GPS Technologies - Equipment and Costs Sonar Ad 4/ c P/U Seapro FLORIDA EXOTIC PEST PLANT COUNCIL Officers Tony Pemas, Chairman P.O. Box 279 Homestead, Florida 33030 (305) 242-7846 tony_pemas@nps.gov Ken Langeland Chair Elect 7922 NW 71st Street Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 392-9614 kal@gnv.if as .ufl.edu Jackie Smith, Secretary 3111-B13 Fortune Way Wellington, FL 33414 (561) 791-4720 Smithjl@mail.state.fl.us Dan Thayer, Treasurer PO Box 24680 West Palm Beach, FL 33416 (561) 682-6129 dthayer@sfwmd.gov Amy Ferriter, Editor P.O. Box 24680 West Palm Bch, FL 33416- 4680 (561) 682-6097 aferrite@sfwmd.gov Directors Mike Bodle P.O. Box 24680 West Palm Bch, FL 33416 (561) 682-6132 mbodle@sfwmd.gov Keith Bradley 22601 SW 152nd Ave Miami, Florida 33170 (305) 247-6547 bradley2@gate.net Hillary Cherry P.O. Box 118526 Gainesville, FL 32609 (352) 336-2623 hcherry@ufl.edu Dan Clark 800 Dunlop Rd. Sanibel, FI 33957 (941) 472-3700 dclark@peganet.com Ed Freeman P.O. Box 8 Sarasota, FI 34230 (941) 378-6142 ef reema@co .sarasota .fl .us Doria Gordon P.O. Box 118526 Gainesville, FL 32611 (352) 392-5949 dgor don@botany. ufl.edu Francois Laroche P.O. Box 24680 West Palm Bch., FL 33461 (561) 682-6193 flaroche@sfwmd.gov Brian Nelson 2379 Broad Street Brooksville, Fl 34609 (352) 796-7211 brian.tielson@SWFNlMDstate.fl .us Committee Chairs By-Laws Francois Laroche P.O. Box 24680 West Palm Bch., FL 33461 (561) 682-6193 flaroche@sfwmd.gov Editorial Amy Ferriter P.O. Box 24680 West Palm Bch., FL 33416 (561) 682-6097 aferrite@sfwmd.gov Legislative vacant Membership Brian Nelson 2379 S. Broad St. Brooksville, FL 34009 (352) 796-7211 Merchandise Jackie Smith 3111-B13 Fortune Way Wellington, FL 33414 (561) 791-4720 791-4722 Smithjl@mail.state.fl.us Plant List Dan Austin /Kathy Burks Florida Atlantic Univeristy Department of Biological Sciences Boca Raton, FL 33431 (561) 297-3327 daustin@fau.edu kathy.burks@dep.state.fl.us Publications Ken Langeland 7922 NW 71st Street Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 392-9614 kal@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu Program Ken Langeland 7922 NW 71st Street Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 392-9614 kal@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu Symposium Tony Pemas P.O. Box 279 Homestead, Florida 33030 (305) 242-7846 tony_pernas@nps . gov Research John Volin 2912 College Ave. Davie, FL 33314 (954) 236-1115 jvolin@fau.edu Education Jim Duquesnel P.O. Box 487 Key Largo, FL 33037 (305) 451-1202 jpcrsp@reefnet.com Vendors Phil Waller 6651 Englelake Dr. Lakeland, FL 33813 (941) 619-6255 phil_waller@py.cyanamid.com Task Forces Brazilian Pepper Dean Barber 5882 South Semoran Blvd. Orlando, FL 32822 (407) 275-4004 barberl@mail.state.fl.us Lygodium Amy Ferriter and Tom Fucigna 3301 Gun Club Rd. West Palm Bch., FL 33416 (561) 682-6097 aferrite@sfwmd.gov Carrotwood Ed Freeman P.O. Box 8 Sarasota, FL 34230 (941) 378-6142 Fax 378-6136 efreema@co.sarasota.fl.us Vines Mike Bodle P.O. Box 24680 West Palm Bch, FL 33416 (561) 682-6132 mbodle@sfwmd.gov Exotic Grasses Joe Maguire 22200 Sw 137th Avenue Goulds, FL 33170 (305) 257-0933 flameabl@shadow.net Skunk Vine Sheryl Bowman and Brian Nelson 10940 McMullen Rd. Riverview,FL 33569 (813) 672-7876 resmgmt@scfn.thpl.lib.fl.us Chinese Tallow Greg Jubinsky 3915 Commonwealth Blvd. MS710 Tallahassee, FL 32399 (850) 487-2600 greg_jubinsky@dep.state.fl.us Melaleuca Francois Laroche P.O. Box 24680 West Palm Bch., FL 33461 (561) 682-6193 flaroche@sfwmd.gov The Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council has not tested any of the products advertised or re- ferred to in this publication, nor has it verified any of the statements made in any of the advertisements or articles. The Council does not warrant, expressly or implied, the fitness of any product, advertised or the suitability of any advice or statements contained herein. SPRING 2000, Volume 3, Number 2 Table of Contents 4 Editor's Note 4 Exotic Weeds that Threaten the Caribbean: A Brief Overview and Early Alarm Call, by Richard Moyroud 1 0 GPS and Surveying of Weed Populations: Equipment and Costs by Pat Akers 1 5 NAEPPC Meets at Natural Areas Association Conference by Brian Bowen 1 6 SE-EPPC President's Message by Dan Brown 1 7 Internodes Visit these websites: Florida EPPC's: www.fleppc.org Tennessee EPPC's: www.webriver.com/tn-eppc California EPPC's : www.caleppc.org Wildland Weeds (ISSN 1524-9786) is a quarterly publication of the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (EPPC) Wildland Weeds is published to provide a focus for the issues and con- cerns regarding exotic pest plant biology, distribution and control. To be- come a member of the Florida EPPC and receive the Council newsletter and Wildland Weeds Magazine, contact the Treasurer. About the cover: GPS in Action. Lourdes Rojas uses a GPS unit to track environmental features along the west coast of Florida. Photo by Pat Lynch, SFWMD. Direct editorial inquiries to Amy Ferriter, Editor Wildland Weeds Magazine: 3301 Gun Club Rd. West Palm Beach, FL 33406 aferrite@sfwmd.gov Editorial Board Mike Bodle Jim Cuda Roger Hammer Ken Langeland Steve Manning Dan Thayer For advertising information contact: Outdoor Tech, Inc. 6791 Proctor Rd. Tallahassee, FL 32308 Phone 850 668-2353 Fax 850 668-2664 Debra Tarver WILDLAND WEEDS 3 editor’s note Ten years ago. Global Positioning System (GPS) technol- ogy was just becoming available to the public - emerging from a shroud of covert military operations. What once kept Pentagon generals huddled in secrecy today tracks Cadillacs with flat tires and sailors aiming for Bimini. Paramedics can find you in an emergency and trucking companies know which drivers are lingering too long at roadside greasy spoons. Some applications are more notable than others, but the bottom line - it's hard to imagine what we did before GPS. This technology is extremely important in the exotic plant management field. Natural areas, by definition, should not be navigable using a roadmap. GPS lets land managers navi- gate remote properties, inventory plant populations and track management efforts. Pat Akers offers a primer on how Global Positioning works and some tips on choosing the right equipment in his article, "GPS and Surveying of Weed Populations: Equipment and Costs" on page 10. Also in this issue, Richard Moyroud sounds the first alarm for several plants now invading Caribbean locales (see ar- ticle below). Richard is well acquainted with these inva- sive exotic plants in the United States, and hopes that neigh- boring countries will stop these