WSSA Town Hall Facilitates Member Interactions

A recent online meeting provided updates on the Society's efforts to secure legislative support and keep weeds at bay

WESTMINSTER, Colo., July 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Several Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) leaders shared updates during a virtual town hall with members and affiliates last week, reviewing the organization's efforts to secure legislative support and overcome current and future weed management challenges. The online meeting was convened on Friday, July 25 and garnered 109 registrants and 73 participants.

"The primary purpose of the town hall was to provide a mid-year update regarding our legislative activities," says Ian Burke, Ph.D., WSSA president-elect, who moderated the meeting. "In addition, we wanted to hear from participants to answer any questions and to help us accurately advocate for the issues and policy priorities important to WSSA's membership."

Dawn Refsell, Ph.D., WSSA vice president, provided an overview of the Society's "Weed Science Fly-in" to Washington D.C. that occurred in May, and policy priorities when meeting with key ag committee legislators and staffers. Lee Van Wychen, Ph.D., WSSA executive director of science policy, provided updates on federal weed science research funding for FY 2026. Member scientists, Bill Chism, Ph.D., Todd Baughman, Ph.D., and Mark VanGessel, Ph.D., provided updates on WSSA initiatives with the Environmental Protection Agency, endangered species protection, and the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

The meeting also provided updates on the Society's new logo and plans for WSSA's annual meeting in Raleigh, North Carolina, February 9-12, 2026. The last half of the agenda focused on questions and comments from the participants and closed with a real-time survey.

"We very much appreciated the excellent turnout and participation that we experienced during the town hall with our members," says Burke. "As a result of the survey, we plan on adding a mid-year town hall to regular society activities."

Members, affiliates and media who missed the meeting can obtain a passcode to view the recording by contacting the WSSA office. For more information about future WSSA meetings and events, visit: https:/wssa.net/meeting.

About the Weed Science Society of America
The Weed Science Society of America (WSSA), is a nonprofit scientific society, founded in 1956 to encourage and promote the development of knowledge concerning weeds and their impact on the environment. The Society promotes research, education and extension outreach activities related to weeds, provides science-based information to the public and policy makers, fosters awareness of weeds and their impact on managed and natural ecosystems, and promotes cooperation among weed science organizations across the nation and around the world. For more information, visit www.wssa.net.

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SOURCE Weed Science Society of America