SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Food and Agriculture, on behalf of the Invasive Species Council of California (ISCC), seeks to appoint six members to the California Invasive Species Advisory Committee (CISAC).

The secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, acting as administrative lead, is requesting nominations for qualified persons to serve on the CISAC.

The purpose and role of the California Invasive Species Advisory Committee is to provide advice to the Invasive Species Council of California on a broad array of issues related to preventing the introduction of invasive species and providing for their control and/or eradication, as well as minimizing the economic, ecological, and human health impacts that invasive species cause.

The ISCC is chaired by the secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture and vice-chaired by the secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency.

Other members include the secretaries from the following California agencies:

• Environmental Protection Agency;
• State Transportation Agency;
• Health and Human Services Agency; and
• Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.

The Invasive Species Council of California represents the highest level of leadership and authority in state government regarding invasive species. Its goal is to promote a consistent approach to invasive species at the state level.

The role of the CISAC is to maintain an intensive and regular dialogue regarding the aforementioned issues. CISAC provides advice in cooperation with other stakeholders and existing organizations addressing invasive species.

Prospective nominees of the CISAC should be knowledgeable in and represent one or more of the following communities of interest:

- Biology – industry representatives;
- Ranchers – educators;
- Foresters – tribal government representatives;
- Farmers – information/database managers;
- Academics/researchers – economists;
- Public health specialists – risk assessment analysts;
- Weed science – entomology;
- Nematology – plant pathology;
- Veterinary medicine – public health/ epidemiology;
- Federal government representatives;
- County agricultural commissioner representatives;
- Invasive species management specialists;
- Persons involved with global commerce;
- Non-governmental environmental representatives;
- Expertise in climate change and ecosystems;
- Public relations specialists;
- Lawyers specializing in invasive species policy;
- Public member.

Members will be selected in order to achieve a balanced representation of viewpoints, so to effectively address invasive species issues under consideration.

No member may serve on the CISAC for more than two consecutive terms. All terms will be limited to three years in length.

Members of the CISAC and its subcommittees will serve without pay. However, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services of the CISAC, members, to the extent funding is available, may be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence.

Nominations should be typed and should include the following:

1. A brief summary of no more than two pages explaining the nominee’s suitability to serve on the CISAC.
2. A resume or curriculum vitae.
3. At least two letters of reference.

Nominations should be postmarked no later than Friday, March 11, to the following address: David Pegos, Invasive Species Council of California, Executive Office, 1220 N St., Suite 221, Sacramento, California 95814.

For additional information, visit the Invasive Species Council of California’s Web site at www.iscc.ca.gov .