Title: Biological control for the protection of native ecosystems
The 2010 Biological Control for Nature Conference will be held
October 3-7, 2010, in Northampton , MA:USA , with sponsorship of the University
of MA , the University of CA , USDA Forest Service, USDA-ARS , US Department of
Fish and Wildlife and the US National Park Service. The meeting's purpose is to
explore the benefits of classical biological control to native forests, and
associated habitats including wetlands, grasslands, deserts, and oceanic
islands. The meeting is intended increase mutual understanding between the
disciplines of biological control and conservation biology and examine how
biological control contributes to the restoration of species and communities
damaged by invasive plants and insects. The meeting website can be found
at http://www.biocontrolfornature.org/ and
here we attached the scientific program. The venue for the meeting is a classic
small New England city, with most architecture dating from the 1890s, amply
opportunities for tourism, dining and live music all within walking distance.
The meeting takes place just prior to peak color for fall foliage. The meeting
site is an historic hotel located in downtown Northampton, less than a block
from vibrant street life, shops and restaurants. The meeting will include a one
day field trip to view locally important invasive species, some of which are
current or developing targets of biological control (hemlock woolly adelgid,
Japanese knotweed, swallowwort, garlic mustard), as well as to appreciate views
of the fall landscape and some cultural points. For more information consult the
website or email/call Roy Van Driesche at UMASS (413-545-1061, vandries@nre.umass.edu)