WIN Quarterly: Summer 2020

Greetings, friends and colleagues,

I hope you all had a relaxing weekend. It sure felt a little different, this year! The relative calm of the holiday gave me a chance to think about what Independence Day means to me, how that may differ from others and a chance to finish working through my thoughts about Juneteenth. We just declared Juneteenth a holiday at CPRCD and, considering current events, it felt weird to take a day off for the holiday. Ultimately, I did what many privileged white folk do and I donated some money to a charity and went about my day (HBCU Foundation). I instantly felt guilty and knew I needed to do better, so I'm working on that.

When congress passed the Lee Resolution on July 2nd, 1776 I would bet that few foresaw another seven years of war with the British. Similarly, I can only imagine that people of color in the did not anticipate their fight to continue for another 155 years after Major General Gordon Granger read General Order No. 3 in Galveston on June 19th, 1865.

For my whole life, I've celebrated an independence from a "tyranny" I never experienced. What I've really celebrated was my privilege. In fact, I would've been on the other side as my great grandfathers and great uncles were generals for the British Army; one of the former leading numerous decimations of the Americans during the Revolutionary War until being crushed at Yorktown; one of the latter leading the British to victory at the Battle of Alexandria.

Now, with regards to Juneteenth, I will learn to celebrate an emancipation that was also not my own, from an oppression carried out by some of my ancestors. An emancipation that is still yet to be fully realized. I'll learn to celebrate soldiers who fought for the freedom of slaves in one theater of the war while exterminating the Native People of this land in yet another. I'll learn about a crucial moment in history, along a journey not yet finished, which gave people of color a better chance in this nation. I'll learn about those Black Americans that have been able to leverage that new degree of freedom into success and further progress.

History is just that....history. Sometimes, history is truly historic, while other times it is better forgotten. Often, history is his story and in the case of this country, he was often white, privileged and on the "winning team". History is an accumulation of individual choices and, thus, no history is truly "ours". Our histories are unique from one another and even within themselves, depending on how far back you want to go and whose side of the family you want to trace.

History is created in the present. The history we are creating today has the potential to be absolutely historic, but only if we learn and apply that knowledge. To know is not enough, to care is not enough and the things we do will be the only things that matter in the end. History is about that which is done and everything else never even exists.

Black lives do matter. Women's rights are human rights. Love is love. Humans aren't illegal. We all live on Tribal Lands.

Wishing you all good health and comfort,

Troy Abercrombie

Partner Spotlight: Coos Watershed Association Partnerships Play Crucial Role on 's South Coast Photos by Lucy Allison

Crews from Coos Watershed Association and Oregon Parks & Rec have diligently marked plants at this biddy-biddy site in State Park (above photo). Despite the competition at this well vegetated site, you can see that this invader has no problem finding room to make roots. Don't let that blue sky fool you, crews dealt with 45mph winds as they surveyed Cape Blanco and Cape Arago. CWA was also able to do treatments at Whiskey Run bike trails, recently. Great job, CoosWA!

Tasty little before and after with Hunter throwing up the internationally recognized challenge to a thumb war. You don't want this, Hunter!

This newly opened coastal oasis is courtesy of a recent partnership between CoosWA and the Coos-Bay/North Bend Water Board. The inaugural project of the partnership involved cut-stump treatments of about 1/8 net acres of gorse. While gorse is thick in many parts of the south coast, this site is relatively native and presents a rare EDRR opportunity for a species that has plagued the area for over a century.

Teamwork makes the dream work and defense wins championships! Great job, South Coasties! Coos Watershed Association is a member of the South Coast CWMA and based in Coos Bay. Partner Spotlight: Clatsop SWCD submitted by Mary Olson, Clatsop SWCD & North Coast CWMA Co-chair

Orange hawkweed was first discovered in Clatsop County in 2018. Public outreach efforts have led to multiple new sites being found. The interesting thing is that the hawkweed has been here for a long time. A property in Astoria was found to have orange hawkweed throughout the entire lawn and garden areas in 2019. The landowner was not comfortable with herbicide use, so the flower heads were removed to prevent them from going to seed. We have worked with the landowner over the past year and this summer obtained permission to spray all of the hawkweed. The landowner has lived there for 18 years and says the orange hawkweed was growing there when she bought the house.

