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Our mission
is to reduce the impact of invasive plant species in the Midwest |
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Early Detection & Rapid Response |
MIPN Board of Directors Federal Government: Carmin Chapin, U.S. National Park Service (Wisconsin)
Liaison,
Great Lakes Exotic Plant Management Team,
National Park Service Carmen Chapin is the coordinator of the National Park Service Great Lakes Exotic Plant Management Team. She facilitates exotic plant control in 8 National Parks in the western Great Lakes. In addition to assisting parks with on the ground effort, Carmen is active in many partnership activities related to invasive species and natural resource management, including serving as chair for the Midwest Natural Resources Group Great Lakes Terrestrial Invasive Species Committee. She has a MS and PhD in ecosystem science and has previously worked for USDA-ARS in the area of biocontrol.
Brian Davidson, US Forest Service (Missouri)
Jan Schultz, U.S. Forest Service (Wisconsin)
Botany, Non-native Invasive Species Program Manager Jan is currently the Botany and Non-native Invasive Species Program Leader for the Eastern Region of the U.S. Forest Service which is composed of approximately 20 states and 15 national forests. Jan represents the Eastern Region of the US Forest Service on the TISC (Terrestrial Invasive Species Committee) of the Midwest Natural Resources Group and also represents the Eastern Region of the USFS as the RISIT (Regional Invasive Species Issue Team) for the national RISIT. Prior to this position, she spent seventeen years on the Hiawatha National Forest in the upper peninsula of Michigan working as Forest Plant Ecologist, Non-native Invasive Species Coordinator, Research Natural Area Coordinator and Plant Program Manager for propagation of native plants for restoration purposes. She has received a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Master of Science in Ecology. ..................................................................................................................................................... State Government: Bob Clancy, Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (Michigan) Ecological Restoration Specialist, Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources and Environment
Kelly Kearns, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (Wisconsin)
Plant Conservation Program Manager Kelly Kearns has a B.S. in Horticulture from Purdue University and an M.S. in Restoration Ecology from the Landscape Architecture Department of the University of Wisconsin - Madison. She has worked at the Bureau of Endangered Resources, WI Department of Natural Resources since 1984, and as the Plant Conservation Program Manager since 1990. She is responsible for the conservation of native plants, for coordinating the state wild ginseng program and for coordinating DNR activities regarding ecologically invasive terrestrial plants. These responsibilities include education and outreach, grants management, policy and rule revisions, working with partners and researchers, sharing control information, and supervising the Wisconsin early detection project for invasive plants. She works extensively with the Wisconsin DNR Invasive Species Team, Forest Invasives Leadership Team, Wisconsin Council on Invasive Species, Invasive Plants Association of Wisconsin, and MIPN.
Laura Van Riper, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (Minnesota)
Terrestrial Invasive Species Coordinator Laura is the Terrestrial Invasive Species Coordinator for the Ecological and Water Resources Division of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Laura works to provide technical guidance to DNR staff, coordinate with researchers on biocontrol efforts, and facilitate coordination on invasive species issues among DNR divisions and other organizations and agencies. Laura coordinated with MIPN members in the planning of the 2010 Minnesota-Wisconsin Invasive Species Conference co-hosted by MIPN. Laura earned a Ph.D. in ecology from the University of Minnesota in 2005. Her dissertation research focused on the effects of yellow sweetclover invasion at Badlands National Park, South Dakota and its impacts on soils and native and nonnative species. Recently, Laura spent four years working as a post-doctoral research associate at the University of Minnesota studying garlic mustard invasion in Minnesota forests. Over her career, Laura has enjoyed working in the prairies and forests of Minnesota, South Dakota, and North Dakota. She also likes to get outside with her husband, toddler, and two goofy dogs. ..................................................................................................................................................... Industry: Alan Blowers, Ball Horticultural Company (Illinois)
Brian Corr, Valent BioSciences Corporation (Illinois)
Product Development Manager,
Valent Biosciences Corporation Brian Corr is Project Development Manager for the Valent Biosciences Corporation. Brian has been active in the invasive species issue for many years having spoken to numerous national and international audiences on the importance of the ornamental horticulture industry acting responsibly in the introduction of new plants, while emphasizing the importance of new plant introductions to the industry. Brian earned his BS and MS degrees at the University of Illinois and his PhD in Plant Physiology/Horticulture at the University of Minnesota.
