlight coastal plants and a once-a-year poster issue is being considered. Amy is always looking for submissions.

V. Committee Reports • By-LaW5 - Francois Laroche Francois has copies of the current 1997 by­laws for distribution. No by-laws changes have been proposed for this year. • Plant List - Kathy Burks Kathy indicated that the committee has recently revised the category III or "to be watched" list. This is an intemallist maintained by the plant list committee which is not publicized or distributed. The purpose of the list is to allow the committee to identify and to begin to coiled data on these potentially troublesome species. The Board discussed the need, purpose and use of this list as well as how plants get from this list to

Summer 1998 Page 3

the Category II list and visa versa. • Home Page - Tony Perna. Tony has included the survey/data base form on the web page and has received several completed forms back. Once it is filled out it is sent direcUy to DEP. A lot of stuff, reports, etc. are being downloaded from the FLEPPC web page. The Brazilian Pepper Management Plan was downloaded twelve times last month. • Publications - Ken Langeland Ken has finished a new informative publication. It is Circular #1204 Help Proted Florida's Natural Areas From Non-Native Invasive Plants. Partial funding for the color pamphlet was provided by SFWMD, SJRWMD, SWFWMD and DEP. Call Ken (352) 392-9614 for copies.

The Invasive species I.D. manual has been completed by Ken and Kathy Burks, however, IFAS approval for publication has not yet been received. The Environmental Horticulture Dept. opposes publishing the manual because it contains some commercially viable species. Talks are continuing to try and reach an agreement to publish the manual. • Research - Alan Dray The Melaleuca beetle has been established at several sites and Gary BUCkingham (USDA) is preparing a request to release the sawfly. The USDA is looking at new water lettuce and water hyacinth insects. Work continues on Lygodium surveys. Alan indicated that the research committee is not being utilized to review proposed research projects (blocontrol, mecl1anical, chemical) as envisioned and little, if any, work is occurring on IPM. Greg has contaded Ted Center about setting up a workshop discussing biocontrol and IPM efforts.

Doug Devries commented that there needs to be more information put out about fire and water regimes related to ongoing

Florida EPPC

control efforts. o Site Arrangements - Mik. Bodle Mike indicated that we will have to pay meeting room rental costs as there were not enough room nights reserved in advanced. Other meeting arrangements are set. Clyde Butcher has donated prints and melaleuca walking sticks as door prizes. o Vendors - Dan Thayer Many of the vendors assisted the Council by contributing more than the display fee and supported the coffee breaks as well. • Education/TraininA- Jim Duquesnel Jim distributed a proposed pre and post herbicide applicator training test for natural area applicators. He has also prepared a training packet. He requested input from the Board on the issue of establishing a natural areas applicator category. Should we push for a new category or shOUld the Council issue a certificate of training. Discussion followed on this issue. A motion passed for the Council to support the establishment of a natural areas certification category (BurksJDray). Ken Langeland and Jim Duquesnel will arrange a meeting with the Dept. of Agriculture to initiate this action. • Merchandise - Jackie Smith Dan Thayer and Amy Ferriter had EPPC tee shirts printed. They will be sold at the registration desk. o Workinq Groups Melaleuca - Francois Laroche Francois indicated that few, if any, copies of the Melaleuca Management Plan are left and that an updated plan will be produced in the near Mure. Brazilian Pepper - Dan Clark Dean Barber has agreed to chair this workgroup. Carrotwood - Ed Freeman Ed indicated that work continues on the Carrotwood Management Plan. He was contacted by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture who is doing a carrotwood risk assessment for information on the agricultural impacts of carrotwood. If anyone has any information on this issue, please call Ed at (941) 378-6142. Downy Rose Myrtle - Jackie Smith Work is still progressing on a Downy Rose Myrtle Management Plan. DEP may fund a Bast Management Practices Study.

The committee reports were approved on a motion by Dray/Gordon.

VI. Old BUBineBS Jackie Smith is still attempting to revise the complimentary mail list. The Board discussed who should remain on the list. The editorial committee will meet with the Wildland Weeds publisher to determine if additional copies can be produced at no charge.

Dan Thayer indicated that the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Working Group had their first meeting to develop a global exotic plant management strategy. Their next meeting is June 15 and 16, 1998.

VII. New Busi,,"s The Board discussed the feasibility of establishing an EPPC hit squad. Using donated herbicide, this squad could treat infestations of Invasive exotic species on private lands adjacent to public landS with the land-owners permission. The Board discussed, but took no action on this issue. A motion (Gordon) to pursue this course of action was not seconded.

