FL-PRISM Terrestrial Working Group MinutesSeptember 25th, 1:00pm-2:30pm

Finger Lakes Institute, 601 S. Main Street, Geneva, NY

Present: Albrecht, Sylvia (Citizen Activist); Harman, Jon (DOT); Lyons, Jessi (CCE); Staychock, Emily (CCE); Deller, Mary B (FL National Forest); Ferrare, Kristina (CCE); Don Cook (NYSFOLA)

Absent: Amatangelo, Kathryn (The College at Brockport, SUNY); Nelson, Walt (CCE, Genesee Finger Lakes Nursery Landscape Association); Gilman, Bruce (FLCC and Muller Field Station Director); Duckett, Robert; Gibbs, John (FL National Forest); Ginenthal, Jules (Cornell Plantations); Hargrave, Rebecca (SUNY Morrisville); Riehl, Marcus (OPRHP); Sheridan, Emily (DEC); Stalter, Anna M (CCE); Wunderlich, Michele (CCPD); Yardley, Tracy; Burnes, Pauline (DOT); Whitmore, Mark C. (Cornell University); Ginenthal, Jules (Cornell Plantations); Gorman, Jason (FLLT); Natale, Bruce (Cayuga Co.); Sullivan, Kristy (CCE);

Meeting Facilitator: Hilary R. Mosher, Scribe: Emily Staychock, Time Keeper: TBD

MEETING OBJECTIVE: To prioritize terrestrial-related IS needs, goals, and outputs for strategic planning session.

FL-PRISM Terrestrial Working Group AgendaTopic Lead

1 Welcome and meeting objective Meeting Objective: To prioritize terrestrial-related IS goals and outputs for strategic plan

2 Review of minutes from 7/10/14 Approve objective and outcomes for Terrestrial WGComments: NoneMotion to accept: Emily StaychockSecond: Jon Harman

3 Approval of Agenda- including objective for groupComments: NoneMotion to accept: Emily StaychockSecond: Jon Harman

4 Facilitate review of 7/10/14 action itemsACTION ITEM: Sylvia to send information about the native plant guide (Jessi sent this one: http://www.hgcny.org/docs/Guide-2014.pdf)ACTION ITEM: Walt to send information about the native plants and sellers in the region (attached to email, excel spreadsheet)ACTION ITEM: For review- group will review the FL-PRISM structure document and provide comments/edits via email (attached, pages 8 and 9)- all in favor, none opposedACTION ITEM: For review- group will review the FL-PRISM ED/RR document and provide comments/edits via email-- TABLEDACTION ITEM: Group will propose contact point for each county/region for POC person for FL-PRISM- Soil and water conservation districts to be the contact for some counties- ask them- identify leads for the group to use as POC for group (Terrestrial)—Hilary to be POC for terrestrial group. Hilary to develop an on-going chart for POCs for TIS- so many counties that this group will need to be helpful for the POCACTION ITEM: Individuals will designate three or four people who can serve as an expert for presentations/conferences/etc. MaryBeth- once or twice a year- knapweed, spotted is spotty, hybrid is of concern- biocontrol not there yet, population studies- test some control ideas- monitor rare plantsHWA- expert- pressing issue on the National Forest- looking for control it on the Natl Forest-

insecticide that can be used, but also looking at biocontrolWhat species have limited distribution and we can impact their populations for control (low end of invasion curve)- MB looking to share information. Hilary to send NY NH- Imap contact information to MB- this will increase the amount of information availability about infestation incredibly! Botanical inventories--

OLD BUSINESS5 Determine priority areas of concern

Look for areas where the infestation is low on the invasion curve and our effort can make a difference—i.e., Japanese knotweed in the Natl Forest is very low abundanceEasily accessible areas for recreation where the plant can be spread—highly probably areas (HPAs) for invasionEdge of ecological important communitiesTransportation corridors/right awaysJapanese stiltgrass found in one spot on the Nat’l ForestHilary to send a note to FL-PRISM asking where Japanese stiltgrass is located within the FL-PRISMWater supply protection- i.e., Onondaga Co., Livingston and Ontario Counties, etc., i.e., HWA

NEW BUSINESS6 Expert to speak at the next Terrestrial WG meeting

Spring—Wayne Co. come to Sylvia’s property—3mi south of Zurich BogHanley Field Preserve HWS- 100 acres on Cayuga LakeAphis- biocontrol- Paul WregePresentation about using goats for sheep control—sylvapasturing—Bret Chedzoy – Emily to forward contact information—Schuyler Co. South Stevens Pasture—interesting to have him speak about what he is doing on his property and Nat’l ForestUS Corp of Engineers, Tonawanda-Hydrilla-The difference between controlling invasive species and restoring areas- how to go about and plan for both- the need is there, few people know the different.

