Wild Rivers Invasive Species Coalition (WRISC)

Wild Rivers Invasive Species Coalition (WRISC) Monitoring Action Team

Members Contact Lindsay Peterson [email protected] Darcy Rutkowski [email protected] John Preuss [email protected]

2016 Purpose: Encourage expanded mapping of invasive species throughout the WRISC Area. Facilitate entry of mapping data into a central database (Midwest Invasive Species Information Network, www.misin.msu.edu). Provide resources to WRISC partners to encourage better treatment tracking and pre and post monitoring of key infestations or control efforts.

Regular Meetings: Meets on odd numbered months via conference call. Meeting times are scheduled by the WRISC Coordinator using doodle poll results. To join call dial 401-283-4156 and enter code 34985.

2017 Goals: 1. Continue to collect invasive location data from WRISC partners. a. Seek existing data not in spreadsheet/MISIN and encourage prompt reporting of new data. b. Survey Partners in 2017 about their own data collection and suggestions for WRISC. 2. Conduct 2017 mapping and monitoring training. 3. Dedicate time and effort to quality management of WRISC’s internal data. Improve training of staff; continue to utilize QGIS in management of location, control, and monitoring data; and explore more data management tools. 4. Continue invasive treatment tracking to ensure effective monitoring. Review all of WRISC’s data entry forms/protocols and refine as necessary to improve monitoring efforts.

January 24 th , 2017 Meeting Minutes (11:00am) 1. Review 2016 goals, Set 2017 goals - Darcy and Lindsay discussed the 2016 goals and felt all were adequately met and that they are essentially long term, continual goals, therefore they are applicable as 2017 goals as well. 2. Discuss upcoming/pending grant projects - Marsh thistle monitoring project – this is included in the MEF Strike Team 2 grant and the details need to be worked out. Darcy is willing to aid with this project. Lindsay will review what was written into the grant to determine what type of survey/monitoring needs to be conducted. - Lindsay briefly discussed several of the upcoming projects for 2017 and beyond. Is currently working to develop a spreadsheet with grant details and timelines to more efficiently work towards goals. 3. Other - Darcy will need all Garlic Mustard sites from the last 2 years from WRISC. 4. BOD Agenda Item(s) - Need additional team member - Survey BOD/Partners present about data management strategies (where they send data, internal?, treating non-mapped locations?, etc.)