Present: Jeremy Higgins (Chair), Rolf Utegaard, Cate Harrington, Jim Olson, Gigi LaBudde, Laura Felda, Darci Kind, Kim Grveles, Mary Ann Buenzow, Kelly Kearns, Amy Staffen, David Bayer.

I. Introductions

II. Review Agenda

III. IPAW Update

A. Website

IPAW's goal is to have a website that is developed through committees and works with user groups to communicate information. The current website fails to convey information effectively, and the interface is cumbersome. It was designed and is managed by a volunteer, and resides on a free website through UW-Extension. The IPAW Board has designated a "Website Team" that will work toward transferring all existing workable elements of the website to a new, budgeted website. Website topics should include:

IPAW Committee Members
Where can users go for local advice/information or to report information?
Native landscaping alternatives/links/information
Speaker's Bureau contacts
Slide shows/Power Point presentations (both viewable and downloadable)
Classes, workshops
Bibliography of invasive species resources (being developed by Kathy K.)

B. Science Committee

Survey conducted by the Committee through GLFWS on the opinions of 60 practitioners (and others who deal with invasive species and land management) on invasive species. Based on two criteria (highest impact species and potential invaders), a 'hit list' was developed to better direct statewide control/education efforts. The list will be revised annually, and will be the 'core of the website.' This list will be sent to all IPAW members in an exclusive newsletter, along with Betty Czarapata's list of species from her book-in-draft on invasive species. Questions to consider: Do we tailor this list to different target groups, e.g., woodland owners, wetland managers? How can we best make use of this list? It would be useful to have it in database format to allow for sorting by habitat. We could then also eliminate or de-emphasize Latin names. Nonmembers are welcome to request complementary newsletters.

C. Plant Industry Relations Committee

The St. Louis Convention was convened to develop codes of conduct for plant industry members across the nation; many will participate in a voluntary ban of particular invasive species.

**Recommended Committee Action: We should develop and distribute a brochure/publication on landscaping with native plants, perhaps through UW-Extension. This would include current list of native plant nurseries. (Amy will begin work on this.)

D. Legislative Policy Committee

Have drafted a "Weed Law," and are seeking sponsors for the bill. This may be facilitated through the development of a one-page summary of invasive plant impacts (including economic/ecological/agricultural), with compelling pictures.

**We need to have someone from Education Committee to work with this committee, particularly in the graphics/layout of the document mentioned above (Jeremy volunteers to do this). **Send any pictures of invasive species that clearly demonstrate negative impacts to Kelly.

E. Communications Committee

Serves to distribute information. Currently, Kelly has exhibits for others to borrow; several possible themes available. Arrange with her ahead of time, and she can mail laminated/Velcro-backed components for mounting on feltboard display. Otherwise, the whole board with laminates can be borrowed in-person. (Rolf notes that in the future, we must develop and distribute our own IPAW exhibits; these are currently WI-DNR materials handled through Kelly.) Some ideas for educational materials/services that we can produce for the Communications Committee to provide are:

1. Speakers Bureau (David will chair Subcommittee, Laura will serve on committee, Rolf will provide advice). Subcommittee needs to develop budget and find funding to produce slide shows and/or Power Point presentations. If Subcommittee can produce an original CD-ROM-format presentation, Rolf can create duplicates cheaply.

2. Video (a la video created by WI Outdoors/WI State Parks in Milwaukee).

3. Wisconsin Public Television documentary on invasive species or segment on next year's magazine show. **We need a volunteer to prepare and submit proposals for these ideas.

F. Fundraising Committee

Regional and county groups may become chapters in the future. There are currently 5-6 regions and 4-5 county groups.

III. Review Previous Minutes

IV. Evaluate Progress Toward Directives

A. NEW MISSION STATEMENT OF IPAW EDUCATION COMMITTEE:

"To identify, develop and provide educational resources about ecologically invasive plants in Wisconsin."

B. Identify Target Groups

Completed at last meeting. Kelly passed out list of target groups with contact information. **Check for accuracy and submit recommended changes to Kelly.

C. Develop Invasive Species Resource List/Bibliography

Kathy Keilkuss has begun to compile spreadsheet, and is seeking input. Submit ideas to her about modifying format or adding fields. She has received very little from our committee members! **Get all materials (or their citations) relating to invasive species to Kathy!!

V. Identify Needs of Target Groups/Set Priorities -- Create Action Plan

A. Cate introduces TNC methodology for developing an Action Plan. This protocol will be followed (as amended by group) for each target group:

1. Identify audience

2. Define desired outcome

3. Define the needs of the audience

4. Compile an inventory of available resources

5. Develop strategy or tactic for achieving desired outcome

6. Develop budget for producing above

7. Develop timeline

8. Define measurement of success

B. Action Plan Subcommittees

Each Subcommittee will apply the protocol in (A) above to each of their assigned target audiences. **SUBCOMMITTEE TARGET GROUP ACTION PLANS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO JEREMY BY JANUARY 10. **Final Action Plan will be submitted to IPAW Board at February 2003 meeting. Subcommittees follow (Chairperson with asterisk):

1. Landowner associations, extension agents/basin educators, land managers, sporting/recreation groups/conservation groups (*Gigi, Darci, Mary Ann, Jim, David).

2. Plant distribution industry, botanical gardens (*Rolf)

3. Agriculture industry (*Rolf, Jim).

4. Legislature (*Kelly)

5. Government agencies (*Kelly, Kim)

6. DOT/Highway personnel (*Amy; copy Kelly, Mary Ann, David on drafts)

7. Nature centers, environmental education organizations, Master Gardeners (*Laura, Jeremy; copy Rolf on drafts for Master Gardener)

8. Kids/Educators (*Laura, Jeremy, Jim)

9. Forest Industry (*Mary Ann; copy Gigi on drafts)

VI. Wrap-Up

**Next meeting will be Friday, February 7, 2003, 9:30-2:30, Steven's Point.

**Kelly needs a volunteer to produce/attend IPAW display at Natural Areas Conference in September 2003.