Hey there, BASC members! We've got an exciting announcement for you all. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has just released details about the upcoming California Invasive Species Action Week (CISAW). This event, which runs from Saturday, June 3, to Sunday, June 11, aims to raise awareness and encourage action to combat the harmful effects of non-native plants and animals in California's natural resources, ecology, and economy.
We're thrilled to be a part of this important initiative, and we hope you'll join us in taking action to protect our beloved fishing spots and the environment. To kick off CISAW, California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot will be hosting a webinar titled "Defending the Golden State: Safeguarding Californians from Invasive Species" on Friday, June 2, from 12 to 1 p.m. You won't want to miss this informative session featuring a panel of experts, including California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross. For registration details, be sure to visit the California Natural Resources Agency Secretary Speaker Series web page.
In previous years, various organizations and volunteers across the state have come together to host events for CISAW. This year, you'll have the opportunity to participate in virtual events and activities happening all over California. Here are just a few examples:
Restoring habitat at Tolowa Dunes State Park in Crescent City with California State Parks, Tolowa Dunes Stewards, and Redwood Parks Conservancy.
Protecting the American River Parkway near Sacramento from invasive plants with the American River Parkway Foundation.
Becoming a "Weed Warrior" at Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego by assisting with efforts to remove non-native grasses and other invasive plants.
Joining a webinar with the League to Save Lake Tahoe to learn how to identify Lake Tahoe's native and invasive aquatic plants.
Tuning in to lunchtime webinars from the University of California Cooperative Extension on topics such as removing the invasive seaweed Caulerpa and efforts to prevent damaging insects from entering California.
These are just a taste of the many events lined up for CISAW. Make sure to check out the CISAW schedule on CDFW's website for more details on these and other exciting activities. Now, here's the best part: you can get involved in the fight against invasive species right from your own fishing club! Throughout the year, there are several simple actions you can take to help stop the spread of invasive species. Consider landscaping with native plants, avoid releasing unwanted pets into the wild, report any invasive species findings you come across, and remember to clean, drain, and dry your gear after recreating in bodies of water. The CISAW web page provides a comprehensive list of these actions, so you can make a difference all year long, whether you're out fishing, boating, exploring natural areas, or even at home. Speaking of taking action, let's not forget to congratulate the winners of the annual California Invasive Species Youth Art and Video Contest. CDFW will be announcing the winners on social media next week, so keep an eye out for that! At BASC, we're passionate about preserving our fishing spots and ensuring the longevity of California's natural resources. That's why we fully support the mission of CDFW's Invasive Species Program, which aims to reduce the impacts of invasive species on our wildlands and waterways. The program plays a crucial role in preventing the introduction of these species, detecting and responding to introductions when they occur, and preventing the spread of established invasive species. If you have any questions or would like more information about CISAW, please reach out to invasives@wildlife.ca.gov. Let's come together as a fishing community
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