Bob Masters, Dow AgroSciences (Indiana) Rangeland Scientist,
Global Product Development Leader, Rangeland, Pastures, and Industrial
Vegetation Management Bob Masters received a B.S. in Wildlife Biology at Texas A&M University in 1978, a M.S. in Rangeland Science at Texas A&M University in 1981, and a Ph.D. in Rangeland and Wildlife Management at Texas Tech University in 1985. From 1985 to 2001, he was a Rangeland Scientist with the USDA- Agricultural Research Service at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. He was responsible for developing integrated invasive plant management strategies designed to restore grassland quality and health in the Central Great Plains. From 2001 to present he has been employed by Dow AgroSciences. He is now stationed in Indianapolis, Indiana and serves as the Global Product Development Leader for the Rangeland, Pasture, and Industrial Vegetation Management business. He currently is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture at the University of Nebraska and Department of Agronomy at Iowa State University. ..................................................................................................................................................... Non-profit Organizations: Heather Bacher, Central Indiana Land Trust (Indiana)
Executive Director,
Central Indiana Land Trust Heather Bacher has been the Executive Director of the Central Indiana Land Trust since 2003. As the Executive Director of the Land Trust, Heather provides leadership and support to the Board of Directors and is responsible for administering and implementing all programs, policies, and goals of the Land Trust. She oversees the day-to-day activities of the organization and the management of the staff, office and properties. She is active in the community and serves on the Johnson County Comprehensive Plan Update Steering Committee, the Steering Committee of the Eagle Creek Watershed Alliance and as a board member of the Upper White River Watershed Alliance. Heather has worked in conservation for 14 years in both the government and nonprofit sectors. At the international Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, she worked to promote the conservation of birds in the Gulf Coast region in North and Central America and the Caribbean. Heather has also worked for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and The Nature Conservancy in both Texas and Indiana. She has a master’s degree in environmental resource management and cultural ecology from The University of Texas at Austin.
Lisa Brush, The Stewardship Network (Michigan) - Vice President
Executive Director,
The Stewardship Network Lisa Brush has worked in the environmental field in Michigan for the last fifteen years. She is currently the Executive Director of the Stewardship Network and has been involved with the Network's since its inception more than seven years ago. She has a wealth of experience helping non-scientific people understand scientific issues. For over seven years as she has built and coordinated the Stewardship Network she has emphasized effective and meaningful stakeholder involvement in developing and implementing all aspects of this program. Prior to her work with the Network, Lisa worked with the Huron River Watershed Council on drinking water protection, land use planning, and communication programs. She developed and helped implement the HRWC's award-winning mass media education campaign and the award-winning Community Guide to Drinking Water Protection. She has a M.S. in Natural Resources from the University of Michigan and a B.A. (Science in Society) from Wesleyan University. When she's not working Lisa loves playing with her six-year old daughter and four-year old son and looking for that spare moment when she can help out on a prescribed burn, make a quilt, sneak in a run, or even rarer these days catch a game of ultimate Frisbee.
Rachel Gagnon, Ontario Invasive Plant Council (Ontario)
Coordinator, Ontario Invasive Plant Council Rachel Gagnon is currently the coordinator with the Ontario Invasive Plant Council (OIPC) a new nonprofit organization made up of various agencies and organizations across the province working together to effectively fight against the growing threat of invasive plants. Her past experience includes 3 years with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's Emerald Ash Borer control program, GIS tech with the city of Peterborough's flood reduction plan and most recently Terrestrial Invasive Outreach Liaison with the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters. Rachel is a graduate of the Forestry Technician program at Sault College of Applied Arts and Sciences, Fleming College's Geographic Information Systems cartographic specialist program as well as a certification in green building through the sustainable building design and construction program. Rachel has a passion for the environment and a keen interest in invasive plants and invasive plant control. ..................................................................................................................................................... Research: Roger Becker, University of Minnesota
Professor, Extension & Research Roger Becker has a B.S. in Agronomy, and a M.S. and Ph.D. in Plant Physiology from Iowa State University. He has been with Iowa State University as an Extension Associate, Monsanto in Product Development, and is currently a Professor at the University of Minnesota in an Extension and Research capacity. He works to develop weed management strategies in annual and perennial systems in disturbed and undisturbed habitats. Current projects include management of purple loosestrife in wetlands, Canada thistle in native prairies, common buckthorn and garlic mustard in woodlands, commercial processing sweet corn and peas, biological control of weeds, and the environmental impacts of herbicide and non-herbicide weed management systems.
