The Pest Detection Management Team (PDMT) and the National CAPS Committee (NCC) would like to announce the selection of a Group Award for 2016 CAPS Recognition. A group of eight individuals planned and delivered the Cerambycidae and Buprestidae Survey and Identification Workshops held at Purdue University and the University of Massachusetts in July and August, 2015. These individuals were nominated by their peers, and are recognized for their exemplary activities and achievement above and beyond their normal duties in support of the CAPS Program.
The 2016 CAPS Recognition Award goes to:
• Nichole Carrier, USDA-APHIS-PPQ, Pest Survey Specialist, Wallingford, CT
• Sarah Grubin, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, State Survey Coordinator, Amherst, MA
• Gino Nearns, Purdue University, Purdue Entomological Research Collection, Collections Manager, West Lafayette, IN
• Bobby Brown, USDA-APHIS-PPQ, Entomology Domestic Identifier, West Lafayette, IN
• Nathan Lord, Brigham Young University, Post-doctoral Fellow, Provo, UT
• Carrie Croy-Owen, USDA-APHIS-PPQ, Field Operations Travel Management Specialist, Raleigh, NC 27606
• Christopher Pierce, USDA-APHIS-PPQ, Pest Survey Specialist, Jefferson City, MO
• Scott Blackwood, USDA-APHIS-PPQ, Pest Survey Specialist, Des Plaines, IL
Proactive surveys to detect, delimit and monitor non-native wood boring insect pests are conducted nationally through PPQ Pest Detection, CAPS, and Farm Bill survey projects. Skills and knowledge needed by field personnel in order to effectively and efficiently conduct these surveys include an awareness of available survey methods, an understanding of target pest biology, and an ability to independently conduct the surveys and screen insect specimens collected.
In July and August of 2015, Survey and Identification Workshops, focused on the beetle families Cerambycidae and Buprestidae, were successfully provided to 50 attendees from the CAPS community. These participants represented 30 different state agencies and universities in addition to USDA-APHIS-PPQ field offices. The workshops were Farm Bill supported (FY15, Project No. 3.0288.00) and were made possible due to the contributions of the working group identified above.
The two workshops were hosted by Purdue University (July 14-17, 2015) and the University of Massachusetts (August 11-15, 2015). The goals of the workshops were to increase participant knowledge and capabilities regarding (1) the biology and taxonomy of these important wood boring insect families, (2) approved methods for CAPS and PPQ Pest Detection surveys, and (3) identification of specimens to genus level to facilitate screening of samples collected in surveys.
The group prepared and submitted the Farm Bill project suggestion; created budgets to fund travel of attendees; procured needed supplies; ensured the venues, travel needs and other logistical requirements were secured and coordinated; promoted the workshops to the CAPS community; and successfully delivered training on the taxonomy and biology of Cerambycidae and Buprestidae.
In supporting awareness and knowledge of wood boring insect pest survey methods, and in supporting participants’ abilities to more efficiently and effectively screen insect specimens, these training sessions provided an important service to the CAPS community. The working group members contributed significant effort and time to ensure that these training workshops were successful. Participant responses were very positive, suggesting that participants believed the workshops were effective in achieving the intended goals. All attendees found that their ability to screen trap collections had improved, with about 44% rating their skills as “Improved” and 42% saying their skills were “Strongly Improved.” All respondents liked the format of the training which incorporated both lab and field components, with over 97% responding that the course improved their ability to conduct surveys in the field. Constructive feedback was also captured and will be used to help inform planning of possible future survey and identification workshops.
Congratulations, Nichole, Sarah, Gino, Bobby, Nathan, Carrie, Christopher, and Scott!
The CAPS Recognition Award consists of a Pest Detection silver coin (highly prized and somewhat rare). The Group will be publically recognized at the 2016 National Plant Board Awards Banquet in Wilmington, Delaware.
The National Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) Program wishes to recognize outstanding activities and achievements by members of the CAPS community, including State Survey Coordinators, Pest Survey Specialists, State Plant Regulatory Officials, State Plant Health Directors, and other individuals and groups. These individuals or groups (which may include additional cooperators) shall be nominated for work done in support of Pest Detection activities, accomplished in the previous calendar year.
Next year at this time we will be announcing CAPS Recognition awardees for activities and achievements accomplished during 2016. Be aware of the work and distinctions that set your SPHD, SPRO, PSS, SSC, or other individuals and groups apart from the rest, and nominate them for CAPS Recognition next year. More detail appears in the CAPS Recognition Nomination Form document and in the National Pest Surveillance Guidelines on the CAPS Resource & Collaboration website. The next call for nominations will go out in January 2017.