Another new site was discovered along Highway 101 near Gearhart by Chris Aldassy of East Multnomah SWCD. Thanks to his keen eyes for spotting this large patch while on vacation. There are a total of 11 known locations of orange hawkweed in Clatsop County from Seaside to Astoria, including one on Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) managed land. Education and outreach efforts by Clatsop SWCD and ODF have led to many new discoveries of state listed noxious weeds, including gorse and policeman’s helmet.

Orange hawkweed in an Astoria flower garden (left) that has been there at least 18 years. A newly discovered site near Gearhart (right). Photos by Aaron Duzik.

Event Spotlight: Scotch Broom Symposium A history lesson, a science class and a call to action walk into a bar...

Spearheaded by the passionate Jill Silver, 10,000 Years Institute, WIN proudly co-sponsored the Scotch Broom Ecology & Management Symposium in early June along with many other partners and collaborators including WSDOT, WA-ISC, OISC, ODA, WSDA, UC-Santa Cruz and others. Initially slated to be an in-person seminar, the planning team quickly shifted into "webinar mode" as Covid-19 began to grip the nation and Washington state, in particular.

In the weeks leading up to the seminar, WA-ISC and WIN launched the Great Scotch Broom Census across Washington and Oregon. The census utilized the Washington Invasives App and the iNaturalist platforms and nearly 2,000 observations were recorded! Buffered by a robust social media outreach effort that reached over 150,000 views and broad support from media outlets, the census was a great way to connect the general public and conservation professionals in pursuit of a common goal. There was some spirited competition for the census and the top three reporters will be recognized with certificates from WA-ISC, OISC and WIN. Extra special thanks to Lynn Jackson, Shawn Sharrah and Robert Bickle for your dedication to invasive species!!!

The webinar was spread out over three days and there were over 650 cumulative attendees! Over 20 people presented at the symposium with daily themes of "Impacts and Research", "Management Actions" and "Successful Approaches", respectively. With a keynote each day and presenters comprised of university researchers, conservation professionals, community action leaders and entomologists, the symposium had something for everybody....and even a little extra! Certified applicators in WA & OR were eligible to receive up to 6 continuing education credits at no cost, as the symposium was free to attend.

Dr. Sara Grove, UC-Santa Cruz, discusses the impacts of scotch broom on Douglas' fir seedling survival.

Event Spotlight: Scotch Broom Symposium cont’d…

Cathy Lucero, Clallam County Noxious Weed Control Board, gave a fantastic presentation about prevention through vector control in the context of their weed-free gravel program.

All 22 presentations have been uploaded to YouTube and are available for viewing. You'll find everything from prescribed fire and bio-warfare to the impacts on forestry and successful community efforts to keep broom in check. Click here for the event page and YouTube playlist. Tell me you don't want Rod Gilbert to narrate every movie ever and I won't believe you!

Breakdown of attendee demographics.

The symposium was also confirmation of the importance to meet folks where they are. The accessibility of the webinar, coupled with an interested and passionate public, created a wonderful opportunity to bring science to citizens. One thing is clear, we have the public's ear when it comes to invasive species. Let's make sure we get our message across rather than simply getting it out. We need the help of the public now, more than ever. Luckily for us, they're ready and willing to engage! Hawkweed on Lolo is a No-No Guest column by: Courtney Gattuso- Weedwise Specialist, Clackamas SWCD & Katelyn Hale- Community Engagement Specialist, Sandy River Watershed Council (and a dash of comic relief from the editor)

In the beginning...

In 1998, the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) discovered a small population of meadow hawkweed within a powerline corridor adjacent to Lolo Pass Road nested in the Mt. Hood National Forest. Due to the lack of environment assessments covering the region at the time, treatment options were very limited, and the hawkweed populations grew rapidly in just 5 years. As environmental assessments were developed, coordination efforts from regional partners grew and collaboration was strengthened to help tackle the hawkweed infestation.

