Invasive species spread easily in today's modern global commerce network and are difficult and costly to control. Invasive species impede industries, threaten agriculture
and, in some cases, can endanger human health. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, invasive species impact nearly half of the species currently listed as Threatened or Endangered under the U.S. Federal Endangered Species Act. One study estimates that the total costs of invasive species in the United States amounts to more than $135 billion each year.
Texas is under attack on every front by a host of plants and pests from exotic places with exotic names like Tamarisk, Giant Salvinia, Hydrilla, Emerald Ash Borer, Channeled Applesnail, and many others. These invaders threaten the health of Texas’ native ecosystems by decreasing biodiversity, threatening the survival of native plants and animals and interfering with ecosystem functions like fire, nutrient flow, and flooding.
Stakeholders from state and federal agencies, conservation organizations, academia, green industry and the public sector had long discussed the need for one unified body to
address the threat of invasive species in Texas.
On June 2, 2008, the Texas Invasive Plant and Pest Council (TIPPC) became formally established in the State of Texas (read June 26, 2008 Press Release). TIPPC originated as a motion from the floor at the second statewide Invasive Plant Conference held at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Austin, Texas in November 2007. On Friday, April 18, 2008, members of the steering committee established at that conference signed the bylaws creating the very first Texas Invasive Plant and Pest Council.
TIPPC has 96 charter members and will be governed by an interim board until a general election is organized. Membership in TIPPC is open to individuals, corporate
and institutional entities.
|
|
|
|
To promote understanding and awareness of invasive plant and pest impacts and management in Texas;
Provide a forum for the exchange of scientific, educational and technical information; and
Support research and restoration activities that reduce impacts of invasive pests and plants in Texas.
|
| Council Objectives |
To provide a focus for issues and concerns regarding exotic plants and pests impacting native communities in the Texas;
To facilitate the communication and exchange of information regarding all aspects of invasive pest and plant biology, distribution, control and management;
To provide a forum where all interested parties may participate in meetings and share in the benefits from the information generated and promulgated by this Council;
To promote awareness and an understanding regarding invasive pests and plants and their control across Texas;
To provide expert advice for various interests concerned with invasive pests and plants and review invasive pest and plant management problems and activities and provide updated information for specific management needs; and
To serve as an advisory council regarding funding, research, awareness, policy and management of invasive pests and plants. |