7 Identify terrestrial-specific needs for FL-PRISM-Research priorities to be sent to NYS ISO of ISC- continue support of research for terrestrial invasive species and control- lots of great stuff is going on so there needs to be financial support for these projects- sustained funding is key here for research and control initiatives --mini-grant opportunities is highly valuable for the 17county region with many, many, TIS needs-Management needs for next field season- as needed and identified-Restoration needs- as needed and identified

AES- actively managing Seneca Meadows- Sylvia to send contact information8 Develop terrestrial-specific goals/outcomes for FL-PRISM—tabled for next meeting—Hilary

to develop a draft for goals and outcomes here9 Agency Activity Report

FL-PRISM Updates and Working Group Reports (Pages 3 and 4)Partner Updates (not in particular order)

Cayuga Lake Watershed Hydrilla Project – (page 5,6) Cayuga County (page 6) CCE Onondaga County- EAB Task Force 101 (page 6)- Fayeteville Arbor Fest- invasive pest

display- not well attended but had 20-25 conversations with homeowners- managing ash this Saturday- sportsman field days- IS information- good event in the past- reaching people out

in the woods, already with head down and looking- seed collection workshop- handful of volunteers, attended- not a good seed year for ash- to help id for appropriate sites for seed collection in the future—Oct 7th- EAB task force 101- Jessi organizing NYS Fairgrounds in the Home and Arts Building- help communities establish task force and see the needs- Recipients of funding through the FL-PRISM to ramp up work on HWA in Skaneateles and other hemlock stands in FL region—setting up monitoring plots in the Clarke Reservation and Green Lakes SP, FLLT—expan monitoring into new locations- another grant due on Set 30th to establish insecotries for predator beetles of HWA- excited about this opportunities- involve many homeowners and community members—goes beyond traditional outreach mechanism—MaryBeth to connect Tim Noon to Kristina about this project.

Sylvia Don Cook- WNY and FL-PRISM will be presenting at the NYSFOLA conference in Cuba, NY-

lake associations – there will be representatives from 18 different lake associations- things that they can do- constructive things that can be done to tackle invasive species issues. Don lives on Honeoye Lake- Nancy Mueller from NYSFLA- group of seasons volunteers for questions

The College at Brockport DOT—Nothing DOT-related. In Canada camping and the park employees stopped to check

out their kayaks and inform them about the importance of keeping invasive species out of their waterways. Park was really diligent about asking whether they clean, drain, dry because they don’t want to see invasive in the Great Lakes and into small, Canadian lakes.

CCE Monroe County/Finger Lakes Nursery Landscape Association FLCC CCE Yates –plan an EAB task force for a larger region versus only county-specific task forces-

Steuben Co has an active environmental board—want to combine Schuyler/Yates/Ontario EAB task force—Japanese knotweed removal activity with Keuka College- Emily to send information about this program- MB to share removal methods—cut, let it grow, spray it, burned the dead stuff and still it is not dying—Hilary to ask Rob for his removal methods for Japanese knotweed

FL National Forest- NY has a PRISM, VT does not have this structure- more informal group of people in VT- an exotic group that pushes legislation for exotics- people in NY are not aware of the issue of exotics. Seems there is a lack of awareness of IS issues- Highway Sups seem unaware of issue- outside of frame of awareness—how do we make this connection with people for IS issues? In VT there are many uninfested locations where in the FL NF there are few places that are not infested—rare American bittersweet- uncommon plant in FLNF- more red tape in NY to apply herbicides- permitting is different than VT- plant has to be on the label in order to apply a certain herbicide—She keeps a VT pesticide license, but not NY because as a State employee, she doesn’t pay in VT- NY makes you continually pay for licensing- you must be licensed in VT to contract this work out, but not in NY

Cornell Plantations SUNY Morrisville NYS PARKS DEC Coastal Initiative Cornell FLLT Training issue- outside the scope of awareness for managers- need to address this! Other

10 Action item identification and follow-up plan11 AdjournNext MEETING DATE/TIME: January 21st, 1pmTo do: action item(s) from today’s meeting: 9/25/14

ACTION ITEM: MB looking to share information. Hilary to send NY NH- Imap contact information to