Alongside ODA, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District (CSWCD), and the Portland Water Bureau (PWB) formed the Mt. Hood Weed Partners group to address the growing hawkweed populations. The group utilizes various resources to assist in their collaborative efforts, including retained receipts funds, intergovernmental agreements, annual meetings, and an email list for open communication. By sharing roles and responsibilities, the group is able to maximize their capacity and implement work beyond their normal jurisdictional boundaries.

Meadow hawkweed in mid-bloom. Sing it with me now.... "Cilia, you're breakin' my heart!....I'm sprayin' you then, I'll go home."

Hawkweed on Lolo is a No-No cont’d…

Marissa Ng, USFS, scouting for hawkweed above Ladd Creek.

Where we’re at now! In June 2019, the largest and most comprehensive cooperative effort to date on the Lolo Pass hawkweed infestation took place. The project area encompasses about 5,000 acres of land (over 500 acres of core areas) and spans over both Clackamas County and Hood River County. The stars aligned perfectly, and the project area was treated in entirety for the first time with partner staff members and local restoration contractors, J. Franco Reforestation, Inc.

Currently, the Mt. Hood Weed Partners are wrapping up this year’s treatments and were able to conduct additional surveys in new areas outside of the known infestation. Due to successful treatments and lower population densities, the group had extra capacity to expand into new territories and gain better insight of the population’s full extent.

The J. Franco Reforestation Inc. crew performs herbicide applications on hawkweed plants within the powerline corridor. Hawkweed on Lolo is a No-No cont’d…

During the peak week of treatments there were 20+ people working in the corridor to suppress and prevent this aggressive invader from infesting vulnerable wilderness meadows. Given the size of the project area and density of the populations, spot treatment applications of a selective herbicide are necessary to control hawkweeds most effectively. This helps to reduce the potential for off-target damage while using the lowest rate of herbicide to avoid any unnecessary soil contamination. All staff and contractors involved in this project are trained and licensed pesticide applicators with excellent plant identification skills.

George Petty (Oregon Department of Agriculture) scouts for hawkweed plants. Or did he stop for a Pokemon?

Beth Myers-Shenai (Oregon Department of Agriculture) poses near a healthy meadow hawkweed. There's also a yellow flower in this photo.

We are very grateful for the support, coordination, and hard work from our amazing partners and contractors. This collaborative effort would not be possible without them and we look forward to seeing this project continue to evolve over time. Partner Updates & News

BLM Seeking Proposals for SRS Title II Projects Click here for more info. Due by September 30th!

ODA Noxious Weed Grant Program Updates & Deadlines -submitted by Tristen Berg, ODA Grant Program Administrator

2020 Interim Reporting for ODA Noxious Weed Grants are due 9/30/20.

Interim Report for changed for 2020 to reflection changes in restoration. * If seed is being purchased for restoration, an all states noxious weed seed test is required for reimbursement. *A copy of the test results is required with the invoice. *The cost of the test can be included in the budget as another expense. * Weed free certified straw is also required. * Information and forms will be posted soon at https://www.oregon.gov/ODA/programs/Weeds/Pages/GrantProgram.aspx.

If you have any questions on ODA Noxious Weed Grants email Tristen at ODA [email protected]

"Due to the current COVID-19 issues I am working from home." - Tristen

ODA Biocontrol Program Update -submitted by Joel Price, ODA Biocontrol Entomologist

* Russian knapweed wasp rearing has been completed for 2020. 100 releases (13k adults) shipped across eastern Oregon. We observed insignificant levels of parasitoid pressure on agent galls.

* Ramping down gorse thrip (16 sites = 3,700 released) and knotweed psyllid colonies (11 sites = 11,100 released) after Spring releases.

* Conducting monitoring of new agent field populations and potential predator survey. Both gorse and knotweed agents have been recovered several weeks post-release at the vast majority of sites.

* New yellow toadflax agent introduction delayed by COVID interstate travel restrictions but search for potential release locations for this and upcoming yellow starthistle agent is ongoing.

