This website is intended to be an evolving resource to support  invasive species management efforts in and around Marion County We envision it developing  into a rich information source for the public, as well as serving as the focal point for coordinating MCISMC's strategic control efforts. What you see now is only the beginning!

Funding

The Florida Division of Forestry provided a small grant that allowed us to set up the website structure and provide some links and preliminary information. Most of the material currently posted was contributed by Conway Conservation. LLC. We are now seeking donations, grants, contracts, and/or sponsorships that will permit us to expand this information resource. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated! No size check  is too large or too small! We would be happy to discuss  the possibility of providing contract research/writing to produce materials on any related subject you might like to sponsor.

If you are interested in supporting further development of this website, please contact Linda Duever at 352/466-4136 or ConwayConservation@conway.com.

Approach

In order to operate within extremely restricted funds, tailor graphic presentations to the message, and facilitate efficient future updates and expansions, MCISMC's Coordinator chose to construct this site herself, rather than hire an expensive web design company or use a restrictive off-the-shelf site template. The page formats are based on a set of templates created for a linked series of related websites that share a common glossary, allow multiple use of graphics for meeting presentations and printed materials, and take advantage of economies of scale. These sites have similar structures and layouts, but use different fonts and color schemes to emphasize specific subject matter. The visual theme for the MCISMC site -- black background, tendril-like font, and chartreuse, pink, and orange accents -- is intended to suggest the sinister, entangling, and disturbing/contrasting/exotic qualities of invasive species.

Functionality

If you encounter links that don't work, pages that load too slowly, or other similar technical problems with this site, please let us know. As funding permits, we will have our computer people address glitches and improve the technical quality of the site. This is a work in progress!

Input from Partners and the Public

Your comments on the site's content are welcome too! We need questions and reactions from "ordinary" citizens as well critiques from experts and insights from professionals out there "on the ground". E-mail Linda Duever and tell her how you would like to see the site explained or expanded or revised

Disclaimer

Although we attempt to keep the information on this site as current and correct as possible, we disclaim any implied warranty or representation about its accuracy, completeness, or appropriateness for any particular purpose. Visitors assume full responsibility for their use of this information. MCISMC, Marion County, Conway Conservation, and their representatives and partners are not responsible or liable for any claim, loss, or damage resulting from the interpretation or application of material presented here. Mention of specific products or services at this site does not imply an endorsement for any specific use. We furthermore disclaim any responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or appropriateness of any material on any site linked to this site or any material or products presented or advertised by any organization or business in any way associated with this site.

Please bear in mind that the above disclaimer is especially pertinent in regard to herbicide use! It is always the applicator's responsibility to use such chemicals in accordance with the label and the land owner/manager must always carefully consider the vegetation to be treated and the specifics of his/her site and situation before deciding whether to use a chemical, which one to choose, and how and when to apply it. This website is intended to introduce vegetation management ideas and suggest potential strategies to be cautiously evaluated by the landowner in concert with other information, including label instructions/warnings, site specifics, and "common sense".