OIPC Work Groups
Research
Chairs: Don Cipollini
The Research Work Group designed and hosted the 2004 and 2007 Ohio Invasive Plant Research Conferences.
The Research Workgroup is also interested in achieving a comprehensive list or directory of researchers, their affiliation, and what they primarily have been working on. This can also include industry researchers; a list of sites around Ohio for potential research with descriptions of the problems and/or questions that could be addressed.
Education, Communication & Public Outreach
Chair: Melissa Moser
The Education Work Group has edited and advised on the Power Point presentation on the threats of invasive plants in Ohio. In addition, the Workgroup has inventoried available literature on Ohio invasive plants, and compiled a list by region of individuals throughout Ohio who are willing to speak and make presentations on invasive plants.
The focus of the Education Workgroup for the coming year is to finalize 1-2 native, non-invasive plant alternative lists and accompanying Power Point presentation; create and review the content of the OIPC website; and prepare notes for the Power Point presentation, and letters to all potential speakers.
Plant List
Chair: Jennifer Hilmer
The new Work Group is now revising the list of invasive plants for the state of Ohio. Members of this group represent all stakeholders including, but not limited to researchers, land managers, nurserymen, governmental agencies, and the interested public. To read more about this project, check here.
Restoration, Control, and Mapping
Chair: Cheryl Coon (temporary)
This Work Group is involved in several
different activities. For example, they are working to determine different native zones (physiographic zones) for the state to reduce the potential for genetic degradation, identify species to be used in each zone, and develop guidelines for restoration for differing needs (e.g. post NNIS control vs. complete habitat degradation).
They are also working on preliminary "best management practices" information to
establish a format for these multi-page manuals. Since fact sheets already exist
for NNIS of Ohio, "best management practices" should be more detailed
publications that look at different settings/habitats, corresponding control
methods, and different control/treatment options to be used for differing
densities, treatment times, and habitats. Finally, they are also looking
at mapping protocols already available both within the state and in other
states. The primary objective will be to determine the detail of mapping that
should occur at a state level and the type of database needed to house data.