MB- this will increase the amount of information availability about infestation incredibly! Botanical inventories—

ACTION ITEMS: Hilary to send a note to FL-PRISM asking where Japanese stiltgrass is located within the FL-PRISM

ACTION ITEMS: Presentation about using goats for sheep control—sylvapasturing—Bret Chedzoy – Emily to forward contact information—

ACTION ITEM: AES- actively managing Seneca Meadows- Sylvia to send contact information ACTION ITEM: Send research priorities for TIS to be sent to NYS ISC ACTION ITEM: Hilary to develop a draft for goals and outcomes for TIS ACTION ITEM: MaryBeth to send contact information to Kristina for Tim Noon for HWA work ACTION ITEM: Hilary to ask Rob for his removal methods for Japanese knotweed

To do: action item(s) from 7/10/14 meeting ACTION ITEM: Sylvia to send information about the native plant guide (Jessi sent this one: http://www.hgcny.org/docs/Guide-2014.pdf)ACTION ITEM: Walt to send information about the native plants and sellers in the region

ACTION ITEM: For review- group will review the FL-PRISM structure document and provide comments/edits via email

ACTION ITEM: For review- group will review the FL-PRISM ED/RR document and provide comments/edits via email

ACTION ITEM: Group will propose contact point for each county/region for POC person for FL-PRISM

ACTION ITEM: Individuals will designate three or four people who can serve as an expert for presentations/conferences/etc.

Tabled Item(s)Determining Annual Work Plan and Strategic PlanFinger Lakes -N/S distinctionAdministrative- Call for roles for working group (Chair, Vice-chair, Secretary, Liaison to Steering Committee) at the next meeting—TABLEDDevelop terrestrial-specific goals/outcomes for FL-PRISM

Developed by the Terrestrial WG on 7/10/14, Adopted on 9/25/14 Purpose of Terrestrial Working Group:

To guide terrestrial- specific invasive species priorities, determine highly probable areas for invasion and engage in invasive species research

The TWG will develop a terrestrial-focused work plan and invasive species management plan. The TWG will assist in the prevention of new invasive species into the region, focus on early detection/rapid

response of invasive species and support the steering committee as needed. A secondary focus of this working group will be on the containment and management of established invaders

within the region and provide information on terrestrial invasive species of concern, conferences, workshops, and literature to the E&O committee.

Engaging in regional research on IS Promoting the FL-PRISM as a central clearinghouse for TIS

Some of the possible strategies to accomplish the objective(s): Prevent new invasions through rapid detection and eradication of new invasions of plants Manage invaded areas Promoting native planting (i.e., as landscaping) thereby decreasing potential for invasion Collaborate and network with regional invasive species educational institutions Inventory, survey and map populations of invasive plants Restore sites where weed management and control have occurred Monitor changes and evaluate management results

Priority List from 7/10/14

List developed from group:

Bittersweet x III Swallow-wort x IIIIWild parnsip x IIIKnotweed x IIHogweed x IIEAB x IIHWAHoneysuckle

MugwortSweet midgeBrown marmorated stink bugField bindweed

FROM Pauline Burnes (DOT) submitted electronicallyHogweedPurple loosestrifeCommon reedWild and cow parsnip

Update from FL-PRISM-- ACTIVITIES SINCE LAST MEETING:

Presentations: Cornell Cooperative Extension, Monroe County, 7/17/14What Lurks Beneath, Sodus Point, 8/21/14Loon Lake, Steuben County, 8/30/14The College at Brockport, 9/10/14

iMap Trainings:Ganondagan State Historic Site, Employees, 7/28/14Yates County CCE, Lake Association Members, 8/13/14The College at Brockport, Students in ENV 405/505, 9/10/14

Invasive Control:Water Chestnut Pulls, Braddock Bay Marine Park, 8/1/14, 8/14/14, 8/25/14, 8/28/14, and 9/5/14- estimated 5 tons of water chestnut removed from Bay

Donation Secured:Pontillos, 4 large pizzasWegmans, $50 gift cardDunkin Donuts, $60 in coffee and donutsTim Horton’s, $50 in coffee and donutsGenesee Valley Audubon Society, 3 sheet pizzas and soda

Tabling:Loon Lake Social, Steuben County, 7/26/14BassMaster Elite, Union Springs, 8/21-8/24

