1. Some questions for the Rapid Assessment Team
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?

2. 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?

3. Remember: Site visits can be fun!

4. Recommendations Attempt to determine the history of the incursion
Important so the introduction is not repeated

5. Probable source: wool waste from the
Barre Woolen Mill in the 1970s

6. Recommendations Attempt to determine the history of the incursion
Check surrounding land for additional incursions
Especially lands managed by same
farmer

8. Recommendations Attempt to determine the history of the incursion
Check surrounding land for additional incursions
Check status of other New England occurrences

11. OH, $&*%!

12. More field work here

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

18. Recent reports 1 misidentification – Sonchus arvernsis
1 correct report – Boston Harbor Islands

19. Senecio jacobaea in New England
1903 Portland, Maine
Danvers, Massachusetts
Brookfield, Massachusetts
Newbury, Massachusetts
Bar Harbor, Maine
Barre, Massachusetts
Boston, Massachusetts

20. 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

21. In conclusion
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

22. NO NEW INVASIONS