Conducting an Aquatic Invasive Species Early Response Exercise in Pennsylvania: A Workshop for Evaluating the Effectiveness of Pennsylvania's Rapid Response Plan. Proceedings Document. Held in Bellefonte, PA on October 28-29, 2009

摘要

This workshop, Conducting an Aquatic Invasive Species Early Response Exercise in Pennsylvania, was designed to test and help finalize the rapid response plan for Pennsylvania. The purpose of the workshop was to simulate an early response for a specific aquatic invasive species, rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) with potential impacts in Pennsylvania; giving participants an opportunity to walk through the steps outlined in the draft rapid response plan and to critique its usefulness for their agency or organization. The exercise helped to identify gaps and challenges that may prevent a timely response in areas such as policy, staffing, coordination, and communication, as well as created a dialogue about early response among local, state, and federal agencies involved with regulating Pennsylvanias waterways. The suggestions and recommendations from this workshop will be used to finalize the Pennsylvania AIS Rapid Response plan to ensure the needs and concerns of user groups and agencies are met.