Invasive Species Science

Branch Chief: Jeff Morisette

FORT scientists in the Invasive Species Science Branch develop models to understand and forecast invasive species distribution and spread, and conduct research to develop methods for control and prevention of invasive reptiles and amphibians.

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In the News

FORT Scientists Co-Recipients of Partners in Conservation Award for Third Year Running

FORT's Tracy Holcombe (2nd from left) with fellow award winners Sharon Gross (USGS) and Lindy Brigham and Sarah Brown Smallhouse of the SABCC. Photo by Tami Heilemann, DOI.

At the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Partners in Conservation Awards Ceremony held at the Main Interior building in Washington, D.C., on September 21, 2011, FORT staff were once again honored to be part of a team receiving this award from Interior Secretary Ken Salazar. FORT scientists Tracy Holcombe (who attended) and Jeff Morisette, along with USGS’s Sharon Gross (Invasive Species Coordinator, Reston) and Julio Betancourt (National Research Program, Tucson), are part of the non-profit Southern Arizona Buffelgrass Coordination Center (SABCC) that Dr. Betancourt helped establish. SABCC is an integrated collaboration of Federal agencies, local governments, private businesses, nonprofit organizations, and academic and private institutions to protect the ecosystem and community from invasion by African buffelgrass and the associated fire risk. By working across jurisdictions and coordinating among public and private entities, SABCC has created a partnership that synchronizes regional efforts, realizes efficiencies by directing information and resources toward a common infrastructure, and educates and engages legislators and the public.

Salazar Honors Partners in Conservation Award Winners

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