Strategy 3: Coordinate with national, regional, state and local AIS efforts.

The purpose of the Flathead Basin AIS work group is to facilitate a coordinated effort in
the prevention and management of AIS in the Flathead Basin because each of the
partners recognizes they cannot accomplish these tasks as effectively alone. In addition,
coordinating with national AIS efforts prevents duplication of efforts, keeps the Flathead
Basin AIS work group members current with similar AIS issues occurring outside the
Flathead Basin, and informs the group of nationally‐based AIS prevention opportunities.

Strategy 3A: Develop an over‐arching communication forum
for the Flathead Basin AIS Partnership.

Tasks

  • Investigate possible venues (Google Groups, Sharepoints, Websites).
  • Fund technical position to assist Flathead Basin coordinator. Assist with existing
    volunteer monitoring programs, implement new volunteer programs as needed,
    assist with education/outreach efforts, etc.
  • Maintain/update communication forum.
  • Link all sub‐committee databases using various fields such as ‘focus’ (e.g. education,
    marketing, non‐native fish introductions, dydimo, New Zealand mudsnails, Eurasian
    watermilfoil, etc.).

Strategy 3B: Formally connect with national, tribal, provincial, regional and/or local efforts.

Tasks

  • Identify federal, state, tribal, regional and local efforts and groups.
  • Classify above agencies/governments/groups as partners where applicable
    and add to contact database.
  • Identify existing AIS related databases/maps.
  • Determine whether volunteers should be solicited from the Flathead Basin AIS
    partnership to serve as official representatives on any of these groups.
  • Determine which AIS databases/maps are appropriate to use
    and develop SOP for use.
  • Attend national/tribal/regional/local meetings as appropriate.
  • Implement database SOPs as needed.

Strategy 3C: Identify opportunities to work together.

Tasks

  • Produce annual “planned activities” report that outlines projects
    that all partners are planning or considering.