Idaho Rare Plant Conference

On behalf of the Idaho Native Plant Society (INPS), I would like to announce a modification to the Annual Rare Plant Conference (RPC) schedule. INPS has decided to hold the conference every other year rather than annually. This change will become effective for 2008. There will not be a RPC in 2008. The next conference will be held in 2009.

Holding the conference biennially will serve several important purposes. It is believed, as indicated by discussions with RPC participants, that a biennial meeting will be more effective. This will be accomplished by having two years worth of surveys, monitoring, and other research information to base plant species reviews, recommended status changes, and other discussions. A biennial conference will allow for more time to negotiate and implement the species conservation determinations that result from the RPC.

Although still in the early stages of development, the Pahove Chapter has proposed to hold a plant identification workshop in the off years. This workshop will serve as a wonderful opportunity for amateur and professional botanists alike to learn more about the taxonomy and ecology of native plants. Please look for more news of that workshop.

This notice is being sent to conference participants from the last two RPCs. Please share this schedule change with any others who may have an interest in the RPC. We hope that this letter provides sufficient notice of this change. It is important to note that the goals and objectives of the RPC will not change, just the conference schedule.

Thank you to all of you who have attended the RPC and contributed to its success. INPS looks forward to seeing you at a new, improved RPC in 2009.

Sincerely,

Janet E. Benoit President, Idaho Native Plant Society