invaders before they expand and seriously threaten the ecological health of the Carib- bean basin. -Amy Ferriter Exotic Weeds Threaten Caribbean: A BRIEF OVERVIEW AND EARLY ALARM CALL. By Richard Moyroud South Florida has a recent history which is highlighted by the introduc- tion of plant species from distant parts of the world. Some of these plant im- portations have proven to be extremely harmful to the natural environment and human infrastructure, thus insti- gating work leading to a better descrip- tion of the problem and control measures. Concerned individuals in Florida were the first in the United States to organize a council to identify the most serious pest plants and com- pare notes on control methods, if any. The Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council was established in 1984, and one of the early documents created was a check- list of the pest plants recognized at that time. Today, the list includes more than 120 species in two categories, based on oral and written field reports compiled from a wide spectrum of observers (FLEPPC 1996, 1999). Category 1 plants are considered the most serious, since these are defined as "Species that are invading and disrupting native plant communities in Florida." Category 2 species have "shown a potential to dis- rupt native plant communities." An equally important issue is the effort to prevent the introduction of 4 SPRING 2000 any new pest plants. Many research- ers agree that one of the best predic- tors of invasiveness is invasive behavior documented elsewhere. Car- ibbean Islands and the Central Ameri- can coastline share a large number of native and exotic plant species with Florida. Many of the pest plants in Florida are just beginning to appear in the Caribbean, and may become pests at least as serious as they are in Florida. There are enough signs to warrant thorough research and perhaps early control efforts. Surveys by the author throughout the Caribbean region - sometimes in the company of expert botanists, or armed with the most recent floras of the region - suggests that the disrup- tion of native plant communities is in the earliest stages of development. Cli- matic or edaphic conditions, competi- tion with other species, and existing herbivores may slow or arrest the ex- plosive growth of some pest plant spe- cies, but it would be wise to eradicate the relatively small nuclei of the worst pest plants as soon as possible. Bermuda has recently discovered the harmful effects of introduced ex- otics, and has successfully used the Florida EPPC list to evaluate species which are beginning to show pest plant behavior. This program of early recog- nition and prompt response is a model for other islands (Francis 1999). In the Bahamas, there are coastal and forest plant communities similar to those in South Florida, complete with many of the same invasive spe- cies. Of the pest plant species listed for Florida, 29 of the 65 in category 1, and 26 of the 58 in category 2 occur in the Corrells' Flora of the Bahamas Archi- pelago, some with a warning of the in- cipient harm, based on the authors' observations of the species in Florida (Correll and Correll 1982). In addition to disruption of native plant commu- nities, pest plants have been observed in habitats critical to endangered fauna. In the Bahamas, critically en- dangered rock iguanas ( Cyclura spp.) are now restricted to small, rocky cays where they subsist on native plants, but need loose sand in which to dig nests for their eggs. Australian pine (Casuarina sp.) has been observed with extensive, impenetrable root systems in the only sandy spot on one such cay. SePRO 1/2 B/W thus interfering with Cyclura reproduc- tion (International Iguana Society Field Expedition, March 1992). Brazilian pepper ( Schinus terebinthifolius ) has been seen on other remote islands, and could also interfere with nesting sites. Near the airport on San Salvador Is- land, one small population of fruiting S. terebinthifolius was observed in June of 1994; it may still be possible to eradi- cate this species from this and other islands before the populations expand to unmanageable dimensions. In the drier islands (Turks and Caicos group, St. Croix, etc.), or on dry sides of larger islands, giant milkweed (Calotropis procera) and rubber vine (Cryptostegia grandiflora ) are well es- tablished and spreading (Nellis 1997.) These highly poisonous plants add another dimension to the issue, as live- stock or humans (including tourists) could be harmed by these unwanted plants. In the Greater Antilles (Cuba, Ja- maica, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico), approximately half of both Category 1 and Category 2 of Florida's pest plants show up in recently published floras (Adams 1972, Liogier and Martorell WILDLAND WEEDS 5 Dow Agroscience Ad B/W p/u from Spring 99 1982, Borhidi 1991.) Ironically, there are a few species con- sidered native to the West Indies which appear on the EPPC lists, but this does not alter the argument against the other species. Similarly, some species native to Central America, such as Mimosa pigra and Leucaena leucocephala, have behaved as pest plants when introduced into the Caribbean islands. In islands with significant agricultural production, the focus has been on unintentionally introduced crop weeds, but some pest plants are known to originate from ornamen- tal introductions. Cuba has had a long standing problem with Dichrostachys cinerea, a small thorny shrub introduced from Madagascar for its attractive flowers (Borhidi 1991). This species (called "aroma" in Cuba) infests many areas, displacing native plant communities and interfering with access to coastal sites. D. cinerea is also established in Florida, and has been found germinating in coastal strand of the lower Keys after the disturbance caused by Hurricane Georges in 1998 (Robert W. Ehrig, personal communication.) It is possible that the seeds for this most recent invasion were brought to Florida by the hurricane. The establishment of pest plants in the Caribbean has obvious implications for Florida, since the unrestricted movement of propagules by wind, water, and human transport is well known. In Jamaica and Puerto Rico, the damage caused by pest plants may be more subtle. The exotic Selaginella willdenovii has invaded the understory of some forests (Proctor 1985). This species has long clambering stems and is displacing a variety of native species. Erythrina poeppigiana was intro- duced from Peru as a fast-growing shade tree, but is now spreading throughout many forests, perhaps replacing the Solution