Strategy 1: Cooperate to plan, implement, and evaluate projects where appropriate to
achieve goals and eliminate duplication or competition, thereby increasing efficiency.
Specifically

  • Convene regular meetings to share information.
  • Review annual Flathead Basin project proposals for prioritization.
  • Encourage projects that benefit the entirety of the Flathead Basin and reduce
    competition that decreases efficiency and effectiveness.

To maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of prevention and management of AIS
within the Flathead Basin, it is necessary to establish cooperation and collaboration
among federal, state, tribal, provincial, and county agencies, and non‐government
organizations. Communication must occur frequently to coordinate funding proposals
and encourage partnerships.

Strategy 1A: Convene regular meetings of Flathead Basin AIS partners
to share information.

Tasks

  • Elect a secretary responsible for sending out Flathead Basin work group meeting
    notices, meeting logistics, note‐taking, and posting of notes according to adopted
    practices and procedures.
  • Obtain concurrence from work group to suggested meeting schedule of 2 times per
    year (1st week in April and 1st week in November).
  • Implement and clearly communicate procedures (for posting new information)
    among group members.
  • Create calendar to inform group about other relevant AIS meetings
    around the country.

Strategy 1B: Solicit and review annual Flathead Basin project proposals
for prioritization.

Tasks

  • Develop measurable outcomes and outputs to use in evaluating
    project proposals submitted for funding.
  • Review and revise point system for rating Flathead Basin projects.
  • Educate work group members about how to post documents on‐line.
  • Formalize the process via a written document (SOP) to be incorporated into the
    implementation plan.
  • Review and revise SOP annually.
  • Post documents as needed.
  • Maintain and implement schedule.

Strategy 1C: Encourage projects that benefit the entirety
of the FLATHEAD BASIN, not in competition.

Tasks

  • Create an excel spreadsheet to use as a foundation for a future funding database.
    Spreadsheet would include: target area (education, marketing, etc.); fund source;
    who can apply; due dates; links to URLs; etc.
  • Incorporate this spreadsheet into funding database (see Objective #2).
  • In interim, post spreadsheet on‐line.
  • Develop list of prioritized needs to guide organizations and agencies
    seeking to create partnership efforts.
  • Update and maintain database on website.
  • Insure that spreadsheet links to other databases.