Wisconsin takes up state-wide invasives plan

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- A Wisconsin task force is planning to host a summit later this month to discuss implementing the first statewide plan for dealing with invasive species.

The Wisconsin Council Invasive Species Council includes representatives from state agencies, private business, the University of Wisconsin System and conservation groups. The panel has spent two years developing a broad management plan that calls for increasing reporting, establishing monitoring protocols, creating better maps of invasive populations and investing in control methods.

The council is inviting government agencies, business and academic leaders and nonprofit organizations to a May 23 summit on the UW-Madison campus to discuss how to put the plan into action. The summit will include an overview of the plan, a panel discussion and breakout sessions.