WATER SOLUBLE* AMINE FROM JP^lverdale User & Environmentally Friendly Water Soluble 2,4-D Amine In Convenient Water Soluble Bags. For The Industrial Vegetation Manager Concerned About Applicator Safety A Exposure • No Measuring • No Pouring • No Freezing • No Exposure To Concentrates • Low Odor • Totally Soluble • Won't Settle Out • No Triple Rinsing • No Container Disposal • No WPS Label Language • Packaged In Recyclable Cartons • Contains Full Aquatic Label for more information, call (600)345-3330 native Erythrina species. Rose apple ( Syzygiumjambos ) is now a common component of the understory throughout the Caribbean, but probably passes unnoticed, thus allowing the species to become firmly established. Finally, rivers such as the Rio Cobre in Jamaica are choked with Hydrilla verticillata, but no attention is given to the problem (George R. Proctor, personal communication). In the Lesser Antilles, there are many pest plants now identified as "weeds," again with an emphasis on crop pests (Fournet and Hammerton 1991). Some of these are well- known pests in Florida, but in stark contrast to the experi- ence in Florida, Australian Melaleuca quinquenervia is known in the French Antilles as a pleasant ornamental which does not yet show invasive behavior. Still, approximately half of the Category 1 and half of Category 2 plants from the Florida EPPC list are included in the Flora of the Lesser Antilles (Howard 1979). The nation of Belize is located on the Caribbean Coast of Central America, and is bordered to the north by Mexico and to the south and west by Guatemala. Formerly known as British Honduras, it has had a long history of British for- estry activity, including the introduction of exotic species. Few exotics were noted in vegetation checklists published twenty years ago (Spellman et al.1975, Dwyer and Spellman 1981.) Today we can see Casuarina spp., Gmelina arborea Roxb., and teak ( Tectona grandis ), all introduced as potential forest resources, but all of seemingly limited expansion at this time. Most recently, two species have come to light which could represent the earliest phase of pest plant inva- sion. Latherleaf ( Colubrina asiatica ) an aggressive sprawl- ing shrub, is now recognized as a severe problem in the southern coastal areas of Florida. One isolated population has recently been seen in a mangrove fringe in South Cen- tral Belize, where it has the potential to invade large areas, both natural and farmed (shrimp farms are currently the most important activities in this area). It may not be pos- sible to establish how and when the first plants arrived, but the current population is small enough to be easily eradi- cated. Australian cajeput or paperbark trees ( Melaleuca spp.) are evident in several regions of the country, and were cer- tainly introduced as part of the early forestry activity. Records may exist with details of species used, origins, and planting sites. Until recently, the mature trees seemed to be confined to planted groves, and reproduction was not evi- dent. One small population of old trees (tentatively identi- fied as Melaleuca leucadendron ) on a coastal sand berm may be approaching the century mark, and despite the presence of capsules with seeds, no seedlings were found anywhere in the vicinity. Unfortunately, another population near the international airport has been observed to be reproducing rapidly, with many size class individuals spreading from a core population. Given the extensive seasonal savanna ar- eas adjacent to this site, and knowing the behavior of a re- lated species in Florida (M. quinquenervia), we may be seeing the early phase of an invasion, which could easily be ar- rested before the cost becomes prohibitive, and before irre- versible ecological damage is done. This brief overview of exotic plants in the Caribbean of- fers a glimpse of a new, underestimated ecological prob- WILDLAND WEEDS 7 Melaleuca leucadendron near the Belize National Airport, Belize lem. In many cases, the results of eco- logical abuse or alteration are quickly made visible. In the world of plants, the changes are often slow and subtle, and may escape detection until the damage is extreme. For the people who live in the islands or mainland, there will always be questions of resource use and protection. In addition, social priorities may delay any response to the pest plant issue. Given our experi- ence in Florida, it seems that the inves- tigation of pest plants in the Caribbean is an ideal subject for educators, re- searchers, agencies, and others who have an interest in the health of the ecosystems and people of our nearest neighboring lands. Richard Moyroud is a well-traveled plant aficionado and the owner of Meso- zoic Landscapes, Inc., 202 Grove Way, Delray Beach, FL 33444. (561) 967-2630 Fax: (561)276-8102, e-mail: RNVX54A@ prodigy.com Wildland WEEDS Charter Advertisers SePRO Griffin DoinDgrosciences Riverdale Invasive Plant Control Grenier International Timberland Enterprises. Inc. American Cpanamid Helena References: Adams, C.D. 1972. Flowering Plants of Jamaica. University of the West Indies, Mona. Borhidi, A. 1991. Phytogeography and Vegetation Ecology of Cuba. Akademiai Kiado, Budapest. Correll, D.S., and H.B.Correll. 1982. Flora of the Bahama Archipelago. J. Cramer, Vaduz. Dwyer J.D. and D.L. Spellman. 1981. A list of the Dicotyledonae of Belize. Rhodora 83:161-236. FLEPPC. 1996. Florida Exotic Plant Coun- cil occurrence database. Data available via Web site: http: / / www.fleppc.org/. FLEPPC. 1999. Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council's 1999 List of Florida's Most Invasive Species. Data available via Web site: http://www.fleppc.org/. Fournet, J. and J.L. Hammerton. 1991. Weeds of the Lesser Antilles/ Mauvaises Herbes des Petites Antilles. Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Paris. Francis, Keanya, 1999. Exotic Weeds that Threaten the Caribbean. In: Mitigating the effects of Exotic Pests on Trade and Agriculture in the Caribbean. Univer- sity of Florida, Gainesville. Howard, R. A. 1979. Flora of the Lesser Antilles. Harvard University Press, Ja- maica Plain. Liogier, H.A. and L.F. Martorell. 1982. Flora of Puerto Rico and Adjacent Is- lands: a systematic synopsis. Editorial de la Universidad de Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras. Nellis, David.W. 1997. Poisonous Plants and Animals of Florida and the Car- ibbean. Pineapple Press, Sarasota. Proctor, G.R. 1985. Ferns of Jamaica. British Museum. London. Spellman, D.L., J.D. Dwyer, and G. Davidse. 