If you’ve ever wondered what kind of decision making goes into managing aquatic invasive species, then the Adirondack Invasive Species Summit 2026 is for you. During this all-day event, participants will be placed into groups and guided through an immersive, interactive simulation that will have them roleplaying the creation of an adaptive management plan for dealing with invasive species in a lake. Just as in the real world, there will be no single “right” answer as each group works together to make difficult decisions about priorities, resources, and long-term goals while navigating changing circumstances, balancing competing values, and responding to unexpected events. The experience is designed to highlight the importance of adaptive management, collaborative decision-making, and the reality that successful invasive species management depends as much on people and partnerships as it does on science.
Whether you are a lake association member, local government official, lake resident, or simply someone who cares about the future of Adirondack lakes, the Adirondack Invasive Species Summit 2026 will offer a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and engage with others facing similar challenges. Join us to explore the complexities of invasive species management, practice making decisions, and gain a deeper understanding of how communities can work together to adaptively manage lakes.
Pre-registration is required and, due to the design of this event, participation is limited to 50 people, so please only sign-up if you can attend. This is an all-day event, and you will be working as part of a small team, so committing to being present all day is essential. Please come prepared to participate, collaborate, and discover what it takes to make informed conservation decisions in an ever-changing world.
Lunch will be provided for all participants.
Agenda
- 9:00 – Welcome and Introduction; icebreakers with groups
- 9:30 – PowerPoint Presentation-Chris Doyle Intro to an Aquatic Plant Management Plan
- 10:15 – Prep the game/scenario, explain the rules, assign teams
- 10:30 – Round 1 of the Scenario-Late Summer: Invasive Plant Discovery and Planning
- 11:50 – Wrap-up/Recap
- 12:00 Lunch
- 1:00 – Focus Session on Scenario Planning
- 1:30 – Round 2 of the Scenario-The Next Year: Implement Active Control and Monitoring
- 3:00 – Break
- 3:30 – Guest Speakers: Topic – Lake Associations Making Environmental Decisions Together – How we build bonds and success
- 4:15 – Teams Report to the Group and Wrap Up
- 4:45 – Event Wrap-up – How You Can Stay Involved with APIPP
