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 and Awareness 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.
- Karie Decker (Nebraska), Co-Chair
- Kristi Paul (Nebraska), Co-Chair
- Emily Rindos (CIPM-Montana), Coordinator
- Dave Burch, Montana
- Andrew Canham, South Dakota
- Jamie Cass, Wyoming
- Liz Galli-Noble, CIPM-Montana
- Julie Kraft, Wyoming
- Mary McKinney, Wyoming
- Ron Moehring, South Dakota
- Steve Ryder, Colorado
- Kelly Sharp, South Dakota
2012
MRWC-EDDMapS Android App
The free mobile app is now available for Android and iPhone
2011
MRWC-EDDMapS iPhone App
This free mobile application 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), detailed species identification guide, glossary, invasive species resources for each state, and the ability to upload GPS-located photos along with the reporting form. An Android version will be available in May 2012.
MRWC Banner
One large vinyl banner (pictured above) was produced for each state to display at meetings, conferences, and outreach-related events.
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
Originally developed by the Wyoming Weed and Pest Council in 2009, this publication was adapted and distributed by the MRWC and CIPM. 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. A second edition is in the works.
2009
MRWC traveling display
MRWC logo and updated brochure
Guide to Noxious Weeds
Click here to view (PDF)
Printed copies are available in CIPM's Online Store