1975. A list of the Monocotyledonae of Belize including a historical introduction to plant col- lecting in Belize. Rhodora 77:105-140. 8 SPRING 2000 Sepro full page 4/c "Nautique" GPS and Surveying of Weed Populations Equipment and Costs By: Pat Akers, Integrated Pest Control Branch, California Dept, of Food and Agriculture Scott Park uses a GPS unit to measure a Lygodium infestation in the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation in Florida. Photo by John Volin. Nowadays most people are prob- ably aware of the existence of the Glo- bal Positioning System, better known as GPS. Many know that it's useful for surveying, agriculture, mining, geol- ogy, navigating and locating objects on the earth. In fact, GPS has found many important uses in natural resource management, including the mapping of weed populations. This article de- scribes the selection of GPS equipment for the mapping and management of weeds. A Primer on How it Works GPS has three major components. The first component is the GPS unit, which gives us access to the system. A GPS unit is a specialized radio re- ceiver combined with electronics for filtering and calculations. The second major compo- nent is a set of 24 specialized satellites that the GPS receiver uses for calculating its po- sition. The third component is a set of ground stations for tracking the satel- lites. Each satellite broadcasts several different sets of information, of which three are most important to our discus- sion: 1) a time signal, 2) information on the satellites' positions, and 3) a unique binary sequence code (C/A). By receiving the satellite signals, the GPS receiver can triangulate its posi- tion by calculating its distance from each satellite. For an expanded descrip- tion of different sets of information see www.cdfa.ca.gov/gps . Effects of the System on the Field User The characteristics of the system have at least four major effects on its use in the field: 1) Ninety-five percent of the time, the system (itself) will es- timate a position within about 22 meters of the true position. The De- partment of Defense adds an addi- tional error signal to the system, degrading its accuracy to about 100 meters. This makes the accuracy of an expensive GPS about the same as a low-end model. 2)The receiver has to be able to lock onto at least four satel- lites in order to determine a position in three dimensions. 3) Trees, hills or buildings can obscure the satellite sig- nals. 4) At times, the satellites will be clustered in one small part of the sky. Such an arrangement can seriously degrade the accuracy of the position calculations. Some GPS units will stop collecting data under such conditions, and all you can do is wait 20-40 min- utes until the satellites move into a better arrangement. Choosing a GPS Unit: Juggling Needs The selection of a GPS unit will strongly depend on the needs of the user. Examples of common user needs are: 1) Accuracy for navigation. 2) Accuracy for detailed mapping (with 2-3 meter accuracy being ad- equate). 3) Accuracy without having to remain on a single location for more than 1 second. 4) The GPS data must be easily trans- ferred to a mapping program (Geo- graphic Information System or GIS). 5) The ability to record specific descrip- tive information along with the po- sitional data. 6) The unit should be as convenient to use as possible. 7) Costs should be kept as low as pos- sible. Meeting different require- ments affects the cost of the GPS so- lution. Low-end Systems - The absolutely lowest cost option is one of the many sportsman GPS models on the market. Many of these units are highly sophis- ticated, very portable, offer a number of convenient bells and whistles, and cost less than $300, sometimes as little as $200. For example, both Garmin and Eagle manufacture 12-parallel-channel GPS units which have received good 10 SPRING 2000 Monsanto Ad 4/C P/U WILDLAND WEEDS 11 reviews from users. These systems are limited to 100 meter accuracy unless differentially corrected. Although many of these units describe them- selves as "DGPS ready," an antenna and receiver for the correction data must be added separately. They also have limited capabilities to store GPS position information, especially de- scriptive data. The next important improvement is the addition of differential correction capability. There are a lot of options, with lots of trade-offs. However, the issue is further complicated because Trimble's "mapping-quality" GPS units all provide essentially a complete mapping package, including the abil- ity to differentially correct data using PPDGPS. Since there is almost a quali- tative divide between them and other GPS systems, I will treat Trimble prod- ucts separately. Trimble vs. Everybody Else: " Mapping Grade" GPS systems - Trimble map- ping products are expensive, but they provide mapping data with 0.5-3 meter accuracy, using a standard computer and Internet connection. Their system includes software (Pathfinder Office) that runs on the PC computer and pro- vides a powerful and easy PPDGPS facility. The package provides reason- ably flexible data entry capabilities, the ability to record information on line- type or area-type objects (instead of just points), and flexible integration with GIS systems. Trimble has essentially two lines that depend on PPDGPS. 1) Trimble's GeoExplorer is a hand-held GPS that costs about $3500 with the battery pack. It provides 1-3 meter accuracy, differentially corrected. It has a fairly flexible data entry capability and it's controlled through a series of menus, but it has only 8 buttons on the key- pad. Text data is entered by scrolling through the entire alphanumeric char- acter set, which can be quite tedious. Fortunately, the data entry screens al- low the creation of menus, which can often minimize the need to enter text. 2) Trimble's Pathfinder Pro XL has the GPS receiver mounted in a backpack, attached to a handheld datalogger, and its 8- or 12-channel GPS engine pro- vides accuracy to less than a meter. Trimble no longer manufactures it, but it can often be found used. The up- dated versions of the ProXL are the ProXR and ProXRS, which integrate RTDGPS capability and provide accu- racy down to 0.5 meters. They cost $9,000 to $12,000. The "ProX" line dataloggers provides better informa- tion about the GPS status than the GeoExplorer and they have full alpha- numeric keypads. For further discussion see www.cdfa.ca.gov/gps. And for Everybody Else: Real Time Differential GPS (RTDGPS) - RTDGPS has one big advantage over Post-Pro- cessed Differential GPS (PPDGPS): the corrected, high-accuracy results are available immediately in the