Benton SWCD & Willamette Mainstem Cooperative Updates

The Willamette Mainstem Cooperative (WMC) will be hosting a River Weed Pull competition beginning July 15 and going through August 31!

Whoever hand pulls the most bags of invasive weeds along the river receives a prize! Contact Laura Brown at [email protected] for location and identification help, virtual training, bags, and disposal options. Don’t forget to use #LoveYourRiver while you’re out there!

Here’s another way to #LoveYourRiver – the WMC is also hosting a plant identification BINGO scavenger hunt along the river! Between July 15 and August 31, each time you go out on the river try to identify aquatic species that fill out your BINGO board using Benton SWCD’s newly updated Aquatic Weed Guide (https://bentonswcd.org/programs/willamette-main-stem/water-weed-guide/) . When you get “BINGO!”, submit your board into a raffle to win a prize! Contact [email protected] for rules and to get your own copy of the Aquatic Weed Guide!

Partner Updates & News cont’d…

We know everyone can’t make it out boating on the river, but playing along the shoreline is just as fun! Take a photo of your feet in the Willamette River and send it to [email protected] by August 31 to show us that you #LoveYourRiver to be entered in a drawing for a prize!

Mid-Willamette CWMA Updates -submitted by Jenny Meisel, CWMA Coordinator

The Marion Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is partnering with the City of Salem, Glenn-Gibson Watershed Council and Ash Creek Forest Management, Inc. to conduct surveys and treatments of invasive knotweed in the City of Salem this summer and fall. The project is scheduled to begin in July with a large education and outreach effort and a call for knotweed locations from citizens in the City of Salem. Treatments will be provided for free with grant funding from the City of Salem.

The North Santiam Watershed Council and Marion Soil and Water Conservation District are partnering to control Ludwigia infestations in the North Santiam watershed by implementing the ‘North Santiam Aquatic Invasives Treatment and Survey Phase 2’ project. This project will provide treatments for ~52 acres of off channel ponds and sloughs that are infested with invasive water primrose and other aquatic invasive plants such as parrotsfeather and yellow flag iris.

The goals for this project in the North Santiam watershed are to: 1. Provide a second year of treatment of the known primrose sites 2. Conduct surveys in off channel ponds and sloughs on private and public lands in Marion and Linn Counties between Lyons and Stayton. 3. Inform local residents and river users about the devastating impacts this invasive plant can have on the aquatic ecosystem.

Funding for this project is provided by a grant from the Oregon State Weed Board.

Oregon Invasive Species Council Updates -submitted by OISC staff

The Oregon Invasive Species Council (OISC) is a coordinating group of state and public agencies, tribes, scientists, land managers, industry leaders, educators, and members of the public who lead the effort to protect Oregon from invasive species. Some recent updates from the OISC include:

* The Strategic Plan Update Working Group, which was created to support updating Oregon’s Statewide Strategic Plan & Action Plan for Invasive Species, has been working on clarifying concepts and terminology within the plan and creating a new reporting tool to collect invasive species activities that have been carried out. This compilation of information will allow for adaptive management and support a feedback loop to improve the plan over time.

* The Worst Invaders Working Group, which was created to support updating Oregon’s Worst Invaders list, has been working on refining the current list and enhancing coordination with other states. The Working Group would like to maintain a running comprehensive list that is not restricted to a certain number of species and is also recommending that the list be searchable by region and categorized into sections for prevention, eradication, and control.

* The Communications and Education & Outreach Committees are working together to enhance communications and outreach about the importance of invasive species prevention and the critical work of invasive species programs across the state.

With invasive species programs across the state facing budget reductions, the OISC is looking to provide support and leverage agency efforts in order to continue the state's invasive species goals. Please connect with us if you would like to get involved ([email protected]) iMap Invasives The iMap Invasives Spring 2020 newsletter was released 5/27. Click here to read it!

4-County & Columbia Gorge CWMA Announcements

CWMA Partner Maps – CWMA Coordinator, Courtney Gattuso, and WIN Coordinator, Troy Abercrombie, have created interactive maps highlighting our CWMA partners! Take a look here: * 4-County CWMA Partner Map * Columbia Gorge CWMA Partner Map + If your organization would like to be included in these maps, please email Courtney at [email protected] or [email protected].

