The Arizona Invasive Species Advisory Council (AISAC) was created, by Executive Order 2005-09, on April 1, 2005. AISAC was established under the joint leadership of the Arizona Game and Fish Department and Arizona Department of Agriculture to develop a consensus vision for a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach to invasive species management in Arizona. This Governor appointed advisory council (not to exceed 27 members) was tasked to develop recommendations on how to coordinate between private, local, tribe, state, and federal entities on invasive species management efforts and issues for the State of Arizona. AISAC submitted recommendations to the Governor entitled: Arizona’s Invasive Species – Unwanted Plants and Animals to the Governor on June 30, 2006. AISAC was reconvened by Executive Order 2007-07 on January 24, 2007, and the 21-member Council tasked with developing a statewide invasive species strategic plan by June 30, 2008.
The Council held its first meeting on July 19, 2007 and identified the need to coordinate with as many State, Federal, and local organizations, stakeholders and interested parties as possible, with the goal of developing a network of subject matter experts and advisors, and creating a pathway for communication and coordination on invasive species issues. Even though official membership on the Council is limited to 21 members, the Council would like to invite and encourage you to attend council meetings and participate in working groups created to address the five strategic concepts that will be addressed in the statewide management plan. These concepts include Leadership and Coordination, Research and Information Management, Anticipation and Outreach, Control and Management, and Funding.
With the approval of the Arizona Invasive Species Management Plan 2008, the Council will now take the next step in addressing invasive species education, anticipation, control, and restoration needs. The AISAC will now begin meeting on a quarterly basis starting August 5th, 2008. Future meeting dates will fall in November 2008, February 2009, May 2009, August 2009, etc. Council work groups, identified in the development of the plan, will reconvene and schedule meetings between quarterly Council meetings and develop a strategy to implement the plan’s objectives and recommendations.
Should you wish to attend and participate in Council and/or working group meetings, please contact Brian McGrew (bmcgrew@azda.gov; 602-542-0955) or Tom McMahon (TMcMahon@azgfd.gov), or join us at the meetings. It is helpful if you alert us to your planned attendance so we can make sure we have sufficient meeting space. Meeting agendas, locations, times and other pertinent information and materials will be posted in advance of the meeting. Notes from Council and Working Group meetings will also be posted. Council meetings and working groups will be subject to open meeting requirements, which do require some specific structure to meetings and decision making. |
