North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) Partners with USDA-Forest Service to Host Inaugural National Forum on Biological Control

The North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) is partnering with the USDA-Forest Service to host the 1st Bi-Annual National Forum on Biological Control. The in-person conference will be held at the Graduate Hotel in Annapolis, Maryland on March 11-14th, 2024.

MADISON, Wis., Jan. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) is pleased to announce its collaboration with the USDA-Forest Service to host the 1st Bi-Annual National Forum on Biological Control. The conference will take place at the Graduate Hotel in Annapolis, Maryland, from March 11-14th, 2024, bringing together biocontrol researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to help propel this important discipline forward by identifying key strengths, challenges, opportunities, needs, and next steps.

This conference was developed by joint agencies/organizations working on biocontrol (USDA Forest Service, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Agricultural Research Service, DOI Bureau of Land Management, and University of Florida) and is hosted by the USDA Forest Service in partnership with the North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) and the National Association of State Foresters (NASF). Sessions will focus on biocontrol research, management, policy, and impacts.

The National Forum on Biological Control is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at advancing the understanding and application of biological control strategies in the management of invasive species. With the support of the USDA-Forest Service, this conference promises to be a pivotal gathering for professionals working towards sustainable and effective solutions to combat invasive species across North America.

Quote:

"The thing I am looking forward to most at the 1st National Forum on Biological Control is the opportunity to interact and engage with the biocontrol community! We intentionally carved out time in the agenda for networking - all of our breaks are 30 minutes long to allow for connecting with colleagues, and our lunches are 1.5 hours. Additionally, we will have two mixers (Monday and Wednesday evening) to help foster relationship building. I'm excited to see you all there!"- Vannessa Lopez, Forest Service Invasive Plants and Biological Control National Program Manager

Key Highlights of the Event:

Expert Speakers and Presenters: The forum will feature keynote speakers, renowned experts, and practitioners in the field of invasive species management, providing valuable insights and perspectives on the latest advancements in biological control strategies.

Presentations:

Presentations will all be held in the same room to create an atmosphere of thoughtful discussion, networking, innovation, and collaboration. On the final conference day, we will have speakers from multiple federal agencies present information on the status and priorities of their national biocontrol control programs.

Networking Opportunities:

The event will provide ample networking opportunities for participants to connect with peers, researchers, and industry professionals. Networking sessions, social events, and a poster presentation showcase will foster collaboration and idea-sharing among attendees.

In-Person Conference Experience:

The forum will be held in person at the Graduate Hotel in Annapolis, Maryland, ensuring a rich and immersive conference experience. This face-to-face gathering will allow participants to build meaningful connections and engage in fruitful discussions.

NAISMA and the USDA-Forest Service are committed to creating a platform that fosters collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing to address the ongoing challenges posed by invasive species. The 1st Bi-Annual National Forum on Biological Control promises to be a landmark event in the field, bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise to develop sustainable solutions for invasive species management.

For more information about the conference, including registration details, speakers, and the agenda, please visit https://naisma.org/event/2023-usdafs-national-forum-for-biological-control/.

Media Contact

Christie Trifone Millhouse, NAISMA, 1 414-775-8220, [email protected], https://naisma.org

SOURCE NAISMA