Texas Invasive Plant & Pest Council (TIPPC)

Download June 2008 press release.

On June 2, 2008, the Texas Invasive Plant and Pest Council (TIPPC) became formally established in the State of Texas. TIPPC originated as a motion from the floor at the second statewide Invasive Plant Conference held at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Austin, Texas in November 2007. On Friday, April 18, 2008, members of the steering committee established at that conference signed the bylaws creating the very first Texas Invasive Plant and Pest Council.

Stakeholders from state and federal agencies, conservation organizations, academia, green industry and the public sector had long discussed the need for one unified body to address the threat of invasive species in Texas. The objectives of TIPPC are to promote understanding and awareness of invasive plant and pest impacts in Texas; provide a forum for the exchange of scientific, educational and technical information; and support research and restoration activities that reduce impacts of invasive plants and pests in Texas.

The organization has 96 charter members and will be governed by an interim board until a general election is organized. Membership in TIPPC is open to individuals, corporate and institutional entities.

Council Purpose

• To promote understanding and awareness of invasive plant and pest impacts and
  management in Texas;
• Provide a forum for the exchange of scientific, educational and technical
  information; and
• Support research and restoration activities that reduce impacts of invasive pests
  and plants in Texas.
  

Council Objectives

• To provide a focus for issues and concerns regarding exotic plants and pests
  impacting native communities in the Texas;
• To facilitate the communication and exchange of information regarding all
  aspects of invasive pest and plant biology, distribution, control and management;
• To provide a forum where all interested parties may participate in meetings and
  share in the benefits from the information generated and promulgated by this
  Council;
• To promote awareness and an understanding regarding invasive pests and plants
  and their control across Texas;
• To provide expert advice for various interests concerned with invasive pests and
  plants and review invasive pest and plant management problems and activities
  and provide updated information for specific management needs; and
• To serve as an advisory council regarding funding, research, awareness, policy
  and management of invasive pests and plants.