Event Status - Field Days & Boot Brush Kickoff * Due to the current state of COVID-19, the 4C and Gorge CWMA's have decided to postpone their annual Field Day events until 2021. Columbia Gorge CWMA is also postponing the Boot Brush Kickoff. Thank you for your understanding, we apologize for any inconvenience.

Upcoming Meetings (via teleconference)

4-County CWMA

Join us to discuss regional weed management efforts and partner updates! Please refer to our CWMA calendar for more details. * July 8th – Committee Meetings * August 12th – General Meeting * September 9th – Committee Meetings

Columbia Gorge CWMA

Join us to discuss regional weed management efforts and partner updates! Please refer to our CWMA calendar for more details. * August 26th – General Meeting

PNW Garlic Mustard Working Group: You're Invited!

The PNW Garlic Mustard Working Group is a dedicated group of partners from all over Oregon and Washington standing at the front lines of the fight against the invasion. If you'd like to participate and learn more about efforts across the region, you should join!

To join the PNW-GMWG list-serv, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/PNW-GMWG-list

From The Field Welcome to the Rusty Thistle, what'll ya have? Photos by Troy Abercrombie

Canada thistle is almost always a tough species to manage when an infestation is of any size and the habitats in Tillamook County make for some extra pesky infestations, particularly for the farmers who depend on high production pastures. Naturally, I was super stoked when Joel Price, ODA Biocontrol Entomologist, told me that he had the hook-up on Canada thistle rust this past summer.

While we found plenty of sites that were prime for inoculation, we also stumbled upon some already established rust in some local fields. Having never seen it in action before, or at least not realizing what I was looking at, it was cool to see the effects of the rust. Those Bettys were SICK! Even better, the infected plants did not flower that year. Still better yet, these spores were ready for collection to be dispersed the next spring.

As summer wears on, be on the lookout for struggling thistle, you may just have a spore factory on your hands!

Into The Weeds: Goatsrue (Galega officinalis) photo by Stephan Lefnae

Goatsrue, sometimes called "professor-weed" is a large legume native to the Middle East and has extremely limited distribution in Oregon. This plant is one of just over 100 plants on the USDA's Federal Noxious Weed List, which is not an easy list to make! Goatsrue also happens to be the Benton CWMA Weed of the Month for July. Introduced in the US as a potential forage crop in the late 1800's, the plant proved to be highly toxic to ruminants because of high concentrations of the alkaloid galigene. It has also been used in the past for various medical purposes but is potentially lethal in humans.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture classifies goatsrue as an "A-List" noxious weed and it is therefore targeted for immediate eradication if discovered. Depending on the site, goatsrue will begin to flower in mid to late June and can continue flowering into early October. Colors vary from a pale white to a soft purple and even a brilliant blue. Since goatsrue is fairly large and prefers full sun, it will likely be easy to spot. If you do see it, you'll probably be visiting a marshy area or the seasonally flooded outskirts of your favorite wetland.

You may run into a patch of wild licorice and think you've found the motherlode, so look carefully before reporting! Goatsrue has hollow stems and wild licorice has solid stems. The seed pods are much different, also. Goatsrue has a more typical smooth pod whereas wild licorice has a pod covered in hooked burs.

If you see goatsrue this summer, please report it immediately to the Oregon Invasive Hotline or your local CWMA !

For more information about the species, you can click here, here, and here!

Beneath the Surface: New Zealand Mudsnail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) photo by Dan Gustafson, USFWS

New Zealand mudsnails were first discovered in the PNW in the late 1980's in Idaho. Since then, they have continued to spread and have also been found across Washington, Oregon, California and other western states, in addition to observations in the Great Lakes. They are one of 11 non-plant, aquatic invasive species in Oregon, as listed by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Due to their wide tolerance for habitats, their ability to live outside of water for many days or even weeks and because of their parthenogenic reproductive habits, NZ mudsnails present a dynamic threat to aquatic ecosystems in Oregon. If that wasn't enough, these little escargot are TINY. Depending on how you're reading this newsletter, about the size of one of those capital letters!

