Some questions for the Rapid
Assessment Team
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Is the plant identified correctly?
What is its historic, current, and predicted
distribution at different scales?
History and vectors; where did it come from and
how did it get here?
What is its expected potential for dispersion to
other sites?
What elements of biodiversity might be affected
by its spread and establishment?
More questions
Can it be controlled effectively?
 What will it cost to control?
 Who will be responsible for its control at
this site?
at new incursions?
 Are there problems created by control?
 What happens if we don’t take action now?
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Remember: Site visits can be fun!
Recommendations
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Attempt to determine the history of the
incursion
Important so the introduction is not
repeated
Probable source: wool waste from the
Barre Woolen Mill in the 1970s
Recommendations
Attempt to determine the history of the
incursion
 Check surrounding land for additional
incursions
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Especially lands managed by same
farmer
Recommendations
Attempt to determine the history of the
incursion
 Check surrounding land for additional
incursions
 Check status of other New England
occurrences
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OH, $&*%!
More field work here
Recommendations
Attempt to determine the history of the
incursion
 Check surrounding land for additional
incursions
 Check status of other New England
occurrences
 Control, aimed at removal
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CONTROL GUIDELINES
Mowing
 Pre-determined time
 Pay landowner for labor
 Avoids herbicides
 Relatively inexpensive
 Likely to quickly lower numbers
 Prevents spread of wind-dispersed fruits
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Recommendations
Attempt to determine the history of the
incursion
 Check surrounding land for additional
incursions
 Check status of other New England
occurrences
 Control, aimed at removal
 Landowner education; outreach
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Recent reports
1 misidentification – Sonchus arvernsis
 1 correct report – Boston Harbor Islands
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Senecio jacobaea in New England
1903
 1910
 1938
 1968
 2000
 2002
 2003
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Portland, Maine
Danvers, Massachusetts
Brookfield, Massachusetts
Newbury, Massachusetts
Bar Harbor, Maine
Barre, Massachusetts
Boston, Massachusetts
Still to do…
Additional field work
 Gather ecological data
 Finish & implement action plan
 Predictive modeling
 Continue to support landowner’s goals
 Distribute “Wanted” posters
 Eradicate Stinking Willie
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In conclusion
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Early Detection and Rapid Assessment can be
very effective tools
Lots of trained observers out in the field are
needed
Have an quick and easy reporting mechanism for
new or unknown plants
Rapid Assessment must involve a wide range of
knowledgeable people and local stakeholders
The public must be engaged in the process
Follow-up monitoring is mandatory
NO NEW INVASIONS