Native American Embassy

Introduction
TNC's Weed Information Management System (WIMS) is a Microsoft Access-based relational database application that is designed to assist natural resource managers in managing their weed data. WIMS keeps track of three types of data records: weed occurrences (GPS point locations), assessments (size and status of the weed infestation to facilitate monitoring over time), and management treatments applied to those weed infestations. Data can be easily exchanged between multiple users, exported in NAWMA (North American Weed Management Association) standards, and written to shapefiles for mapping in any standard GIS program. A variety of reports can also be easily generated. Additionally, WIMS can be used on a handheld unit (either MS Windows-based Pocket PC or Trimble) with a GPS unit to capture data in the field. When using WIMS on a handheld unit with an ArcPad interface, a site manager can use background imagery and other GIS layers for mapping weeds, then upload the new data into the Access database with a few mouse clicks!

Who Can Use WIMS?
Anyone (site managers, preserve stewards, ecologists, researchers, CWMAs, watershed groups, county and state agencies, etc.) who is interested in invasive species management can use WIMS! We developed WIMS initially for our own use (for TNC field staff), but since there has been so much interest by our many partners, we have decided to make the WIMS application available for free to all interested users. You will, however, still need to purchase your own handheld and GPS units and software (if desired).

We can provide technical support and training to TNC staff using WIMS (see the "For TNC Staff" link below). Non-TNC staff should route their questions to the WIMS message board (see the "Troubleshooting WIMS" link, below, for more details).

Notices to WIMS Users! (posted 5 December 2007)
WIMS 3 is now available and ready for download! WIMS 3 can be used with either ArcPad 6.0.3 or ArcPad 7.1, and there is also updated documentation, including revised versions of the User's Manual, Installation Guide, Tutorial, and a new document on Creating Background Imagery!

IMPORTANT! Let us know if you are using WIMS! Please let us know if you are using WIMS, because this helps to justify the time and resources we spend to maintain the Access files, create support documents and make WIMS available for everyone. If you download and use WIMS, please send a short message to wims(at)tnc.org indicating: Your name, affiliation and contact information; If you are a past WIMS user or if you are trying-out WIMS for the first time; If you are only using the WIMS Desktop interface or with a handheld unit; How many acres (or hectares) you manage; and If you would like to be added to an electronic WIMS Newsletter digest, which should only clutter your inbox with an email message when new updates are released or other WIMS-related information (not more than 4 emails per year!).

What Equipment Do I Need?
WIMS can be used as a stand-alone database application that resides on your laptop or desktop computer, or can be used in combination with a handheld unit to collect field data. See this page for details.

How Can I Obtain WIMS? - WIMS Downloads
Go to this page to download all of the necessary files to run WIMS.

WIMS Documentation
Detailed support documents about WIMS, how to install and use WIMS including a Tutorial and User's Manual, and several handy best practices information written by folks who use WIMS in the field.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about WIMS
Do you have questions or comments about WIMS? Go to this page to see if your question(s) about WIMS have already been addressed!

Troubleshooting WIMS
We're sure that WIMS will always run smoothly, never crash, will simplify your management operations, and will perhaps even brew you a nice little frothy double latte in the morning. But.if you are having technical difficulties problems with WIMS, go to this page!

For TNC Staff re: WIMS
If you are TNC staff and if you are interested in using WIMS, getting WIMS training, or are looking for WIMS technical support, please go here for some TNC-specific information and resources!

Background, Articles, Collaborators & Acknowledgements!
The Nature Conservancy's Invasive Species Team staff would like to thank our many partners who have helped us in WIMS creation, development, and ongoing support. To see how and why we developed WIMS, who has helped along the way, and who our current collaborators are, go to this page! We thank you!!

Legal Disclaimer:
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is not responsible for the collection, maintenance or storage of your weed-related data. WIMS is made available to the general public for free, and TNC is not liable for any loss of data.

Further, TNC does not endorse the use of any specific product or brand mentioned in relation to WIMS. If any specific product is mentioned in this website or WIMS-associated documents, it is thought to be representative of the group of products. TNC accepts no responsibility for the use, maintenance, or breakdown of any equipment associated with WIMS.

Voluntary Codes of Conduct in horticulture
All about the set of practices being adopted that will help stop invasions from horticulture.

Remote sensing
A review of remote sensing technology, as applied to invasive species detection and mapping.

Templates and examples
Adaptive management planning tools such as model plans for sites, weed control templates, etc. Very useful!

Invasive species learning networks
Learn about Invasive Species Networks that help promote best practices for invasive species abatement among staff in The Nature Conservancy, partner agencies, and other organizations.

Volunteer coordination and public outreach
Powerpoint presentations on invasive species, weed pamphlets, on developing weed management areas, and more.

Success stories
Invasive species management is not impossible. Read these success stories and be inspired.

Assessments and regional plans
Assessments of invasive species issues for various operating units in The Nature Conservancy.

Weed Control Methods Handbook
An electronic handbook provides detailed information on the use of manual and mechanical techniques, grazing, prescribed fire, biocontrol, and herbicides, to help you control undesirable invasive plants.

Listserves
Join our listserve to voice your frustrations and trumpet your successes.