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| Lessons learned from the:
Aquatic/Riparian
Invasive Species Research and Outreach Workshop
July 25-26, 2002
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Messages Communicated
- There are no silver bullets -- no quick fixes to
eradicate or control invasive species.
- We need to better communicate to gain better and
broader understanding of length of time involved in ecological
research.
- The available budget for invasive species research
has been around $300,000 out of a total budget of $7 million.
- Director of Research's focus is that Reclamation's
research investments on invasive species issues should be on aquatic
& riparian species. Its more mission focused and there are
fewer agencies working on these issues that effect us so significantly.
- "Denver" isn't a line item. Folks need
to be more accurate in informing our partners where our funds
come from (i.e., for research it's the S&T
program).
- Biocontrol may take too long to get approvals and
demonstrate success when invasion and rapid spread is occurring
or imminent. Biocontrol better for established infested areas
to create lower level of infestation.
- Need comfort and assurances that all the factors
have been considered to reduce risk and increase comfort with
decision to select or implement a method - be it chemical or biological
or mechanical.
- Need to address ESA issues - use of biocontrol,
herbicides and pesticides sometimes stymied by ESA.
- Need restoration of river system to reduce likelihood
and extent of invasions.
- Don't funnel all funds to one or two species.
Research Needs
- Measures of success need to be defined by researcher
stakeholder & field/water users. Length of time to define
success.
- Leo Busch indicated there is a real value of demonstration
projects since different invasive species and biocontrol circumstances
lead to different effects and inputs.
- Need mechanical means and alternatives without
environmental impact
- Need faster biocontrol –> not an eradication
quick method w/low costs.
- Need cost effective & environmental minimum
impaction options/strategies.
- Need alternatives to pesticides and herbicides
- Need ways to operate reservoir/facilities to reduce
invasion/spread
- Need restoration of habitat to decrease re-invasion,
minimize habitat disruptions which create habitat that is prone
to invasions and otherwise minimize disturbance of what we do.
- Need means to enhance surety of restoration success.
- Need early detection techniques. Predicts of spread,
to monitor for invasion.
- Need information on inter- relationships with endangered
species (e.g. eradicator can have impacts).
- Need strategies to get most bang for the buck.
Tactics to treat when most vulnerabl/greatest effects.
- Need treatments for areas that never see overbank
flooding.
- Find ways to limit chemical use as much as possible
due to costs and legal difficulties associated with use of chemicals.
Chemical application is not sustainable.
- Solicit research on needs of other invasive
species - not just the "species of the month"
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