Conference: 2015 Western Invasive Weed Summit

Reports and proceedings now available!

When: CLOSED. Took place May 2015. Scroll down for links to Summit materials.

Host: Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

Description: Last year, the Western Invasive Weed Summit brought together local, state, and federal governmental agencies working throughout the West on responding to invasive plant threats. The Summit’s proceedings, presentations, and “next steps” summary report are now available to everyone!

The conversion of native sagebrush to invasive annual grasslands has been identified as an issue affecting western rangelands, communities, and wildlife for decades. More extreme wildfires associated with invasive non-native annual grasses has a profound effect on the sage-steppe, sage grouse, and many other species, including humans. Plus, invasive plants can fundamentally transform native ecosystems.

Additional Resources: A report released by the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies in advance of the Summit provides an overview of the primary threats from invasive plants across the range of the sage-grouse; the organizations working to control invasive plants; and recommendations for addressing challenges and barriers to effective range-wide invasive plant control.

Invasive Plants in Sage Grouse Habitat – Strategy Report Released

Summary Report

Western Association of Fish And Wildlife Agencies Summary and Next Steps

Follow Up Questions

Thanks to our presenters for taking the time to thoughtfully and completely answer followup questions.

Summit Presentations

Program and Speakers

Invasive Plant Management in the West – A Scientific Assessment
Dr. Roger Sheley

Landscape Perspective on Invasive Plants and Sage-Grouse
Jeremy Maestas

Overview of WAFWA Report (see full report link below)
Ken Mayer

Can We Stop Cheatgrass?
Ted Koch

Managing Weeds vs. Habitats
Dr. Chad Boyd

Multi-jurisdictional Collaboration, Cooperation and Capacity Building
Alan Clark

Recent Initiatives to Address Threats to GRSG Habitat
BLM

Keynote Speaker Jamie K. Reaser

The Fire Song – Poem by Jamie K. Reaser

Closing Remarks
Noreen Walsh

Nearly a quarter of the 240 attendees completed a conference evaluation.  Overall attendees rated the event an effective use of their time and felt the Summit objective was met. Evaluation Overview

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The Sage Grouse Initiative is a partnership-based, science-driven effort that uses voluntary incentives to proactively conserve America’s western rangelands, wildlife, and rural way of life. This initiative is part of Working Lands For Wildlife, which is led by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.

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