Research:Early detection of Hydrilla in the north end of Cayuga and Seneca Lakes, Sam Burrell, Research Student at FLIGroundtruthing swallowwort in the Finger Lakes, Abby Dylag, Research Student at FLIUsing GIS to determine HPAs for EAB invasion, Joe Sylvia, Research Student at FLI

Surveys:Cayuga Co. Clam Survey, Owasco Lake, 8/8/14Floating Classroom, Hydrilla Hunt, 8/5/14

Outreach Materials : Helped edit the Weeds Watch Out, CCE Onondaga CountyFL-PRISM redesigned brochureWebsite contract for design and development- In progress. Same web designer for APIPP and SLELO will be the web developer for FL-PRISM. Details to comeAttached list of references for printing

County Meetings:Schuyler County- attendingCayuga County- attendingSteuben County- attendingLivingston County- attendingOntario County- by proxy, Nadia HarviexSeneca County- Meeting cancelled- next meeting October 2014Chemung County- Meeting Cancelled- next meeting October 2014Monroe County- Meeting Cancelled- next meeting October 2014Onondaga County- on list for meeting agenda, and minutesWayne County- on list for meeting agenda, schedule, and minutes

Working Group Reports:

Agricultural Working Group- last meeting: 8/7/14, next meeting, 9/25/14. Status update: developed priority

organisms of concerns and in process of identifying best outreach materials specific to ag pestsAquatic Working Group- last meeting: 9/15/14, next meeting: Dec 3rd. Status update: developed purpose statement, strategies to accomplish goals, priority tasks, species list and priority areas to consider. Group nominated roles for the group which included: Hilary Mosher, Chair; Gene Little, Vice- Chair; Michele Wunderlich, Secretary; Liason to Steering Committee, James BalyszakEducation and Outreach WG: last meeting: 9/15/14, next meeting: Dec 3rd. Status update: determined E&O needs for the FL-PRISM and develop outcomes for outreach programs for the FL-PRISMSteering Committee- last meeting: 7/21/14, next meeting: 9/29/14. Status update: developed purpose statement, structural statement and strategies to accomplish objective. Strategic planning session set for October 23rd and 24th at FLCC with a contracted facilitator. This will be the framework from which the 5-yr strategic plan will be developed. Steering Committee reviewed structural documents including early detection/rapid response flow chart, structure document, and annual plan.

THREE UPDATES FROM PARTNERS (Submitted via email)

1. Hydrilla Task Force of the Cayuga Lake Watershed, Project Updates September 15, 2014

OUTREACH/EDUCATION and PREVENTION : SCOTT KISHBAUGH: NY Statewide Hydrilla Hunt webinar hosted on August 7th. Organized by TNC, NYSFOLA, and

DEC. Webinar hosted and recorded online. Recording available for viewing on WebEx (https://nethope.webex.com/nethope/lsr.php?RCID=5d443d23f750494cb9febcab4b75abed). Similar format as last year with intro material, background on the hydrilla problem (Scott), biology of hydrilla (Bob Johnson), monitoring for hydrilla and hydrilla hunters (Gregg Sargis), infestations overview of Cayuga and WNY (Jennifer Tait and James), iMap reporting (Jennifer Dean). NYSFOLA will post information/materials from webinar. 1.5-hour presentation and Q&A. Getting more info on where hydrilla is and is not. Providing info to DEC and increasing likelihood of early detection. 50-60 participants (hosting larger number that those listening on the line). Initial reporting has been positive, with no hydrilla finds.

Cayuga Lake Watershed Network (CLWN) and Floating Classroom (FC) Updates: Hydrilla hunter cruises hosted by Floating Classroom in Ithaca and extending to the northern parts of the lake. Cruises have been full of volunteers, monitoring for hydrilla. Coordination w/ CLWN to connect with volunteers for additional hydrilla hunter volunteer efforts throughout the season. CLWN has hosted monthly North/South conference calls, including representatives from Cayuga, Seneca, and Tompkins Counties. Greatly helps to update regions regarding ongoing IS activities.

CLWN attended Bassmaster/Fish Cayuga tournament at north end of Cayuga Lake in August. 4-day event, well attended. Overall, attendees were receptive and curious about hydrilla/IS information. Some push back from anglers, saying that hydrilla infestation is beneficial to bass fishing. Need to ensure that we are welcoming to the boating/angling community. Not blaming them for spread, but reinforcing that they can be the first line of defense against IS introduction/spread.

