U.S. Geological Survey, 2004, Proceedings of the Invasive Species Research
Strategic Planning Workshop of the Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences
Center, September 2004, 113 p.

SUMMARY

Executive Summary  Management of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Upper
Midwest Environmental Sciences Center (UMESC) launched a research initiative
to address growing concerns about aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes and
Mississippi River basins.  A draft UMESC Invasive Species Research Strategic
Plan was developed by a group of UMESC scientists to help guide Center research. 
The purpose of this workshop was to present and obtain comments on the draft
document, to share UMESC capabilities in this area, to obtain input on the
immediate regional research needs on invasive species, and to identify areas of
overlap between our Center strategic plan and partner priorities.  The workshop
was held on June 23, 2004, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and was attended by 25
participants from Federal, state, and nongovernmental organizations.    During the
workshop, participants were oriented to the USGS Invasive Species Program
Element, historical and ongoing invasive species research at UMESC, and the draft
UMESC Invasive Species Research Strategic Plan.  Discussions in breakout
sessions led to the development of a list of partner priorities for invasive species
research and a thorough analysis of the elements of the draft strategic plan.  The
relevancy, organization, and utility of the draft UMESC Invasive Species Research
Strategic Plan were then discussed in an open forum.  The results of this workshop
will be used to improve and finalize the UMESC Invasive Species Research
Strategic Plan.  Sincere thanks go out to the workshop participants who so freely
shared their time, thoughtful reflection, and ideas.