Prevention is the most efficient and cost-effective invasive species management strategy. Key components of prevention are increasing public education and raising awareness of invasive species. The six Missouri River Headwaters states place great value on prevention and education programs and, through the MRWC, launched an outreach and awareness program, as well as a public relations campaign across the region in late 2009.
The MRWC Outreach Workgroup was created to bring together individuals from each of the Coalition states who are involved in state-based outreach efforts. Goals of the Workgroup are to:
- Increase public education and awareness of invasive species by promoting a consistent message about prevention throughout the region;
- Adapt successful products and tools from the Coalition states for application across the region;
- Develop and distribute effective outreach products and publications;
- Share and pool state-based resources;
- Promote the MRWC and its efforts;
- Develop MRWC branding, tools, and products; and
- Write grants to fund Workgroup efforts.
Sportsman's Guide to Invasive Species Booklet
- Karie Decker, Nebraska, Co-Chair
- Kristi Paul, Nebraska, Co-Chair
- Emily Rindos, Center for Invasive Species Management, Montana, Coordinator
- Dave Burch, Montana
- Andrew Canham, South Dakota
- Jamie Cass, Wyoming
- Shantell Frame-Martin, Montana
- Liz Galli-Noble, Center for Invasive Species Management, Montana
- Julie Kraft, Wyoming
- Mary McKinney, Wyoming
- Ron Moehring, South Dakota
- Kelly Sharp, South Dakota
2012
Sportsman's Guide to Invasive Species Booklet
Developed by the Center for Invasive Species Management in conjunciton with the Missouri River Watershed Coalition, this booklet was designed to educate hunters and anglers about invasive species prevention.
MRWC–EDDMapS App
This free iPhone and Android application produced by the MRWC and Center for Invasive Species Management in partnership with the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health makes it possible for anyone concerned about invasive species to quickly report sightings from the field. It includes instructions for MRWC’s Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System (EDDMapS), a detailed species identification guide, glossary, invasive species resources for each state, and the ability to upload GPS-located photos along with the reporting form. Download it here.
2010
Sportsmen’s Fight Against Invasives Video Series
Produced by Wild Dakota Outdoor Television in partnership with the Coalition, this series of eight videos was designed to raise awareness among sportsmen of invasive species and their impacts on hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation. The videos were aired during the Wild Dakota TV program, which reaches over 500,000 people each week, plus thousands more via YouTube and Facebook.
Protecting Wildlife Habitat: Sportsman’s Guide to Noxious Weeds Booklet
Originally developed by the Wyoming Weed and Pest Council in 2009, this publication was adapted and distributed by the MRWC and the Center for Invasive Species Management. Designed to reach students enrolled in state-based hunter education programs, Protecting Wildlife Habitat includes messages for sportsmen, tips for invasive species prevention, and a plant identification guide. Over 62,000 copies were printed and distributed to the six states in 2010.
Invasives Video Series
Reporting and Identification Guide
Species Pocket Guide
for Equipment and Vehicles (2012 edition)