field. This makes RTDGPS extremely useful for navigation, as its accuracy is 1-20 meters, depending on the quality of the receiver and the reference data. The major disadvantage of RTDGPS rela- tive to PPDGPS is that the accurate re- sults depend on remaining in contact with the reference station. Any loca- tions recorded while out of contact will Helena Aquatic Specialists Bonnie Figliolia 813-626-5121 Trace Wolfe 888-212-1390 561-301-8653 Bo O’Neal 561-573-7405 Helena Ad 2/c P/U from Winter Aquatics with change as on this page change 2nd color to green pms 346 12 SPRING 2000 f USDA researchers use GPS technology to track the progress of the country’s first melaleuca biocontrol agent, Oxyops vitiosa in Florida. have only 100 meter accuracy, and there will be no way to improve that accuracy, either in the field or the of- fice (unless you also have PPDGPS ca- pability, or want to stay on one location for an extended period of time so you can average the results). PPDGPS does not depend on remaining in contact with a reference station. RTDGPS is also somewhat less accurate than PPDGPS, but the difference is gener- ally negligible for all but the most de- manding applications. In the past, RTDGPS had other disadvantages hav- ing to do with the complexity and ex- pense of implementing RTDGPS relative to PPDGPS, especially for implementing the most dependable solutions. However, as with most emerging technologies, costs continue to drop and performance improves. In the last year or so RTDGPS solutions have begun to appear that approach the cost-effectiveness and dependabil- ity of Trimble units. The major variable in the cost vs. dependability equation of RTDGPS is the choice of the source for the differ- ential correction data. For most of us, there are three major sources for cor- rection data: 1) commercial broadcasts on FM wavelengths, using transmis- sion facilities of normal commercial radio, 2) commercial broadcasts from geosynchronous satellites, and 3) gov- ernment broadcasts from specialized Coast Guard DGPS transmitters called "Beacons." As you might expect, there are trade-offs between cost, conve- nience, and capability for these differ- ent options. For a more complete discussion of sources for data correction see www. cdfa . ca.gov/gps Mix and Match - There are two other trends that can affect the choice of a system. First, RTDGPS has such over- powering advantages that manufac- turers are integrating RTDGPS receivers with GPS receivers in their higher-end systems. For example, Trimble's ProXL has been replaced by the ProXR, which incorporates a Bea- con receiver, and the ProXRS, which incorporates both a Beacon and satel- lite receiver. The other trend is to turn a computer or other equipment into a GPS system. For instance, TeleType produces a small GPS sensor, without any readout whatsoever, that can plug into the PC port of a laptop computer and turn it into a GPS unit. Including software to allow viewing of the results against a background map, it costs about $850. At CDFA, we are about to evaluate a similar system. It combines a Racal Navigator 2-meter accuracy DGPS sensor (which is a Trimble 8- channel GPS receiver integrated with RacaTs DGPS correction receiver), a handheld Windows CE computer, and datalogging /GPS /mapping software to create a complete datalogging RTDGPS system, which should also provide a moving map for navigation purposes. The sensor costs about $2800, the handheld computer about $600, the software about $700, and various costs for cables, battery, and pack bring the total cost to $4500, which includes one year of the satel- lite DGPS subscription service. This competes in cost with the GeoExplorer, yet provides real-time differential GPS in the field for excellent navigation (es- pecially with the moving map), robust satellite service, and a very convenient and flexible data entry system. What's a Poor Mapper to Do? If you are trying to get into GPS mapping of weeds, the first step is to — XenoNET — , General GPS Web Sites www.navcen.uscg.mil/dgps -The Coast Guard site for DGPS www.fs.fed.us/database/gps/ USFS -GPS Page, especially good for access to Trimble Base Station sites ftp://ftp.trimble.com/pub/cbsfiles /-Trimble's base station files from Sunnyvale, CA www.fs fed. us/data base/gps/eureka.htm -USFS Eureka, California GPS base station www.cnde.iastate.edu/staff/swormley/gps/ dgps.html -Sam Wormley's DGPS explanations www.qualityeng.co.uk/gpstutor -GPS Tutor: fairly detailed treatment vancouver-webpages.com/pub/peter/index.html- Peter Bennett's GPS and NME A Site www.geo.swt.edu/reference/Gps.html -GPS LINKS www.gislinx.com/GPS_Sites/ - Gateway site for links to many GPS and GIS issues www. utexas . ed u/dep ts/grg/gcraft/no tes/gps/ gps.html -GPS overview www.trimble.com/gps/index.htm -Trimble GPS overview GPS "General Stores" www.navtechgps.com -Navtech GPS Store www.cansel.ca -Cansel: sales and rentals GPS and surveying equipment www. geowar chouse, com -Geowarehouse www.nvlt.com/index.html -NVLT GPS Receivers and Satellite Communication Products Mapping and Surveying Grade GPS Manufacturers www.trimble.com -Trimble GPS Solutions WWW. cmt inc. co m-Corvallis Microtech- nology, Inc www.satloc.com/index.stm -Satloc: especially for agricultural applications, but also mapping www.ashtech.com -Ashtech, now merged with Magellan www.topcon.com -Topcon, mostly surveying Consumer-grade GPS Manufacturers (including Beacon RTDGPS receivers) www.eaglegps.com -Eagle Electronics www.garmin.com -Garmin GPS products www.magellangps.com -Magellan GPS products Vendors of FM RTDGPS receivers and services www.accqpoint.com -ACCQPOINT Com- munications Corporation www.dgps.com -DCI's DGPS and TMC Services Vendors of Satellite RTDGPS receivers and services www.omnistar.com -OmniStar www.racal-landstar-usa.com www.racal-landstar.com -Racal LandStar Post-Processing DGPS Software www.geotronics.se: 8 1 /gpssoft .shtml - Geotracer System 2000 WILDLAND WEEDS 13 establish your priorities, including cost. Your budget will determine whether you can afford differential correction and flexible data entry and manipulation. Also consider where you work. If you work within range of the Coast Guard Beacons, this is defi- nitely an option to consider carefully. A simple sportsman model GPS with an added consumer-level Beacon re- ceiver (accurate to 4-12 meters) would not cost much more than $600 total. For another $1100-1500 you could add flex- ible data entry, by interfacing a Beacon- based RTDGPS sensor with a consumer handheld computer and appropriate software. If you work be- yond the range