Greg volunteered to summarize the history of the council to date and recommended that from now on each retiring chairman be required to summarize their two years as chairman. The Board agreed.

OutgOing treasurer, Alan Dray, recommended the board consider purchasing a lap top computer for the new Council secretary.

Doria Gordon discussed aerial digital photo work being done by a graduate student at the University of Florida. The method utilizes computer algorithm to differentiate plant species such as Brazilian pepper.

Doug Devries announced that he was leaving Everglades National Park to return to Colorado. The Board appreciates his efforts on behalf of the Council and he will be missed greatly. Good luck Dougll

A motion to adjourn the meeting was approved (DevrieslMullahey).

1------------------------------------------------' : The next meeting of the council is scheduled for ! : August 6, 1 "8, 10 a.m. at !he Marriott Residence : ! Inn, 4001 SW 13 th. St., Gainesville, Florida. ! ~ _______________________________________________ J

Summer 1998 Page 4 Florida EPPC

FLORIDA EPPC Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council

Board of Directors Meeting, Gainesville, Florida

August 5, 1998 - Site Selection Committee and other interested Council members will meet at 2:00pm at the Marriot Inn to evaluate sites for 1999 symposium.

August 6, 1998 - Board of Directors meeting 10:00-2:00 pm (working lunch) at the Marriot Inn, 4001 SW 13th St., in Gainesville.

Call 10 order'rotl can

Appmval of the minutes oflhe.June 2. 1998, Board meeting

Correspoodc:nce

Treasurer's R'-'Port

Editor's Report

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Bylaws

Editorial

Legislative

Membership

l\.ferchandisc

Plant List

Public:atioos

Symposium

Local Arrangeml2lts

R .... r<:h

Valders

WORKING GROUPS

Melalcuca

Brazilian Pepper

Carrotwood

Climbing Ferns and Vines

Exotic Grasses

Sklmk-vinc

(bincse TaIl O'lo"

OLD BUSINESS

Nlllural Area'! Certi6cution

NEW BUSINESS

Status ofEPPC Exotic Plant Data Base

SE Reg;onal Exotic Plant Occumncc Database

Date ofNeXl Meeting

Summer 1998 Page 5

TmyPcmas

Jackie Smith

Tony Pemas

Dan Thayer

Amy Ferrit",

Francois Laroche

Amy Ferritei'

TBA

rnA Jackie Smith

Dan Austin

Ken Langeland

TBA

Hillary Ch...ry

rnA Dan Thayer

Francois Laroche

Dean Barber

Ed Freeman

Mike Bodle

Joe McGuire

Sh...yl Bowman

Greg Jubinsky

J. Duqu""ellK. Langeland

G. Jubinsky

T. Pemas

Florida EPPC

DEP'S NEW UPLAND INVASIVE EXOTIC PLANT PROGRAM

by Greg Jubinsky, Florida Department Of Environmental Protection

A new program is being established within the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to address the need for a statewide coordinated approach to the upland invasive plant problem. This new program is being developed by the Bureau of Invasive Plant Management (formally Bureau of Aquatic Plant Management). To date, various local, state, and federal agencies in Florida have addressed the upland exotic plant problem with management plans, research, and education programs. It is hoped that a statewide coordinated program will not only generate funding for invasive plant control, but will link ongoing control efforts being made throughout the state.

The department was mandated by the Florida legislature to develop a program to control invasive exotic plants on public lands in 1993. In response to this mandate, DEP published the report, An Assessment of Invasive Non-Indigenous Species in Florida 's Public Lands in 1994. This 200 page report detailed the current status of exotic plants and animals in Florida and the impact they have on Florida's public lands. Recognizing the seriousness of the problem, the 1996 Florida legislature allocated $1 million dollars to condl\ct a pilot project for the control of upland invasive exotic plants on public conservation lands.

The pilot project yielded initial control of nearly 10,000 acres of twelve invasive plant species on 121 sites between Escambia County and Marathon. Through matching funds the original $1 million dollars grew to slightly more than $1 .5 million!

While these activities were being implemented, a plan for a long term, systematic approach was also being developed, which would facilitate DEP's long range goal of reducing infestations of invasive upland plants on public lands by 25 percent by 20 I 0, based upon the 1995 levels of 1.5 million infested acres . This program incorporates the fundamentals of ecosystem management by relying on the expertise oflocalland managers throughout the state to provide direction for upland plant control expenditures on conservation lands. Eleven regional working groups consisting of city, county, state, and fuderalland managers are being established around the state.

