Invasive Species Florida Strike Team

COOPERATIVE CONSERVATION CASE STUDY

The Real Alien Invasion- Agencies and Volunteers Attack Invasives Together

Location: Southeastern

Project Summary: This public/private partnership is a team of dedicated individuals and volunteers that meet monthly to kill invasive plant species on each others lands.

Margo Stahl, Hobe Sound NWR

Resource Challenge

The partnership of governmental and private individuals considers invasive species as second only to construction in being responsible for the loss of native Florida habitat. Although each of the individuals representing their own agency or volunteer group wear shirts or uniforms that reflect their respective agency, they work side by side for a common goal, to remove some of the most damaging plants on the Florida landscape-Brazilian pepper, Australian pine, and other Category I and II invasive plant species.

Examples of Key Partners

Margo Stahl and Jackie Isaacs: Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge

Mike Renda and Ellen Donlan: The Nature Conservancy Blowing Rocks Preserve

Phil Myers: Biologist, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Parks and Recreation

Jim Egan and Tim Braysaw: Marine Resources Council

Results and Accomplishments

Since this group began meeting on a monthly basis, they have killed or otherwise removed thousands of exotic plants and trees on both federal, state, and private lands. A Memorandum of Understanding finalized in 2004, solidifies this cooperative agreement. The partnership shares techniques and information on invasive species that might otherwise be difficult to obtain.

Innovation/Highlight

The group helps sustain and support eachother's morale and vision for a restored Florida landscape at a time when change is so dramatic and depressing. Their enthusiasm is contagious and their efforts increase volunteer participation each month.

Project Contact

Margo Stahl
Refuge Manager
US Fish and Wildlife Service
Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge 13640 S.E. Federal Highway
Hobe Sound, Fl, FL 33455
772-546-6141
margo_stahl@fws.gov

Website: http://www.fws.gov/hobesound/

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