of the Beacons but have a higher budget, Trimble's GeoExplorer provides data entry flexibility, good accuracy for mapping via PPDGPS, and no continuing subscription costs. If you can afford an additional $800 per year above the cost of a GeoExplorer, then a handheld computer system in- terfaced with a satellite-based RTDGPS will give you accurate navigation, very convenient data entry, and the freedom of satellite RTDGPS. If you cannot af- ford differential correction, probably greater overall accuracy can be achieved with careful marking of 7.5 min USGS topographic quads in the field, rather than GPS. Finally, remem- ber that GPS is an emerging technol- ogy. If you can't afford what you want now, in a year or two it might be avail- able. Improving the Accuracy of the GPS System: Differential Correction Most of us would probably wish to locate a weed to better than 100 meters, or even 20 meters. There are several ways of improving the accuracy of the GPS system, but the one that presently offers the best combination of speed, convenience, cost, and dependability is called differential correction, or dif- ferential GPS (DGPS). It is not the most accurate, but will provide 0.5 -10 meter accuracy with one second of data, de- pending on the quality of the GPS re- ceiver. Even the better sportsman models routinely provide 2-5 meter accuracy using differential correction. One to three meters of accuracy has proved adequate for our needs at CDFA, and DGPS has so many other advantages over more accurate ap- proaches that we have never imple- mented them. DGPS works on a simple principle. One unit is stationary, at a known lo- cation, and acts as a reference base sta- tion. The base station unit knows its true location, but continues to calcu- late its position according to the infor- mation it receives from the GPS satellites. The difference between the calculated position and the true posi- tion provides an accurate estimate of the errors in the calculated measure- ment, at the time of the measurement. This estimate of the error can then be applied to the position calculations made at the same time by any GPS unit nearby (called the mobile or rover unit), even if it is moving. For many applications, "nearby" can be any- where up to 200 miles. There are two major methods whereby differential corrections can be applied to the measurements made by a mobile unit. 1) Post-Processed DGPS (PPDGPS): The position measure- ments are stored in the mobile GPS and later downloaded to a computer. The correction measurements from the ref- erence GPS are also downloaded into the computer, and then specialized limberland Enterprises, Inc. Renewing the Environment Vegetation management programs and control products for Aquatics, Forestry and Roadway/Utility Rights of Way. SOLUTIONS - SERVICE - SATISFACTION FLORIDA OFFICE 3705-10 S.W. 42nd Ave Gainesville, FL 32608 (352) 375-2601 (O) (352) 375-3123 (FAX) CORPORATE OFFICE P.O. Box 557 Monticello, AR 71655 (870) 367-8561 14 SPRING 2000 NAEPPC Meets at Natural Areas Association Conference software applies the corrections to the measurements made by the mobile unit. 2) Real-Time DGPS (RTDGPS): The correction measurements from the reference GPS are sent to the mobile GPS (almost always by radio), and the corrections are applied to the position measurements a split second after they are made. The mobile GPS unit must have the necessary software and cir- cuitry to apply the corrections to the mobile GPS position measurements, but this capability is now common in modern GPS units, even many sports- man models. Such models use phrases such as "DGPS ready" to describe themselves. A separate antenna and receiver must be added to the GPS unit so it can receive the broadcasts from the reference station. In addition, in many cases access to the reference station sig- nals is sold as a separate service. In high-end professional GPS units, inte- grated receivers for the reference sta- tions are becoming more common. Pat Akers is a Agricultural Biologist with the Integrated Pest Control Branch , California Department of Food and Agri- culture , pakers@cdfa.ca.gov Brian Bowen, SE-EPPC Coordinator The National Association of the Ex- otic Pest Plant Council met on Octo- ber 13 in conjunction with the 26th Annual Natural Areas Conference in Tucson, AZ. The meeting was well-at- tended with representatives from CalEPPC, FLEPPC, TN-EPPC, KY- EPPC (forming) and Mid Atlantic- EPPC (MA-EPPC). The Pacific Northwest EPPC was unable to attend. A brief overview was given by Brian Bowen regarding the history of NAEPPC. There was a discussion of the MOU signed by FLEPPC, CALEPPC, PACNWEPPC, and TN- EPPC at Asilomar, California in 1995 which established NAEPPC. Brian Bowen of TN-EPPC, John Randall and Nelroy Jackson, both of CALEPPC who were present a this meeting, also helped draft the 1995 MOU. John Randall suggested that the MOU be updated. Nelroy Jackson, who was the original transcriber, agreed to work on updating it. Brian and John agreed to review the changes. The MOU will then be sent to all of the respective EPPC boards for approval. Some noteworthy changes include updating the MOU to add the newly- formed Councils. This may also in- clude organizations interested in par- ticipating in the NAEPPC even though they are not an EPPC formally by name, ie., the New York Invasive Plant Council. All participating organiza- tions however will be required to sub- scribe to the EPPC mission and its goals. The MOU will clearly state that EPPC's purpose pertains to natural area and wildland weed issues. It was PRODUCT PORTFOLIO Arsenal Imazapic Applicators Concentrate (Plateau) Pendulum American Cyanimid PRODUCT USES Exotic Control • Brush Control • Bareground Turf Management • Seed Head Suppression • Basal Applications • Pre-emergent Control • Aquatic EUP • For Information Call Phil C. Waller (941) 619-6255 Fax (941 ) 701 -8287 6651 ENGLELAKE DRIVE, LAKELAND, FLORIDA 33813 WILDLAND WEEDS 15 SE-EPPC President’s Message also suggested that SE-EPPC have in- dividual state chapter representation to NAEPPC, instead of a single SE- EPPC representative. Another important topic of discus- sion pertained to completing the EPPC patent that Florida EPPC began work- ing on last year. A renewed effort will be made, perhaps enlisting the help of KY-EPPC, who may have useful legal connections. NAEPPC will hold the patent and will have the authority to determine who can use the name. This concern is based on very non-eppc like groups forming with very different purposes, using the name, and under- mining EPPC's credibility. Once