CAIP Goes to Washington, DC
Amy Richard, Karen Brown and William Haller recently attended the 7th Annual National Invasive Weeds Awareness Week (NIWAW-7) in Washington, DC. NIWAW brings people and groups from across the country together to focus national attention on the severe problems created by invasive weeds in the U.S. The gathering was busy and exciting and even rather exotic, thanks to a visit from Amelia Exotica, who stayed busy posing for photos and passing out information leaflets.
NIWAW events are designed to focus on the important roles the Federal government must play to help the U.S. deal with invasive weed problems. Events include a standing exhibit at the United States Botanic Garden Conservatory, a Kid's Fun Day of activities at the Garden, briefings with the US Department of Agriculture, US Department of Interior, the U.S. army Corps of Engineers, an NGO Partnership Building Roundtable, an evening reception at the United States Botanic Garden Conservatory, a special meeting of FICMNEW (Federal Interagency Committee for the Management of Noxious and Exotic Weeds, and a briefing by the National Invasive Species Council (NISC)) organized by the Invasive Weeds Awareness Coalition (IWAC), a Washington DC-based coalition dedicated to increasing awareness of invasive weed problems and their associated research and management needs. NIWAW 7's common legislative goals are support of the National Weed Control and Eradication Act (PL 108-412) and support of the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act. Attendees are encouraged to visit their legislators while in the nation's capitol to build awareness and support for the management of invasive weeds.