If you recreate on, in or near water, especially in areas where NZ mudsnails have already been observed it is crucial that you check your equipment for hitchhikers. Check your boot laces and bottom soles, check that little cuff at the bottom of your waders, check your anchor and rope. Check your crawfish traps.

If you happen to find one, or even think you've found one possibly maybe, then please report it immediately to the Oregon Invasives Hotline and a hotline manager will respond in very short order!

For more information on NZ mudsnails and what you can do to prevent their spread, click here for a great guide from the ODFW website, published by Oregon Sea Grant. The USGS NAS Program is a great resource and even Grant McOmie wants to tell you about aquatic invasives.

Don't forget your Waterway Access Permit!

Celebrating 20 Years of Partnership: Pt. 2

WIN Starts New Chapter In the April newsletter, I gave a rundown of WIN's history all the way up to when I came on as coordinator. I came to WIN from Tillamook SWCD, where I served as the county weeds coordinator for just shy of 3 years. Before that, I spent my time as a government weeds contractor for the BLM, Dept. of Defense and numerous other agencies and organizations. My college years and the years immediately after, I bounced around on national forests as a fisheries tech and weeds program coordinator. I also worked on a research team for Mississippi State University, studying the impacts of invasive species (switchgrass) on mid-rotation pine plantations and their associated biota.

I was introduced at the "4-County Pull Together" as somebody who'd been "swinging for the fences" and it made me smile just a little. I'm definitely the type of person who looks for the home run ball...which also means I strike out quite a bit. Lucky for me, the rest of the lineup (WIN CWMA members) are super solid hitters.

It has been great to explore ideas with you all, some more fruitful than others, over the last 8 months. As much as I was confident that I had something to offer when I took my post at WIN, my real motivation was to provide myself with an opportunity to learn from all of you. I never thought that I would learn so much, so fast...it's hard to process it all! I'm so excited to keep working with you going forward, providing whatever I can and perfecting my swing as I soak up the knowledge of the network and try to turn it into outcomes that benefit us all. (Dang, I love baseball.)

As the landscape of our discipline has evolved over the past 20 years, so too has WIN. That evolution continues today as we continually look for ways to build value in the services that WIN provides while enhancing CWMA effectiveness. One of our initial goals was to restore momentum to WIN operations and re-engage the network after a long transitional period. After 8 months that have absolutely flown by, I feel like we've done that and I want to thank each and every one of you for welcoming me into your network over that time!

So where is WIN going now? Well, WIN is going wherever you take us! We've been working on interactive maps, Arc Collector templates and EDRR outreach materials, developing webinars and planning video productions. We've got deployable boot brush and education stations that will be distributed regionally to WIN CWMA'S in the coming months, app-based IPM calendars in the works and bike/tool brush stations slated for installation in the Columbia Gorge, near Mt. Hood and on the banks of the McKenzie later this summer.

Looking into 2021, we're planning to provide more opportunities for ODA/WSDA certification credits via conferences and continue to build out our online resources and strengthen the online presence of WIN partners like the Willamette Aquatic Invasives Network. If you're long on ideas but short on time, give me a call and let's see what we can do move the needle!

Disclaimer: It feels gross to write about yourself. I promise I'm not a raging narcissist....I'm just a regular narcissist.

Random Clicks

Red Team, GO! from KTVZ TV Interagency Rapid Response Team conducts training exercise at Lake Billy Chinook. Around 10 different agencies and organizations participated in this exercise to prepare for aquatic invaders.

I am el Coquistador from National Geographic Check out this awesome article about the battle against the invasive coqui frog in Hawaii.

Lottery Losses Mean Big Gains for Invasive Species from Capital Press Coverage by Capital Press on the latest ODA budget cuts and what they mean for invasive species programs. The Oregon State Weed Board grant program, also funded by lottery dollars, was wiped out for 2021 with no reassurances on a potential return. The OSWB funds would have accounted for over $1.3M hitting the ground to support new, shovel-ready projects as well as continue the great work of many ongoing projects- some of which are at a crucial stage on the invasion curve.

