OIPC HISTORY
Lesser Celandine Invasion. Photo courtesy of Michael Howe-Smith
The Ohio Invasive Plants Council is the name chosen to recognize a coalition of organizations and individuals throughout Ohio who have a mutual interest in Ohio's natural ecosystems and the effects of invasive plants and other organisms on their biological diversity. This is the latest step in an ongoing statewide effort to bring together professionals and citizens concerned with the introduction, spread, and control of invasive, non-native plant pests in Ohio's natural areas.
Statewide coordination began in 1998 through 2000 with the development and presentation of two workshop series to raise general public awareness of invasive plants, and to share technical information for land management professionals. Since 2001, an informal statewide network, called the Ohio Invasive Plants Working Group, has met periodically to discuss and cooperate on various topics, including education and outreach about invasive plants, management and removal issues, coordination with similar statewide groups, and the design and hosting of a symposium in March 2003 on research and management of invasive plants. In the spring of 2004, a steering committee was formed to lay the groundwork and make recommendations for the formal incorporation of a statewide invasive plants council. In early 2005, the first board of directors was elected by the steering committee. The group incorporated with 501c(3) nonprofit status with corporate regulations and Articles of Incorporation as the Ohio Invasive Plants Council.
The Council's mission and purpose is similar to those of other state or regional invasive plant councils, often called Exotic Pest Plant Councils (EPPC). There is also a National Association of Exotic Pest Plant Councils, and it is anticipated that Ohio will be a participant in that association. All of the councils are concerned with promoting awareness and information exchange about invasive species issues, sharing technical information, encouraging research, and detecting or preventing new invasions into natural ecosystems.
Statewide coordination began in 1998 through 2000 with the development and presentation of two workshop series to raise general public awareness of invasive plants, and to share technical information for land management professionals. Since 2001, an informal statewide network, called the Ohio Invasive Plants Working Group, has met periodically to discuss and cooperate on various topics, including education and outreach about invasive plants, management and removal issues, coordination with similar statewide groups, and the design and hosting of a symposium in March 2003 on research and management of invasive plants. In the spring of 2004, a steering committee was formed to lay the groundwork and make recommendations for the formal incorporation of a statewide invasive plants council. In early 2005, the first board of directors was elected by the steering committee. The group incorporated with 501c(3) nonprofit status with corporate regulations and Articles of Incorporation as the Ohio Invasive Plants Council.
The Council's mission and purpose is similar to those of other state or regional invasive plant councils, often called Exotic Pest Plant Councils (EPPC). There is also a National Association of Exotic Pest Plant Councils, and it is anticipated that Ohio will be a participant in that association. All of the councils are concerned with promoting awareness and information exchange about invasive species issues, sharing technical information, encouraging research, and detecting or preventing new invasions into natural ecosystems.