The Maryland Invasive Species Council

Mission Statement

As accepted June 13, 2000:

“The MARYLAND INVASIVE SPECIES COUNCIL (MISC) provides leadership concerning invasive species and encourages efforts that prevent the introduction of, and manage the impact of, invasive species on Maryland ecosystems.”

The Maryland Invasive Species Council (MISC), established in April 2000, is a group of concerned scientists, land managers, business people and citizens acting to reduce the spread of invasive plants, animals and diseases.

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Membership

Membership is open to all interested government agencies, organizations, and parties operating or conducting business in Maryland. Present membership includes representatives from:

Adkins Arboretum Maryland Department of Agriculture Maryland Department of the Environment Maryland Department of Natural Resources Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Master Gardeners The Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Maryland Native Plant Society Mid-Atlantic Invasive Plant Council United States Department of Agriculture United States Department of the Interior University of Maryland County Governments City and Local Governments Service Organizations

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Membership structure and procedures

As passed February 8, 2001 and amended as indicated:

1. We will remain informal for now. The ⁴voting membership will meet with all interested parties before the next MISC meeting to discuss the move towards formalization.
2. All ¹organizations represented to date will be considered “participating ¹organizations.” All attendees to date will be considered “members.” New attendees requesting voting privileges ³must be present twice to be voted into membership and must be present for vote to proceed. ³If a member is inactive for one year, membership will be suspended. 
   ¹ Definitions:
   • “Participating Organization” – organizations operating or conducting business in Maryland.
   • “member” – Maryland resident, or non-resident who owns land or represents a participating organization.
   • “guest” – all others on the mailing list; guests do not have voting privileges.
3. Issues to be addressed and voted on at a meeting will be made available prior to the meeting to all members of record at least 3 weeks before scheduled meeting. Members must be present to vote.
4. Issues that cannot wait until the next meeting will be sent out for comment via the list serve to all members of record. ¹Issues will be submitted to the Facilitator, who will send out for comment and moderate subsequent Internet/phone discussion. Voting will proceed as in motion 5. Non-response will be considered a go-ahead vote.
5. Voting will be conducted as follows: An issue will be brought to the floor.²One third of the membership is required for a quorum. Attending members will have the option to vote 1)thumb up = yes, 2)thumb to side = not in agreement, but no vote to block, 3)thumb down = request to continue discussion.¹ Facilitator duties will include:
   
   1. Develop meeting agenda
   2. Function as moderator for meetings
   3. Sign correspondence as approved by MISC
   4. Facilitate and moderate MISC business outside of regular meetings
   Correspondence may be co-signed by a representative of the sponsoring group. An alternate facilitator should be appointed.¹ The recording secretary will be responsible for maintaining the mailing and membership list. Minutes are public record and will be sent to entire mailing list.
   ² Terms for facilitator/recording secretary will be renewable annually in ⁴March. Either the facilitator or recording secretary may step down or a member may nominate a replacement. The ⁴voting membership will be responsible for nominating a replacement in the former case. Alternates will be selected by acting facilitator/recording secretary.
   ¹ General meeting agenda (agenda items should be submitted to the facilitator):
   
   1. Call to order
   2. Additions to agenda
   3. Presentation (if any)
   4. Approval of minutes
   5. Committee reports, including discussion, motions, and votes
   6. Old business
   7. New business
   8. Adjourn
   ¹ amended April 5, 2001
   ² amended December 3, 2001
   ³ amended April 4, 2002
   ⁴ amended January 24, 2008