Montana Puts Ventenata on State List from the Ravalli Republic The editor of the Ravalli Republic identified this news as the "Top Story"!

Random Clicks cont’d…

Q: What do you do when the New York Times calls to talk hornets? A: If you're Dr. Chris Looney, you put on a wicked cool canvas jacket and give em' the goods. Click here for the NYT coverage of Asian Giant Hornets.

Coronavirus and Invasive Species This article is a couple months old now, but it came out after the last newsletter. This topic has now been explored by many of us but I thought this article by Jennifer Mohler, Executive Director at Gallatin Invasive Species Alliance, was a good one!

The FONSI, and I'm Not Talkin' Happy Days Click here to read the revised EA, signed FONSI and decision record for BLM Northwest Oregon District Aquatic & Riparian Habitat Restoration

Pacific Birds Habitat Joint Venture Possible Funding Opportunities

Upcoming Events & Important Dates

NAISMA Annual Conference (Webinar)- October 6-8

Job Postings Numerous opportunities at Freshwater Trust

District Wildlife Biologist- ODFW (Enterprise, OR)

Education Coordinator- TriState Steelheaders (Walla Walla, WA)

Habitat Restoration Biologist- Quileute Tribe (La Push, WA)

Botanist- USFS (restricted)

Equipment Manager-AIS Program, Montana FW&P (Helena, MT)

Super Hot Pic of the Day: Lake Valhalla Lake Valhalla, Alpine Lakes Wilderness, as seen from Lichtenberg summit. Photo by Troy Abercrombie

I am currently preparing for a return trip to the Enchantments Wilderness and have been revisiting past hikes from the North Cascades. This particular hike, on this particular day, was one of the most amazing days I've ever had. A solo day trip on a weekday that turned into an all-night survival mission, this trip had it all. The moment I touched my car door, now safe for certain, my mental narrative immediately switched from "what were you thinking" to: "see, that was amazing!".

The rapid topographical relief in the North Cascades creates such a cool diversity of plant communities as you go up and there was plenty to botanize that day. The plants were definitely cool but looking down on Valhalla from the top of the spire on Lichtenberg Mountain is one of the most wonderful feelings I've ever had and certainly one of the greatest views I'll ever see.

The CWMA's of Western Invasives Network

The strength of WIN is drawn from the strength and success of the CWMA's, their memberships and partners. Each with their own missions and challenges, united in their commitments to stop the spread of invasive species and bring awareness to the importance of invasives management.

While many of the activities are weed-centric, the CWMA's have members that manage all aspects and taxa of invasive species.

Please take a few moments to get acquainted with the great folks who keep things moving across the Network!

For CWMA contact info, please see CWMA websites linked in description or visit the WIN website.

Why Sign the MOU?

The purpose of the MOU is to lay the foundation for the CWMA, and becoming a signatory shows commitment to the group as it strives to more effectively coordinate the actions of member organizations as they deal with invasive species.The MOU does not delegate any decision-making authority to any other party. Instead, it encourages cooperation, integration, and sharing to accomplish mutual goals.

As an MOU signatory, and active CWMA participant, you will be connected with other managers in your region and enjoy a forum to highlight and discuss the priorities of your organization and the challenges that you face.

4 County CWMA

The 4 County CWMA includes Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties in Oregon and Clark county in Washington. With boundaries that stretch from the summit of the Range to a summit of the Cascades at Mt. Hood and across the Portland Metro- this CWMA is a highly diverse partner group managing a myriad invasive species challenges. The CWMA is coordinated by Courtney Gattuso from Clackamas SWCD and has numerous action committees.

Benton County CWMA

While Benton County CWMA is the only "single-county" CWMA in the network, the partner list is as long and as engaged as any CWMA in the network. The boundary includes the City of Corvallis and nearly all of the Willamette River between the McKenzie and Santiam confluences as well as the upper Alsea watershed. The urban/rural fringe runs right through the heart of Benton County and stakeholder interests are extremely diverse. The CWMA is coordinated by Laura Brown from Benton SWCD and has a steering committee supported by numerous sub-committees.

