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TIPPC News
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has been directed by the Texas Legislature to develop a White List of approved exotic aquatic plant species. TPWD has been conducting weed risk assessments on the prospective plant species to determine which ones are least likely to pose an invasive risk and can be included on the White List. The Texas Invasive Plant and Pest Council (TIPPC) has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with TPWD to conduct a third party review of the weed risk assessments. “With TPWD taking such a progressive step in limiting the introduction of invasive species into Texas, it is vital that we support this effort” said Scott Walker, President of TIPPC. |
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Two Species Added to Federal Noxious Weed List
As of May 3, 2010, APHIS has amended the noxious weed regulations by adding Old World climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum) and maidenhair creeper (Lygodium flexuosum) to the list of terrestrial noxious weeds. This action was necessary to prevent the artificial spread of these noxious weeds within and into the United States. Learn More
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37th Annual Natural Areas Conference
The National Association of Exotic Pest Plant Councils and the Midwest Invasive Plant Network is teaming with the Natural Areas Association at the 37th Annual Natural Areas Conference. The conference will be held October 26-29, 2010 at Tan Tar A Resort in Osage Beach, Missouri. If you would like to present some aspect of your invasive species work, the deadline for abstract submission is June 15, 2010. More information about the conference and abstract submission is available at http://www.naturalarea.org.
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Invasive Spotlight: Glossy Privet
(Ligustrum lucidum)
Glossy privet is a fast-growing evergreen tree approximately 25-40ft. in height with a 25-35ft. spread. It has a dense canopy composed of glossy green leaves which have narrow, translucent margins. Flowers are produced in large clusters and are small, cream-colored and strongly scented. Fruits ripen into bunches of small, oblong, 1 cm long, purplish black berries.
This plant replaces mid-canopy trees in forests and completely dominate an area if not controlled. It is widely believed to contribute to allergies and asthma, though it does not produce any wind-blown pollen as the plant is insect-pollinated.
Glossy privet spreads by an abundance of bird- and animal-dispersed seeds.
Learn more about glossy privet and other Texas Invasives.
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Revisiting Two of the Original Satellites
We spent time in May revisiting theHouston-Galveston "Invastigators" to train newcomers and re-engage some of the original citizen scientists. In the process, we braved monsoon-like rains, flooding and the Houston Highland Games and Celtic Festival.
We also had the privilege of going to Kerrville on May 22nd to train the Hill Country Invaders, the second Invaders of Texas satellite ever formed, at the Riverside Nature Center. Look for observations to start popping up along the Guadalupe river, this satellite was eager to get to work.
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Lady Bird Lake Arundo donax Project
Citizen scientists from the City of Austin Invaders and the Travis County Invaders have been working directly with the City of Austin's Watershed Protection department (WPD) mapping Arundo donax along Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin. They have been canoeing and kayaking up and down the lake mapping each stand they encounter to help the WPD gain an understanding of the estimated cost to eradicate all the stands along the lake. Eradication efforts will follow the mapping in the fall of 2010.
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Invaders of Texas Citizen Science Workshops 2010
Summer is heating up and workshops are starting to slow down. Some workshops are in the works, but no dates are confirmed at this time. To stay up-to-date or request a new workshop, please visit our Workshop Page.
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