Invasives symposium draws interest in NH

By Eliza Perreault

What do you get when you cross state agencies, non-profit organizations, conservation districts, and federal agencies?

An UCCISMA!

That is an acronym for the Upper Connecticut Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area. Add in local town leaders, educators, invasive treatment specialists, and road agents and you have a model for an Invasive Plant Symposium.   

In late April a dedicated group of UCCISMA partners, including Trout Unlimited, worked to provide an unique experience for the local community at the Tillotson Center in Colebrook, N.H., along the Mohawk River. 

Attendees had the opportunity to hear from invasive plant experts to discuss the importance of invasive plant management and were able to explore different programs offered locally that supported the eradication of the invaders into the near pristine areas of COOS county in New Hampshire. 

The outreach and education programs offered to the participants included an Invasive Species Program designed to provide teachers and educators with knowledge and activities that they can use in the classroom. Town managers and road agents learned how to implement action plans to manage the problem at the town level.

Eliza Perreault is a conservation technician and education coordinator for Trout Unlimited's New England Habitat Restoration Area.