United States
January 19, 2009
10th annual event to focus on
preserving our natural heritage from the ravages of weeds.
Land managers, aquatic specialists, scientists, educators and
public policy officials are gathering in the nation’s capital
February 22-27 for the 10th
annual National Invasive Weeds Awareness Week (NIWAW) – a
series of meetings focused on educating our federal policy
makers and elected officials about the devastating impact of
invasive weeds on the environment and economy.
Across the nation, the most significant invasive weeds are
spreading at approximately 15% per year. This rate of spread
will result in a doubling of infested acres in less than five
years. According to a recent Cornell University report, the
economic impact of invasive plants and weeds in the U.S. is
estimated at $34.7 billion annually.
National Invasive Weeds Awareness Week is coordinated by the
Invasive Weeds Awareness Coalition, a broad-based group of
public and private stakeholders concerned with the prevention
and management of noxious and invasive weeds.
A highlight during this year's NIWAW events will be the first
official meeting of the Healthy Habitats Coalition (HHC).
Current federal efforts and budgets are inadequate to address
the invasive species crisis effectively, and local and state
interests alone cannot resolve invasive issues. The Healthy
Habitats Coalition will provide training for concerned citizens
and advocate for legislation and policies year-round that
improve the prevention and management of invasive and noxious
weeds, as well as other invasive pests and diseases.
"Invasive weeds can impair wildlife and fish habitats, reduce
the diversity of our natural resources and dramatically reduce
crop yields," said Lee Van Wychen, director of science policy
for the Weed Science Society of America. "National Invasive
Weeds Awareness Week gives land managers, scientists and
educators a chance to share their knowledge and concerns with
public policy makers so we can slow the spread of invasive
weeds."
Featured sessions, presentations, and meetings include:
- Invasive species
management and the federal budget process
- An overview of pending invasive species bills and policies
- The outlook for the new Administration and the 111th
Congress
- 2008 Farm Bill, biofuel and transportation programs
- Risk assessments and the impact of invasive plants on
endangered species
- Federal and private grants for invasive species management
- The role hunters and anglers can play in halting the
spread of invasive species
National Invasive Weeds Awareness
Week will be held at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in
Washington, D.C., just blocks from the White House. The
registration deadline for rooms at a group rate is January 28.
(Call 1-888-627-8681 and ask for the NIWAW room block.)
The NIWAW registration cost is $160 before January 28, 2009 and
$185 after. The NIWAW registration website is
http://niwaw.allenmm.com.
The Weed Science Society of America, a nonprofit professional
society, was founded in 1956 to encourage and promote the
development of knowledge concerning weeds and their impact on
the environment. The Weed Science Society of America promotes
research, education and extension outreach activities related to
weeds, provides science-based information to the public and
policy makers, and fosters awareness of weeds and their impacts
on managed and natural ecosystems. For more information, visit
http://www.wssa.net. |
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