again, this is very much about keeping EPPC's original purpose in tact as the only the non-governmental organiza- tion whose primary focus is natural area or wildland weed issues. NAEPPC voted to support Brian Bowen's nomination to the National Invasive Species Advisory Committee. This Committee will advise the Na- tional Invasive Species Council whose charge under the President's Executive Order is to help shape national policy on invasive exotic species issues. The Invasive Species Council is required to oversee the completion of a national management plan by August 2000. Brian was also nominated to represent the Natural Areas Association, where he serves as a board member and chair of the exotic species committee. Jil Swearingen agreed to write the sup- port letter for NAEPPC. Other EPPC support letters were sent by FLEPPC, TN-EPPC, and SE-EPPC. As the last order of business, Jil Swearingen of MA-EPPC was elected chair person for NAEPPC. Her respon- sibilities entail setting the agenda and organizing next year's NAEPPC meet- ing at the Natural Areas Conference in St. Louis, MO. The NAEPPC meeting adjourned after approximately two and half hours of productive work (see minutes on SE-EPPC's web page for more information, www.se-eppc.org). -Brain Bowen is the Southeast EPPC Co- ordinator and founding member of Tennessee EPPC and the National Association of Exotic Pest Plant Councils. He can be reached via e- mail at: nighttrainO@ home.com. Dan Brown, SE-EPPC President A friend told me this short story sev- eral years ago. It is still one of my favor- ites: Two newborn babies are lying in adjacent cribs. They are facing each other; and they appear to look at each other and smile. Time passes. Eighty years later, the same two people meet once again. They are in adjacent hospi- tal beds, and they both are near death. Their eyes meet; they smile; and one says to the other: "Well, what did you think?" Now, you may be thinking: "Brown obviously doesn't have a president's message, because he's starting out with some off-the-hospital wall short story." Here's my point: SE-EPPC is new. A lot of changes are going to happen around us - involving us, and exotic in- vasive plants - over the next few years. During our early years of growth, we (SE-EPPC) can have a lot of impact on what those changes are. Take a look at our objectives: We're basically saying that we want to make the public more knowledgeable about invasive exotic plants. We want them to know how se- riously these plants can spread and take over areas and even choke-out the na- tive plants. We want them to know how to control these exotics... and we want them to know more about growing na- tive plants. So, what are some good ways to ac- complish these objectives? If you were (or are) a land owner or land manager, what would you want to know about these exotic pests? Think about it. Talk to other members; talk to the public. Let me, or the other officers, or board mem- bers know what you're thinking - new publications, workshops, ways to in- crease membership, newsletter topics, whatever! We can use your ideas to de- velop important, practical activities and products relating to our objectives. We're a new organization. You, the members, have a tremendous amount of knowl- edge and expertise relating to exotic pest plants, and to native plants. Let's use that knowledge and expertise to make a posi- tive difference for the Southeastern en- vironment - and beyond. ...and then in the not too distant fu- ture, when someone asks you what you think of SE-EPPC; you can say: " j" -Dan Brown is the President of the South- east Exotic Pest Plant Council. He can be reached via e-mail at: Mtnrr@ aol.com. HOSTED NORTH CAROLINA BOTANICAL GARDEN BY THE The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council Annual Symposium Invasive Exotic Species : Truth and Consequences March 16, 17, 18, 2000 T fie level of awareness of the negative effects that invasive exotic plants have on the environment, economy and human health is increasing. Concerned individuals must sustain and expand this educational momentum and strive to reduce the threats of biological pollution. This Symposium is a key forum for bringing together ' individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to help meet this challenge. Ampelopsis brevipedunculata, porcelain berry by Sandra Brooks-Mathers 1999 To obtain a program and registration form and and for futrher information, call 919 - 962-0522 A print-out registration form and conference information can also be found on the web www.unc.edu/depts/ncbg 16 SPRING 2000 Internodes Maui Invasive Species Committee Hires 'SWAT TEAM' The Hawaiian Islands are home of some of the world's most unique bio- logical diversity, yet the 50 th state also has the highest number of endangered species for the United States. Among the many threats to these endemic plants and animals (found nowhere else on earth!), are invasive species brought from all corners of the globe. An under-funded State Department of Agriculture has its hands full trying to limit new serious introductions and looks forward to developing technolo- gies that will aid them in this huge task. But in the meantime, how does Hawaii prevent incipient invaders from establishing beyond control? Help is on the way! While tackling harmful alien species on all of the islands may be overwhelming, the islands of Maui County have organized to set a precedent for others to follow. Over the years, good relations among various conservation agencies has led to effec- tive partnerships that identify common goals for the overall protection of Maui's natural areas. More recently, these part- nerships have culminated in the forma- tion of the Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC). MISC has interested parties from not only conservation and local government, but the private and business sector as well. The committee expanded its focus of simply preventing invasives' impact on conservation areas, to include threats to economy, health, and quality of life. Hard work from dedicated individuals resulted in funding from a large pool of stakeholders, and this formed the oper- ating budget to execute this year's MISC Action Plan. This Action Plan prioritizes the worst plant and animal pests that are currently at the beginning stages of becoming established in Maui County. Research has shown these target spe- cies to have severe impact in ecosys- tems similar to Maui's; it's anticipated (through a system of scientific criteria) that they will wreak havoc if they're allowed to become established in Maui