New and Improved CWMA Cookbook

Thanks to a grant from the U.S. Forest Service - State & Private Forestry, the Midwest Invasive Plant Network has recently updated the “CWMA Cookbook: A Guide on How to Develop a Cooperative Weed Management Area in the Eastern United States.” This is a great resource for community groups developing programs to remove invasive species in their area.

Texas H.B. 338: Passed

H.B. 338 has passed.

Committee Substitute House Bill 338 will require a public entity, other than the department, that produces for public distribution to commercial or residential landscapers a list of noxious or invasive terrestrial plant species that includes a species growing in this state shall provide with the list a disclaimer that states:

“This plant list is only a recommendation and has no legal effect in the state of Texas. It is lawful to sell, distribute, import, or possess a plant on this list unless the Texas Department of Agriculture labels the plant as noxious or invasive on the Department's plant list”

APHIS Public Comment

The much awaited Q-37 final rule "Establishing a Category of Plants for Planting Not Authorized for Importation Pending Pest Risk Analysis" has been published in the U.S. Federal Register as of May 3, 2011 and is now open for comment until July 5, 2011. - More information

Cactus Moth Poses New Threat to Texas Biodiversity

The invasive cactus moth is spreading westward along the Gulf Coast towards Texas. This invasive pest could do significant economic and ecological damage if it reaches Texas, and authorities trying to monitor the path of the moth are asking the public to help prevent it from spreading. The Cactus Moth Detection and Monitoring Network, a coalition formed to monitor the spread of the moth, is welcoming volunteers to help monitor prickly pear populations in Texas. People can learn more about the cactus moth and how to volunteer by visiting their website.

Invasive Spotlight: Zebra Mussel
(Dreissena polymorpha)

We have featured Zebra Mussel in the past, but in lieu of increased lake recreation this Memorial Day weekend it is only fitting to feature this invasive mussel once again.

Zebra mussels are having a devastating effect on the state's natural resources. They negatively impact native fish and mussels and foul beaches with their sharp shells. They wreak havoc for boaters by damaging boat hulls and reducing the performance of boating equipment. Zebra mussels can clog water intakes, costing taxpayers millions of dollars. Zebra mussels have already invaded Lake Texoma, and could take over all freshwater sources in Texas.

Do your part to save our lakes – clean, drain and dry your boat every time you leave a lake

Learn more about zebra mussels and other Texas Invasives.
More News

Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) Biological Control Cooperator's Meeting
July 26-27th
Hampton Inn Chambersburg, Chambersburg, PA
More Information

2011 Pulling Together Initiative Request for Proposals - More Information

Save the Date: 2011 Texas Invasive Plant & Pest Conference: November 7-10, Austin, TX

If you would like your invasive species event or news listed in the next iWire, please send the details to iwire@texasinvasives.org.

 		 
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Citizen Scientists of the Month

This month we have two recipients of the Citizen Scientist of the Month recognition, Leacy Piper and David Giardinelli, and both are from the Balcones Invaders Satellite. Members of the Balcones Invaders satellite have been busy mapping and eradicating invasives throughout northern Bexar County and surrounding areas. Both Leacy and David have been actively involved in invasives identification and eradication in two regular project areas, Frank Madla Natural Area and Rancho Diana, and both were the first in their training classes to record 75 observations. Congrats Leacy and David, and keep up the great work!
Welcome Big Country Invaders

The first weekend in May we had the opportunity to head to the Big Country (Abilene, TX) and do a double citizen science training. On Friday we trained the Big Country Master Naturalists how to collect native plant voucher specimens and seeds for the Texas Seed Bank Project. We ended the weekend with an Invaders of Texas training and a long field trip. Thank you Big Country Invaders for the hospitality and welcome to the Invaders of Texas program.
Welcome New Comal County Invaders

On May 21st, we headed back down to New Braunfels to hold another training for the Comal County Invaders. It was a hot muggy Hill Country day, but we had a great turnout and great people. The Comal Invaders is already a very active group and with their news citizen scientists joining the group, new observations should appear all over their area.
New Continuing Education Online Module: Emerald Ash Borer

Don't forget, we have added an Emerald Ash Borer training module to the Citizen Science Online Training. The purpose of the module is to train citizen scientists about the history of EAB introduction and how to identify and report this pest. This is a required module for all citizen scientists. Please visit the Online Training and complete the module soon.
Invaders of Texas Citizen Science Workshops

Friday July 1, 2011
9am-4pm
Botanical Research Institute of Texas, Ft. Worth, TX

For more information or to request a workshop, please visit our Workshop Page.