Next HTF outreach meeting to be held on September 16th Outreach to community regarding Sonar treatments in Cayuga Inlet and Fall Creek. Treatment notifications sent to

mailing lists. Very successful community outreach this season, particularly to businesses along Cayuga Inlet. Creation of inlet business treatment notification mailing list was beneficial*

Monitoring/Management : TREATMENTS: Treatment in Fall Creek occurred on July 17th. Initial Aquathol treatment was applied via airboat, johnboat, and

backpack. Follow up water quality monitoring/sampling showed quick drop in Aquathol-K concentrations. Not completely sure that retention time and concentration levels were on target. Bob is continuing to monitor Fall Creek treatment zone. Some viable hydrilla growth still observable near Cascadilla Boat Club docks in Fall Creek.

Closure/Treatment in Cayuga Inlet occurred on July 29th. Initial Aquathol treatment was applied via airboat, johnboat, and backpack. Treatment went very smoothly and was completed in one day. Follow up water quality monitoring/sampling showed excellent Aquathol-K concentration levels and retention time. Anticipate an effective and successful treatment in Cayuga Inlet. Bob will continue monitoring Inlet treatment zone to assess hydrilla die-off and treatment efficacy.

Follow-up Sonar treatments in Fall Creek (8/14) and Cayuga Inlet (8/26) planned. Will coordinate w/ HTF, Allied Biological, and NYSDEC to finalize logistics. Working w/ Eve (City Intern) to update/post herbicide signage in FC and Inlet treatment zones. HTF updated notification signage and sent out 24hr notifications (as required by DEC permits). Fall Creek: Sonar pellet treatment in Fall Creek went smoothly. Water monitoring has shown that FC Cove area concentration/retention time is not on target (very low). Bump treatment occurred in Fall Creek cove area on 9/2. Water monitoring will give good indication whether or not pellet treatment in this area is effective. Adjustments will be made as needed. Cayuga Inlet: Sonar treatment in Cayuga Inlet is underway. Pellets applied to Linderman Creek and Allan Treman Marina area. Injection units installed and turned on. Will be monitored by SePRO and Allied biological. First Sonar conference call for treatment review will be held on 9/4. Adjustments to treatment rates will be made as needed.

MONITORING/SAMPLING (Bob Johnson): Fall Creek (FC): Remains a challenging treatment area. Nothing growing in golf course lagoon and Stewart Park pond.

Areas enclosed by barriers have good treatment. Will be going in FC proper and wetland area. See if they can find hydrilla prior to Sonar pellet treatment. Some live plants in FC channel after initial Aquathol-K treatment.

Cayuga Inlet: Will be checking very carefully for any regrowth. Expecting not to find anything due to effective Aquathol-K treatment in Inlet. In the past, we have not observed hydrilla regrowth in the Cayuga Inlet following initial Aquathol-K treatment.

Southern Shelf of Cayuga Lake: Approx. 1m deep throughout. Hydrilla found in SE corner again this season (2 patches, adjacent to 2013 removal and benthic barriers). Remediation in August 2013 involved hand removal of patches and installation of benthic barriers. Visibility in the southern shelf has been very poor this season due to heavy rains and outflow. Checked on Monday 8/11, positive hits of hydrilla found by rake-toss, two of them fragments (suspected from growing plant). Third location found hydrilla pieces on rake, and confirmed observation on patch. Approx. 5-6 inch tall hydrilla, Locations in same general area as last season. Observed nothing at locations where benthic barriers were placed in 2013. Sediment has buried mats from last season. Appears that there was no regrowth under

2. CAYUGA COUNTY UPDATES The Cayuga County Department of Planning and Economic Development and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County held an Emerald Ash Borer and Ash Tree Identification training on July 17th.

The Cayuga County Asian Clam Task Force with assistance from the Finger Lakes Institute and the FLPRISM conducted a survey of Asian clams in the north end of Owasco Lake on August 8th.

The Owasco Lake Watershed Specialist and Assistant Owasco Lake Watershed Inspector inspected boats during the Governor's Challenge at Owasco Lake on Saturday August 23rd.

3. EMERALD ASH BORER TASK FORCE 101 Tuesday October 7, 2014NYS FairgroundsArt and Home Building, Demonstration Kitchen

Agenda12:30 – 1:00 am: Registration1:00 – 2:00 pm: Why EAB deserves a Task Force (biology, spread and control issues)2:00 – 3:00 pm: What can a Task Force do for you? Panel Discussion.

What can a task force accomplish? What can organizations and individuals contribute to a Task Force? How are Task Force groups structured? Task Force case studies

3:00 – 3:15 pm: Break3:15 – 4:30 pm: Who should be on your Task Force?