The working groups listed below will serve as vehicle for public land managers to prioritize weed control projects and funding needs on a regional basis based upon site proposals submitted by cooperators within a specific working group. An approved system for quantitatively ranking the site proposals for funding will be implemented by the groups to assist in the prioritization of site proposals. Based on the limited funding levels for 1999, DEP program managers have limited eligible projects to those that focus on either containment of existing weed populations or controVeradication of new populations. Additionally, the regional working groups will allow for the development of educational programs, exchange ofbest management practices, and better monitoring of the invasive exotic plants on public lands.

Contact the Bureau of Invasive Plant Management at (850) 481-2600 for additional information.

PIP 6 Floridl EPPC

INVASIVE PLANT WORKING GROUP LIAISONS

Group Pho ... PANHANDLE Mark Zeller (850) 487-2600

se 277-2600 NORTlfWEST Mark Zeller (850) 487-2600

se 277-2600 WlTHLACOOCHEE lorraine Miller (352) 625-2520

SUN COAST Ed Freeman (941) 378·6142

WEST COAST Man Phillips (941) 534-7074

SC 515-0493 EAST CENTRAL Dean Barber (407) 275-4004

SC 343-4004 MOSQUITO COAST Dean Barber (407) 275-4004

SC 343-4004 TREASURE COAST Jackie Smith (561) 791 -4720

SC 242-4720 SOUTHWEST Roger Clark (941) 338-3343

SOUTHEAST Joe Maguire 1305) 257-0933

FLORIDA KEYS laura Flynn (305) 296-3880

DEP's INVASIVE PLANT WORKING GROUPS

Fa.

488-2216

488-2216

625-7556

378-46136

523-47134

275-4007

275-4007

791-4722

338-3333

257-1086

292-1763

)n order to most efficiently utilize the one million dollars the legislature has authorized DEP to expend to control invasive plantspecies. DEP has initiated the organization of Invasive Plant Working Groups thraughout the state. The purpose of establishing these groups is to prioritize the expenditures of DEP's funds on projeds at the local level. The available funds may only be spent on conservation lands". If you are responsible for the management af conservation lands and are in need of control funds. you need to be involved in this process. of the groups listed on this page are well established. others are just beginning to organize. If you are interested in joining one or mare of the work groups. please contad the appropriate liaison. If you have general questions about the establishment. organization or fundion of the groups. please call Greg Jubinsky (DEP} at (8S0} 487-2600.

Summer 1998 Pogo 7

~

OEP·Bure<:lu of invasive Plant Management 3915 Cammonwealth Blvd. MS 710. Ta80ha ..... FL 32399

OEP. Bure<Ju of invasive Plant Iv\onagement 3915 Commonwealth Blvd. MS 710. Ta80ha ..... FL32399

USDA forest Service-Lab George Ranger Distrkt 17147 E. Highway 40 Silv.r Spring •• FL34488

Sarasota County. Govt-Natural Resources Department 1301 CaHlomen Rd. Bldg A Sorasola. FL34232

OEP-Bureau of Invasive Plant Management 2001 Homelond Garfield Raad. Bartow. FL33830

OEP-Bureau of Invasive Planf Management 5882 South Semoran Blvd. Orlondo. FL32822

OfP-Bureau of Invasive Plant Management 5882 South Semaran Blvd. Orlondo. FL32B22

OfP-Bureau of Invasive Plant Management 3111 B-13 Fortun. Way. W.llinglon. FL33414

lee County Paries and Recreation 3410 Palm Beach Blvd. fl. My.". FL33916

Miami-Dade Parq and Recreation 22200 S,W. 137'" Avenue, Miomi, Fl33170

P.O. Bo.4958 Key W.". FL33041

Suncoost

Florida EPPC

r

Individual Student S10

_ General S20 _ Contributing S50

FLORIDA EXOTIC PEST PLANT COUNCIL Membership Application

Now is the time to pay your 1999 dues!

Ipstitutional General S100

_ Contributing SSOO Donor $501-S10,OOO

Donor SSI or more Patron 510,000 or more

Name: ________________ Agency/Group: __________ _

Address: ________________ --.:~------___:_:___---__: ____ --city ,;p

Telephone: _____________ Email: _____________ _

Mail to: Dan Thayer, EPPC Treasurer, SFWMD, P.O. Box 24680, West Palm Bch, FL 33416

Visit the Florida EPPC Website at: www.fleppc.org

Florida EPPC Iackie Smith, Secretary 3111 B-13 Fortune Way Wellington, FL 33414

_. ,-- I ..,...

, '\ .,. ; " t

..

Allison Fox PO Box 110500 Gainesville, FL

Member !hru: 1998

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