The first annual UP-wide conference on invasive plant management took place in early November. The conference brought together land managers, natural resource professionals, conservation district staff, tribal members, representatives from agency and non-governmental organizations, and other interested individuals, in an effort to exchange information on invasive plant species and share the unique knowledge gained in the field by various partners. The conference was well-attended by more than 70 people. The keynote address was presented by Dr. Jason McLachlan from the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame. Dr. McLachlan's presentation was titled  "Climate Effects on Potential Invasions of Non-Native Plants in the Upper Great Lakes".  Conference participants found his comments extremely useful in helping them put the work they are doing at the local level in perspective with broader ecological issues. A local MDOT engineer spoke about the procedure for obtaining use permits for controlling invasive plants along state highway rights of way and also demonstrated tips for navigating the MDOT website. Ann Hruska from the Dickinson Conservation District spoke on biocontrol options for purple loosestrife and relayed her own experiences in rearing Galerucella spp. beetles which she released at local sites infested with purple loosestrife. Tom Alwin, an aquatic biologist with EnviroScience, Inc. spoke about biocontrol for Eurasian Water Milfoil using the milfoil weevils. Participants learned this method of controlling milfoil infestations is safe, natural and effective and provides lake-wide control with long-term results and no side effects. He pointed out that this method of controlling milfoil takes time, and that the amount of time differs depending on the unique conditions of each treated lake. Vern Stephens from the MDNRE presented information on methods for treatment of invasive plants and landscape alternatives for invasive plants. Members of the Rapid Response Teams in each of the Conservation Districts tell us they just can't get enough of this information and always appreciate the opportunity to hear from someone like Vern that is experienced in treating infestations.

We were also fortunate to have excellent presentations given by two PhD students from Michigan Technological University. Lindsey Shartell has been doing research at the Seney National Wildlife Refuge and spoke about "Utilizing Multi-Criteria Risk Models to Monitor Invasive Plants". Michelle Latsch presented  results from her research work at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore involving "Controlling Spotted Knapweed in Great Lakes Dune Systems: Herbicide Efficacy and Non-target Impacts". Conference participants were extremely interested in hearing about these research activities being conducted in our region.

The conference wrapped up with a presentation by Lisa Brush from The Stewardship Network. The Stewardship Network collaborates with nonprofits, governmental agencies, private business and dedicated individuals to build their capacity to preserve, restore, and manage natural lands and waters. Lisa spoke about The Garlic Mustard Challenge which is a competition between Stewardship Clusters to see who can pull the most garlic mustard each season. In 2010 volunteers pulled 243,216 pounds of garlic mustard, and the total pulled since 2008 is 539,000 pounds! This has made a huge impact on garlic mustard infestations in Michigan. Lisa informed attendees about how they could participate in the Garlic Mustard Challenge by reporting any plants pulled to the "out of cluster area" or form one or more "stewardship clusters" in the UP. Garlic mustard is not nearly as pervasive in the Upper Peninsula as it is downstate, but several conservation districts have already been dealing with infestations this past season. Some of the conservation districts are not aware of any garlic mustard in their areas, but continue to be on the lookout for this invasive plant. The Garlic Mustard Challenge also keeps track of locations that are "Garlic Mustard Free". To qualify as garlic mustard free, there must be a total absence of second-year garlic mustard plants.

Plans are already underway for a second UP-wide conference to be held at the end of the field season next year.