Bob Hartzler, ISU Extension Agronomy (Iowa) Extension Weed Specialist & Professor of Agronomy
Mark Renz, University of Wisconsin (Wisconsin) - President
Assistant Professor,
Department of Agronomy Mark Renz received both his B.S. (Botany) and Ph.D. (Plant Biology/weed science) from the University of California, Davis. He has held several positions in research and extension, but currently is an extension weed scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Currently his program conducts extension and research in the management of weeds in perennial cropping systems and natural areas. Specific areas of interest include 1. The
biology, ecology and management of perennial weeds ..................................................................................................................................................... Land Managers/Other: Janet Clark, Sweetgrass Consulting (Montana)
Sweetgrass Consulting Based in Montana, Janet Clark is self-employed as a writer/editor, project manager, and researcher of conservation and agriculture issues, policies, and funding opportunities. She serves on the Invasive Species Advisory Committee for the National Invasive Species Council and on the Boards of Directors for the Midwest Invasive Plant Network and the Pacific Northwest Invasive Plant Council. Janet has worked on invasive plant projects for 20+ years in various capacities, often coordinating multi-partner projects, publications, and events in the West and nationally. She is particularly interested in effective communication and organizational networking, natural resource policy, ecosystem sustainability issues, and public participation in legislative and policy-making processes.
Chris Henze, Johnson County Secondary Road Dept. (Iowa)
Roadside Vegetation Manager/Weed Commissioner Chris is the Roadside Vegetation Manager and County Weed Commissioner for the Johnson County Secondary Road Department in Eastern Iowa. Chris is in charge of the Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management Program (IRVM) and has been managing noxious weeds and invasive species on roadsides for nearly 15 years. While on the job, you may find Chris conducting prescribed burns, planting native grasses and wildflowers in roadsides, installing erosion controls, driving a tractor or running a chainsaw. Chris is also chairperson of the Hawkeye Cooperative Weed Management Area and is active in grant activities, as well as management and educational efforts.
Jennifer Hillmer (Ohio), Cleveland Metroparks Invasive
Plant Coordinator Jennifer is a founding member and officer of the Ohio Invasive Plants Council. She recently was the Land Steward for The Holden Arboretum in Kirtland, Ohio, and has also worked as a land steward and a volunteer coordinator for The Nature Conservancy, Ohio Chapter, and as a Natural Heritage data specialist at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. Jennifer is particularly active in invasive plant management using volunteers and seasonal staff. Her interest in invasive plants includes early detection and response, mapping and tracing removal efforts, and post-removal habitat restoration.
Debbie Maurer, Lake County Forest Preserve District (Illinois)
Restoration Ecologist & Invasive
Species Coordinator Debbie Maurer has a M.S in Botany with an emphasis on plant ecology and restoration from University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Conservation Biology degree (B.S.) from University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee. She has been with the Lake County Forest Preserve District in Illinois for nearly 5 years. She is both a Restoration Ecologist for the District and the Invasive Species Coordinator. She provides countywide awareness and communication involving invasive plants to District staff, volunteers and the general public. Debbie develops and implements habitat restoration projects, oversees invasive plant control programs, coordinates the development of the District's Ecological Database. Debbie is Co-PI on the New Invaders Watch Program, an early detection program to limit the spread of new exotic invasive plants species in NE Illinois and NW Indiana. She is currently working with others to establish a CWMA in Lake and McHenry counties to improve invasive species management on public and private lands. ..................................................................................................................................................... MIPN Staff: Coordinator:
For general information, contact info (at) mipn.org ..................................................................................................................................................... |
For more information, contact MIPN via e-mail: Info at MIPN.org
