[APWG] Fw: Invasives Conference Announcement (Closing Pandora's Box) Wed March 15, 2006 Shippensburg Univ (PA)

[Jil_Swearingen at nps.gov]

Please see message below for information on the Shippensburg University's
upcoming invasive plant conference.
For registration information, contact Kings Gap at (717) 486-3799 or e-mail
kingsgapsp at state.pa.us

Jil

----- Forwarded by Jil Swearingen/NCR/NPS on 01/14/2006 02:39 PM -----
                                                                                                                                      
                      "Padilla, Gina"                                                                                                 
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                      01/12/2006 11:03                                                                                                
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Containing Invasives: Closing Pandora's Box

The Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks - Kings Gap Environmental Education
and Training Center, and
Shippensburg University will co-sponsor the seventeenth annual
environmental issues conference on Wednesday,
March 15, 2006 at Shippensburg University.

Invasive species are wreaking havoc as they displace natives and compromise
the biodiversity of our state, country,
and planet.  Increased travel and expansion in global trade are the main
culprits in the rapidly escalating rate of
invasion, with costs being high.  In the U.S. alone, the price tag of
battling this menace while protecting our native habitats and croplands is
estimated at 137 billion dollars each year.  The potential damage to timber
resources, to the recreational and aesthetic values of terrestrial and
aquatic landscapes, and to human health challenges the abilities of land
managers and private landowners to provide natural resource stewardship for
public and private lands.

"Containing Invasives: Closing Pandora's Box" will address this issue
through an array of sessions
offering practical information, useful to both field personnel and invasive
control program planners.
Bernd Blossey, Associate Professor in the Department of Natural Resources,
and Director of the Ecology and
Management of Invasive Plants Program at Cornell University, will give the
opening address. Some of the reasons for
the competitive advantage of introduced species include lack of natural
enemies, the evolution of increased competitive ability and novel weapons
hypotheses. Dr. Blossey's presentation  will explore the evolutionary and
ecological reasons for such differences and how they affect aquatic and
terrestrial ecosystems.

Post-luncheon speaker will be Randy Westbrooks, USGS National Invasive
Plant Coordinator. In developing the
National Early Detection and Rapid Response System for Invasive Plants, Dr.
Westbrooks has become an
outspoken advocate for the development of a coordinated framework of
interagency partner groups at the local,
state, regional, and national levels to more effectively address invasive
species. His presentation will highlight the importance of prevention,
strategic planning, partnerships, and leadership in these efforts.

Concurrent sessions will cover national and state programs and projects
being implemented by various agencies and
organizations. Topics include: the use of plant pathogens as a control
measure, DCNR's invasive species action
program, aquatic invasive plants in eastern PA lakes, herbicide use, the
Invasive Exotic Plant Management
Tutorial, organizing volunteer "strike forces," mechanical and biological
controls, and management techniques,
tools and equipment. The conference will provide enrichment for
environmental professionals including land
managers, municipal officials, students and others with environmental
interests.

The early registration fee of $30 will include lunch, break, and all
registration materials.
Full-time students may register for $15.

For registration information, contact Kings Gap at (717) 486-3799 or e-mail
kingsgapsp at state.pa.us.

Note: For more information about programs contact the center at (717)
486-3799, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
The center grounds are open to the public year-round from 8:00 a.m. to
sunset.

If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a
disability, please contact Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks:

1-888-PA-PARKS (voice)
1-888-537-7294 (TTY)
717-558-2711 (local or international TTY)
1-800-654-5984 (PA AT&T Relay Service)

For more information on DCNR visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us or visit DCNR
through the Pennsylvania homepage at www.state.pa.us.