Columbia Gorge CWMA

Columbia Gorge CWMA was formed in the mid-2000's in response to a growing need for collaboration and recognition that many aspects of invasives management in the gorge are unique to the area. The CWMA boundary contains all of the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, including those portions in Washington as well as portions of the Deschutes watershed and entire watersheds of the Bull Run, Hood and Sandy Rivers, among others. Courtney Gattuso from Clackamas SWCD coordinates the CWMA and is supported by numerous committees.

Mid-Coast CWMA

Nestled in the heart of the Oregon Coast, the Mid-Coast CWMA includes all of Lincoln County and the western half of Lane County. With numerous seaports, Highway 101 and numerous corridors to the there is no shortage of vector pathways in the region. Couple that with habitat types that range from vast, fully exposed dunes to delicate mountain rainforests and you've got a battle at every turn. The CWMA is currently coordinated by Chris Cornwell from Lincoln County Public Works and is supported by a diverse membership of partner agencies, organizations and citizens.

Mid-Willamette CWMA

Mid-Willamette may be the most "balanced" CWMA in the network. Stretching from the central Oregon Coast Range across the prairies, ag-lands and communities in the Central Willamette Valley to the shadows of Mt. Jefferson into the , there's an invasive species challenge for everybody! The CWMA is coordinated by Jenny Meisel from Marion SWCD and a steering committee was recently formed. The evolution to a higher level of organization has already led to multiple focused outreach and training efforts being planned for 2020. Contact Jenny Meisel at Marion SWCD for more info.

North Coast CWMA

The North Coast CWMA has been around, in some form, for quite some time and is one of the "original" CWMA's in the WIN Network. Including the entirety of Clatsop, Columbia and Tillamook counties, the CWMA serves a large and diverse membership. Ag & forestry, fishing, tourism, recreation and international commerce industries are crucial to the area and each present their own challenges for managing invasive species. The CWMA is coordinated by Mary Olson of Clatsop SWCD and Angie Reseland from Necanicum Watershed Council. Visit the North Coast CWMA website (under construction) to stay up to date!

Oregon Dunes CWMA

Much like the Columbia Gorge CWMA, the Oregon Dunes CWMA was created in response to the unique challenges and ecological characteristics of the Oregon Dunes , and essentially serves as a project development and collaboration forum for the Oregon Dunes Restoration Collaborative. This hyper- focused group of partners is dedicated to protecting the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America from destruction by invasive species. Click on this video link for a fantastic introduction to the ODRC and Oregon Dunes CWMA. The CWMA is coordinated by Armand Rebischke, US Forest Service.

South Coast CWMA

The South Coast CWMA is one of the newest additions to the WIN Network. Under the leadership of Goldie Warncke from Coquille Watershed Association and supported by a dedicated membership, the South Coast CWMA has functioned at a high level from the start. The CWMA covers a vast land area that extends from the Tenmile Lakes basin near Reedsport to the California border and from the Pacific shoreline to the crest of the Rogue-Siskiyou. These partners are on the frontlines of gorse invasions in Oregon and the CWMA works closely with the Gorse Action Group. Further inland, members work to protect some of the nation's most pristine watersheds like the Chetco and Illinois. Sherri Laier recently took the reigns as CWMA Coordinator.

Upper Willamette CWMA

Another one of the "original" CWMA's of WIN, the Upper Willamette covers over 6,000 square miles from the Calapooya Mountains in the South, across the Willamette National Forest to Detroit Lake in the North. The CWMA extends West to East from the crest of the Coast Range to the toe-slopes of the Three Sisters and includes the Middle Santiam and areas. Rugged and diverse landscapes bisected by a major transit corridor and including two of the fastest growing communities in Oregon provide a myriad challenges for managers. Major watersheds include the Calapooia, McKenzie, North, Middle and South Santiam, Coast and Middle Fork Willamette and others. The CWMA is coordinated by Wes Messinger, Army Corps of Engineers.

Do you have suggestions, feedback or submissions? Please email Troy Abercrombie: [email protected]