Outline possible stakeholders Facilitated meet and greet of regional stakeholders (National Grid, DPW Superintendents, Supervisors and

Mayors, DEC representatives, tree committees, environmental interest groups, DOT, Soil and Water, Extension, Planning departments, etc).

4:30 Adjourn

Education and outreach materials available online:

http://www.nyis.info/?action=bugs_and_blights#B&B Poster

http://www.nyis.info/user_uploads/files/Bugs%20&%20Blights%20brochure.pdf

http://massnrc.org/pests/albdocs/ALBLookalikes_Massachusetts.pdf

http://www.gainvasives.org/pubs/insectflyer.pdf

http://www.nybg.org/files/scientists/rnaczi/Mistaken_Identity_Final.pdf

http://www.fs.fed.us/ne/morgantown/4557/cindy/InvasiveSpeciesFieldGuide.pdf

http://mipn.org/WhyShouldICareBrochure,PlayCleanGo.pdf

http://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/pestmanagement/weedcontrol/terrestrial.aspx -- very cool site layout!

http://na.fs.fed.us/fhp/invasive_plants/weeds/

http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/eco/invasives/fish_guide_final.pdf

http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/assistance/backyard/treecare/forest_health/invasivespeciesinsert.pdf

http://www.anstaskforce.gov/Documents/AIS_Field_Guide_Finalweb.pdf

http://www.paseagrant.org/projects/pennsylvanias-field-guide-to-aquatic-invasive-species/

http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/65408.html

Also… http://www.cayugacounty.us/DoingBusiness/WaterQualityManagementAgency/WeedsWatchOut/InvasiveAquaticPlants.aspx

Steering Committee To guide the 5-yr strategic planning process, plan and set overall direction for priority areas and IS and ensure that major goals

and timeline are achieved. Set annual work plan and monitor progress which may include tracking timelines and evaluation procedures. Provide strategic direction and coordination for the four working groups and serve as a liaison for the NYS IS Council and IS TF

Structural Statement The steering committee will be made up of representatives from the Finger Lakes PRISM with an interest in the mission of the

FL-PRISM. The working groups represent the larger stakeholder group. The structure of the PRISM, the steering committee and working groups is designed to ensure equality in decision-making for the Finger Lakes region (see structure document).

Agriculture Working Group To create agriculture- specific priorities for invasive species management and prevention, determine highly probable locations

and conditions appropriate for invasion and develop agricultural invasive species management plan. This working group will develop an agriculture-focused work plan, support best management practices intended to reduce or control invasive species, and support the steering committee as needed.

Aquatic Working Group To develop aquatic- specific invasive species priorities, determine highly probable areas and create an aquatic invasive species

management and work plan. The AIS working group will help in the prevention of new invasive species into the region, focus on early detection/rapid

response of AIS and support the steering committee as needed. The AWG and FL-PRISM will serve as the direct point of reference for AIS and establish a simple and effective means for

preventing, detecting, reporting, eradicating and managing priority AIS of concerns To develop a robust website that serves as a clearinghouse for AIS issues (prevention, detection, response, management,

eradication) in the Finger Lakes region.

A secondary focus of this working group will be on the containment and management of established invaders within the region and provide information about conferences, workshops, and literature to the E&O WG.

Education and Outreach Working Group To establish a strong connection between FL-PRISM and the general public, volunteers, institutions of higher education, NGOs,

agencies and other stakeholders. To promote FL-PRISM in a way that fosters awareness of our mission; generates interest in being a partner; enhances visibility

within agencies, and the Finger Lakes region to increase general knowledge (detection, prevention, control) of invasive species. The E&O WG will educate the Finger Lakes community on invasive species issues and provide the tools necessary to make sound

management decisions. The E&O WG will determine appropriate means for education and outreach based on resources available. The E&O WG also seeks to demonstrate to the general public and others the mutual benefit of investing human and economic

resources in the FL-PRISM.

Terrestrial Working Group To guide terrestrial- specific invasive species priorities, determine highly probable areas for invasion and engage in invasive

species research The TWG will develop a terrestrial-focused work plan and invasive species management plan. The TWG will assist in the prevention of new invasive species into the region, focus on early detection/rapid response of

invasive species and support the steering committee as needed. A secondary focus of this working group will be on the containment and management of established invaders within the region

and provide information on terrestrial invasive species of concern, conferences, workshops, and literature to the E&O committee