NAISMA Announces New York Partnership to Connect Science to Action at the 2019 Invasive Species Conference

National Conference to be held in Saratoga Springs, New York, September 30-October 3

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY - The North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) will host the 2019 Annual Invasive Species Conference together with Cornell University's New York Invasive Species Research Institute (NYISRI), an internationally renowned center of academic research and outreach. NYISRI is funded under the New York State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) by the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

This year's invasive species conference will highlight successful initiatives that connect science to action across geographic, political and public-private boundaries. Presentations, workshops, tours and special symposia will bridge the geographic divide across the continent, connecting terrestrial and aquatic invasive species management, research, policy, outreach initiatives and opportunities across North America.

"Sharing and co-producing scientific research is essential in our effort to effectively address invasive species issues," states NYISRI director Carrie Brown-Lima. "This conference will exemplify the importance of integrating science into invasive species decision making and will showcase perspectives and knowledge of managers and researchers from across the country and internationally who are working in this challenging field".

In addition to aligning with the NYISRI mission to communicate and coordinate research to improve the scientific basis of invasive species decisions, the NAISMA Conference meets criteria of the New York Invasive Species Council's state requirement for organizing and convening a biennial invasive species summit to focus and maintain attention on the state's comprehensive invasive species program.

The conference will kick off on Monday, September 30, at the doorstep to the Adirondacks in upstate New York. The four-day conference features internationally renowned keynote speakers, topical sessions, posters, exhibits, workshops and field trips to see invasive species management first-hand. A full agenda can be found here.

"Invasive species management and prevention are one of our society's greatest challenges," says Kelly Cooley, NAISMA Board of Directors President. "This conference will highlight successful strategies that cross geographic and political boundaries that can inform better invasive policy here and abroad."

Rapid response and control are critical in minimizing the establishment, and ultimately eradicating, an invasive population. To support this effort, New York's 2019 State Budget included a total of $13.3 million in EPF, targeted specifically to prevent and control invasive species. Governor Cuomo also recently awarded more than $2.8 million in grant funding to various organizations to support invasive species rapid response and control, research, lake management planning, and aquatic invasive species spread prevention programs.

"New York is undertaking ongoing, aggressive actions to combat the threats posed by invasive species, including record financial investments in managing, treating, conducting surveys, and educating the public about various invasive species," said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. "Once established, species like hydrilla, emerald ash borer, and spotted lanternfly can spread rapidly, causing harm to the environment, the economy, and human health. I encourage researchers and natural resource managers to participate in this year's conference to learn more about the work we are doing in New York and how we can work together to help protect our valuable natural resources from these invasive pests."

Invasive species research, prevention and management have seen great strides, but much work continues. This conference provides numerous opportunities to network with natural resource professionals, researchers, business representatives, land managers, nonprofits, property owners and land owners.

Visit NAISMA.org for more information on the 2019 NAISMA-NYISRI Joint Conference. To register for the 2019 Annual Invasive Species Conference click here. 

MEDIA: To schedule an exclusive interview or to attend a special event or field trip during the Invasive Species Conference, please contact Belle Bergner at bbergner@naisma.org or (414) 967-1350.

http://www.dec.ny.gov/press/press.html