2009 OIPC Annual General Meeting Program

There were over 150 people in attendance.  General consensus was that this was another large step forward for control of invasive plants in Ontario ...thanks to the OIPC.  The agenda was presented by a high quality, diverse range of speakers from landowners, researchers and government policy advisors to international invasive species specialists.  Presentations covered topics that had the audience in rapt attention and taking lots of notes, particularly during the extensive question and answer periods.  The sessions that dealt with the issues related to the use of pesticides clearly provided a highly valued insight for the audience as well as the presenters!

This link will provide you with the full program and the biographies of the presenters.

OIPC is Providing an Essential Service to Sustainability

At the end of the Annual General Meeting, attendees were asked to respond to a series of questions to help organizers assess the day and prepare for the next AGM. The responses were overwhelmingly positive! Three-quarters of the respondents provided a very good to excellent rating for the overall event, the organization, the venue (the location, the facilities, the food) and the speakers. In most of those question topics, the response was over 90% if you include "good" along with very good and excellent ratings.

All of the respondents indicated that they plan to attend again next year. The things that people liked the best included:

• speakers (quality, variety, adherance to their time)
• the keynote speaker
• the organization of the day
• displays, handouts and freebies
• food, coffee
• practical advice

"Excellent initiative, very impressed by progress in such a short time!"

Some of the Presentations

Here are some of the slide presentations from the 2009 AGM

 

Plenary

 

OIPC Activities and Council Committee Reports

Communications Committee report

Success in Invasive Plant Management

    - handout - Guide

Guidelines for Management

The Ontario Invasive Species Action Plan

Policy

Giant Hogweed

Risk Analysis

Integrated Pest Management for Parks

 

Communications

Making Waves - Grade 4 and 6 curriculum kit

Ontario Streams working with retailers

Update on the Invasive Species Centre and Research Institute

Research/Control

Garlic Mustard Biocontrol Project

Controlling Invasive Plants - a landowner's perspective