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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAquatic Invasive Species Committee - Minutes - 11/20/2014Bayfield County Aquatic Invasive Species Committee K:\AIS\Admin\Meetings\Committee\Minutes\2014 Present: Mike Defoe, Jim Krueger, Nan Olson, William Bussey Staff: Jeremy Bates – AIS Project Coordinator Others: Pam Roberts, Anne Leafblad, Eric North Minutes Thursday, November 20, 2014 at 9:00 AM 1.Call to Order: Nan Olson called the meeting to order at 9:05 am. 2.Introduction of new AIS Project Coordinator Staff: Jeremy Bates introduced the committee members to Eric North, who will be replacing him as the new AIS Coordinator. Eric gave a brief introduction of himself and shared information about his background and experience. 3.Public Comment: No public comment. 4.Approval of minutes from 10-15-14: Jim K. motioned to approve minutes from 10-15-14, seconded by Bill B. 5.Grant Updates: Jeremy gave an update on the current grants he is working on. He is preparing to submit the final reimbursements for DNR CBCW & Lake Superior CBCW grants, and is hoping to submit them by the end of the week. He followed up on an outstanding item from the 10-15-14 meeting regarding the final reimbursement for the AIS Grant #56203 and was able to confirm that the final reimbursement was indeed received. There was discussion about the CBCW grants, and the plan is to reapply for both the CBCW Lake Superior and the CBCW Iron River/Delta/Pike Chain. 6.Strategic Plan Draft/Update: Jeremy made some edits to the strategic plan; however, he was unable to print off copies for the committee members due to a printer malfunction. He and the committee members recommended that there should be more species added to the “Species Profile” section. They reviewed the Goals/Objectives section, and the plan is to keep that the same, as it is thoughtfully planned out and still applicable. The committee suggested that Appendices E and F should be updated, and recommended to add more school groups/students for targeted audiences. It was also suggested by the committee to add maps, as an effective visual representation of where infestations are occurring. Discussion was made about the “Activities” section—especially regarding the Educational Activities-- John Kudlas has moved; however he still plans to be on the committee and would like to be involved with educational activities. Jeremy and Eric will be emailing the AIS Committee members the strategic plan, and they should make any edits/suggestions via GoogleDocs. The Strategic Plan will be reviewed at the next meeting in February, and the Committee will go over revisions as necessary. 7.AIS Coordinators Report: Jeremy shared that he has been working on updating information on the website. He is also working with the Town of Barnes, who wants to partner with him to do an AIS monitoring/identification series as an online training—he is also working with the State of WI to provide information for this training. The target date for completion of this is June 2015. Jeremy also shared that he went to the Upper Midwest Invasive Species conference a few weeks ago—he and Pam gave a well-received presentation on the Japanese Knotweed work they’ve been doing in Bayfield County. 8.Partner/Department Reports: Pam shared that she has been preparing the reports for final reimbursements of her grants, which should be received within the next few weeks. She also shared that they have treated all known Phragmites in the area. Eric shared his expertise regarding concern over buckthorn in the area, and identified local places where it is a serious problem. There will be initiatives taken in the near future to address this; however, it is unclear how this problem will be addressed. 9.Future AIS Activities: Nan recommended that Eric attend the Wisconsin Lakes Convention in April and also attend the spring AIS Coordinator meeting with other State coordinators. Jeremy shared that he has been unable to find a new committee member, who needs to be a business owner or a town board member. He has a specific person in-mind, and will attempt to contact him before he leaves this position. The committee expressed that they would like to have a round table with Eric in March or April so he can meet some more people and get feedback/input regarding certain AIS topics. 10.Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 10:31 AM.