The webinar focused on the coronavirus pandemic’s effects on invasive species programs, including topics such as hiring, training, field seasons, employee safety and budgets. It also featured a discussion of how the COVID-19 “invasion curve” resembles the spread of other invasive species, as well as presentations and Q&A with experts in both aquatic and terrestrial invasive species management. Panelists included:

• Karen R. Hickman, Professor and Director, Environmental Science Program, Ferguson College of Agriculture, Oklahoma State University.
• Robert Walters, Invasive Species Specialist, Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
• Nathan Owens, Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
• Josh Shorb, Supervisor, Park County Weed and Pest Control District.
• Lauri Hanauska-Brown, Nongame Wildlife Management Bureau Chief,  Wildlife Division, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

This webinar was part of a series for the Working Lands Roundtable, which continues implementation of WGA’s natural resource-focused initiatives and serves as a vehicle for discussion on cross-boundary working lands management.

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