County. While eradication is a noble goal for many of these alien threats, the value of immediate containment is also recognized. The newly hired MISC field crew will perform the real 'on the ground' work to halt the establishment of tar- geted species. Their duties include sur- veying, mapping, control, data tracking, landowner interaction, and public outreach and education. After recently taking this crew out on 'scout and control' missions for Miconia (Hawaii's worst incipient weed), I am happy to report that the able-bodied 'SWAT Team' will prove their determi- nation to rid Maui of these unwanted pests. -Pat Bily, The Nature Conser- vancy of Hawaii , pbily@tnc.org. The "Witch Doctor" is out to pasture Dr. Robert E. (Bob) Eplee, dubbed the "Witch Doctor" for his many years of service to the witchweed eradication program retired from the USDA on De- cember 31, 1999. Bob is a native of McDowell County, NC. He received a B.S. (and he's good at it) from Berea College in Kentucky, a M.S. from the University of Kentucky and Ph.D. from North Carolina State University. He was an Extension Agent in Kentucky from 1957-1962, a lead scientist and Director of the Witchweed/ White ville Methods Development Center, USDA, ARS from 1965-1995, and has been with USDA, APHIS /PPQ since 1999. Many of us know Bob for his long- time involvement in weed science. He served as primary liaison with the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) to- ward passage of the Federal Noxious Weed Act of 1974. In the 1970s he worked with the University of Florida and the Imperial Valley in California to develop hydrilla control methods (hiring the young rising star, Randall Stocker to de- velop triploid white amur in CA). In the 1980s he worked with state agencies and universities to eradicate several Federal Noxious Weeds, including crupina, goatsrhue, wormleaf salsoa, broomrape. Brewer Ad New Ad WILDLAND WEEDS 17 Mark Your Calendar and itchgrass. He was named Weed Sci- ence Fellow by the WSSA in 1993. Most recently, many of us have worked with Bob or are familiar with his efforts on tropical soda apple, wetland nightshade, and redrice eradication, participation on the Federal Interagency Committee for the Management of Noxious and Exotic Weeds, and contributions to the OTA Report on Harmful Non-indigenous Species and the Executive Order on In- vasive Species. For Bob Eplee's ambition and ac- complishments in solving invasive/ noxious weed problems we owe a debt of gratitude. And although he is offi- cially retired I don't think we've heard the last of him, as he slipped while I was talking to him on the telephone that he was "fixing up an office in the back of the lab." Keep in touch. Bob. - Ken Langeland. IFAS Circular 1204, "Help Pro- tect Florida's Natural Areas From Non-Native Invasive Plants" has been updated to reflect species that were added to the DACS Nox- ious Weed List in 1999. Multiple copies are available free to EPPC members from the IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. If you would like to obtain copies to hand out at meetings where they can be used for public education please contact us at 352/392-9613/ 1799 or kpb@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu. Florida Federation of Garden Clubs Blossoms and Butterflies Conference. Winter Park, FL. March 14-16. Contact Caron Beatty 904/241-1563. Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council Annual Meeting. North Carolina Bo- tanical Garden, Chapel Hill. March 16- 18. Contact: John Randall jrandall@ email.unc.edu. Association of Southeastern Biolo- gists Annual Meeting. University of Tennessee, Chatanooga. April 5-8. Contact Patricia Dreyer 423/576-8123 or see http://am.appstate.edu/top/ dept /biology /asb/. BES/ESA 2000: A Joint Meeting of the British Ecological Society and the Ecological Society of America. Or- lando, FL. April 9-13. Contact ESA 202/833-8773, esahq@esa.org or see http:/ / esa.sdsc.edu. Sixth International Conference on Remote Sensing for Marine and Coastal Environments. Charleston, South Carolina. May 1-3. (A pre-con- ference workshop will address the uses of GPS and geographic information systems technologies for natural re- source management.) Contact: Nancy Wallman, PO Box 134008, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48113-4008, (734) 994-1200, wallman@erim-int.com, www.erim- int.com/CONF/marine/ MARINE.html. Florida Native Plant Society Annual meeting, Miami Florida. May 4-7. Con- tact: Keith Bradley 305/644-0452, con- ference® fnps.org. Ecosystems Restoration and Cre- ation (formerly Annual Conference on Wetlands Creation). Hillsborough Community College, Tampa, FL. May 11-12. Contact: Frederick J Webb 813/ 757-2148, webb@mail.hcc.cc.fl.us. Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council 15th Annual Symposium. Westin Beach Resort, Key Largo, FL. May 16- 18. Contact: Ken Langeland 352/392- 9614, kal@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu. Third International Weed Science Congress. Foz do Iguassu, Parana, Bra- zil. June 6-11. Contact: P. J. Eventos 55/ 41/372-1177, pj@datasoft.com.br, http:/ / www.sercomtel.com.br/ice/ plantas International Meeting for the Soci- ety of Conservation Biology. Univer- sity of Montana, Missoula. June 9-12. Contact Fred Allendorf 406/243-4184, darwin@selway.umt.edu, http:// conbio.rice.edu/ seb/ announcemts/ 2000meeting.shtml. Join the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council! Annual Membership Dues Include: Quarterly magazine, Wildland Weeds • Quarterly newsletter Legislative updates regarding exotic plant control issues. Membership: INDIVIDUAL Student - $ 10 General - $20 Contributing - $50 Donor - $51-500 INSTITUTIONAL General - $100 Contributing - $500 Donor -$501 -$10,000 Patron - $10,000 or more Wildland Weeds subscription - $ 15/year ( does not include other membership benefits) Name: Address: Telephone: e-mail: Membership type: Mail to: Dan Thayer, 3301 Gun Club Rd., West Palm Bch., FL 33406 40th Annual and International Meeting, Aquatic Plant Management Society. Handerly Hotel and Resort, San Diego CA. July 16-20. Contact Jim Schmidt 800/558-5106, jimschmidt@ appliedbiochemists.com. 85th Annual Meeting of the Ecologi- cal Society of America. Snowbird Utah. August 6-10. Contact ESA 202/833- 8773, esahq@esa.org or see http:// esa.sdsc.edu. International Conference of the Soci- ety for Ecologial Restoraton. Liverpool England. September 4-9. Contact: SER 608/265-8557, ser@macc.wisc.edu, http:/ / www.ser.org. 18 SPRING 2000 Zeneca Full page 4/C P/U WILDLAND WEEDS 19 Griffin 4/C New Ad Winter 20 SPRING 2000