Nominations open for California Invasive Species Advisory Committee

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Food and Agriculture and the California Natural Resources Agency are seeking nominations for qualified individuals to serve on the California Invasive Species Advisory Committee.

CISAC is tasked with advising the Invasive Species Council of California – the highest level of leadership and authority in state government regarding invasive species issues.

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recent executive order on biodiversity and working lands underscores the importance of protecting the state’s unique biodiversity from non- native invasive species and climate change impacts. California is home to more species of plants and animals than any other state in the United States.

The ISCC aims to promote a consistent approach to invasive species policy at the state level. The California Invasive Species Advisory Committee advises the ISCC on a broad array of issues related to preventing the introduction of invasive species into the state and providing for their control and/or eradication, as well as minimizing the economic, ecological and human health impacts caused by invasive species. The committee maintains an intensive and regular dialogue regarding invasive species issues and provides advice to the ISCC in cooperation with other stakeholders and organizations.

The ISCC is co- chaired by the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the Secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency. Other members include:

• California Environmental Protection Agency secretary

• California State Transportation Agency secretary

• California Health and Human Services Agency secretary

• Governor’s Office of Emergency Services director

Prospective nominees of the CISAC should be knowledgeable in and represent one or more of the following communities of interest: biology, ranchers, foresters, farmers, educators, academics/ researchers, public health specialists, weed science, nematology, veterinary medicine, federal government representatives, county agricultural commissioner representatives, industry representatives, information/database managers, tribal government, economists, risk management analysts, entomology, plant pathology, public health/ epidemiology, invasive species management specialists, persons involved with global commerce, non- governmental environmental representatives, expertise in climate change and ecosystems, public relations specialists, lawyers specializing in invasive species policy and members of the public.

Committee members selected will reflect a balanced representation of viewpoints in order to effectively address the various invasive species issues under consideration by CISAC. No member may serve on the committee for more than two consecutive terms. All terms will be limited to three years in length.

Members of the CISAC and its subcommittees will serve without pay. However, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the CISAC, members, to the extent funding is available, may be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence.

Nominations should be typed and should include the following:

1. A brief summary of no more than two pages explaining the nominee’s suitability to serve on the CISAC.

2. A resume or curriculum vitae.

3. At least two letters of reference.

Nominations should be postmarked no later than Dec. 30 to David Pegos, Invasive Species Council of California, Executive Office, 2800 Gateway Oaks, Suite 201, Sacramento, CA 95833.

For additional information, visit the Invasive Species Council of California’s website at: www.iscc.ca.gov.