Each year, invasive species impose significant impacts to the ecological and economic health of Pennsylvania. Once these species become established, controlling their spread is difficult and expensive, while eradication can be impossible. Therefore, prevention of new introductions must remain the first priority in fighting aquatic invasions.

However, when prevention efforts fail to stop the introduction of an aquatic invasive species, it is critical that a process be in place to quickly and effectively address the new infestations.

This exercise will simulate an early response for a specific aquatic invasive species with potential impacts in Pennsylvania; giving participants and opportunity to walk through the steps outlined in the DRAFT rapid response plan.

The exercise will help identify gaps that may prevent a timely response in areas such as policy, staffing, coordination, and communication. This workshop will support the goals of the Pennsylvania AIS Management Plan to develop a system for early response to eradicate or contain a target species before the species can become permanently established.

The workshop is free, but pre-registration is required. The deadline is October 16.

For more information, contact Sara Grise by calling 814-4383 or send email to:sng121@psu.edu.