2012 event summary

Following two successful, regional invasive species conferences in 2008 (Duluth) and 2010 (St. Paul), the renamed Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference 2012 (UMISC 2012) with expanded geographical coverage was held in late October at the La Crosse Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. With over 500 attendees from 10 states, the event was one of the largest gatherings of professionals, academics, and citizens in the Upper Midwest to discuss the challenges associated with invasive species and opportunities for managing their spread. Conference sessions covered aquatic, terrestrial, animal, plant, insect and interdisciplinary topics. With nearly 200 oral and poster presentations, unique workshops and tours, and plenary presentations from the region's leading experts, there was something for everyone to learn!

The purpose of UMISC 2012 was to exchange information on invasive species topics and improve land management. This was an all-taxa conference covering invasive aquatic and terrestrial plants, animals, pests, and pathogens. The overall goals of the semi annual conference are to strengthen awareness of invasive species issues, prevention, and management, and to facilitate information sharing and collaboration.

The Invasive Plants Association of Wisconsin, the Midwest Invasive Plant Network, the Minnesota Invasive Species Advisory Council and the Wisconsin Invasive Species Council hosted this year’s event. Conference attendees had the opportunity to visit with 48 sponsors and exhibitors. Conference presentations will be posted to the Midwest Invasive Plant Network’s website soon (http://mipn.org/).

The conference committee wants to know where you would like to attend the next Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference in 2014. Submit your choice by participating in the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MQR3W6Y