INDIANA YEAR ONE AIS WORKPLAN AND FUNDING REQUEST
(Tasks are prioritized as level 1, 2, or 3, one being highest)
Task 5C, 1D1a: The Division of Soil Conservation (DSC) Lake and River Enhancement Program (LARE) has been authorized to spend about 1.2 million dollars, to be divided between control of invasive aquatic vegetation and animals in lakes and for sediment removal from lakes. The plant species involved are largely exotic invasive species such as Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum). Funding for this program comes from increased fees on motorboats. The DSC needs assistance in developing AIS programs to address primarily invasive aquatic plants, but also could be used for other non-plant AIS species that threaten lake systems. About 15% of a FTE will be used for this coordination (Level 1 priority).
Task 5C, 1D1a: Indiana currently has an active purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) research and control effort going that uses bio-control agents (beetles). The Division of Nature Preserves (DNP) largely coordinates this effort, with pilot projects in cooperation with several other agencies. About 10% of an FTE will be used to consolidate coordination of this program under the AIS management plan. Actual costs for research and control efforts are covered in task number 5. (Level 1 priority).
Task 1.A.C.D.E. About _ of an FTE will be used to develop a more detailed AIS management implementation plan for next year and for handling current AIS issues and activities. Some of the activities this person will be involved with include, but are not limited to, the following:
1) Providing guidance and information on developing a state sponsored invasive species web site.
2) Developing a tracking and monitoring system for 10 AIS species identified in the AIS management plan.
3) Communicate and work with Great Lakes and Mississippi ANS panels as well as the USFWS and other National and regional AIS groups.
4) Develop a rapid response plan for dealing with newly introduced or pending introductions of AIS.
5) Guide research efforts for controlling AIS introductions.
6) Develop AIS public education and outreach programs.
7) Continue involvement with the AIS work group and interagency invasive species groups.
It cannot be determined at this time the priority activities or the amount of effort that will be applied to each activity. This will be a responsibility for the new AIS coordinator. (Level 1 priority).
Task 1.B. There are several out-of-state regional and national AIS meetings and work shops that Indiana currently cannot financially support. Because any real success in dealing with AIS will only come through regional and national efforts, these meetings and workshops are critical to the program. (Level 2 priority).
Task 5.C. This is funding for actual research and control efforts for purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) using bio-control measures. There are several efforts currently being directed at this activity around the state. This is an effort to cover this activity with additional funding. (Level 2 priority).
Task 5.A.2.a. This is funding for actual research and/or experimental measures on the most effective ways to control or manage Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) infestations. There are several loosely coordinated efforts being conducted around the state. This is an effort to coordinate this activity and provide additional funding. (Level 3 priority).
Task 5.C. This is funding to study the management options and for actual experimental control efforts for Common reed (Phragmites austrailis). Again, there are several loosely coordinated efforts being conducted around the state. This is an effort to coordinate this activity and provide additional funding. (Level 3 priority).
