Westminster, Colo. – – September 18, 2026 -- The Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) has formalized deeper ties with the Aquatic Plant Management Society (APMS) after the two groups' shared leadership produced measurable research and policy gains at APMS's 66th Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, held July 13-16.
APMS honors WSSA scientists for research and publishing milestones
Ramon Leon, Ph.D., of NC State University received the APMS T. Wayne Miller Distinguished Service Award for converting the Journal of Aquatic Plant Management from a print-only format to open-access digital publication. Chris Mudge, Ph.D., of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers won the society's top honor, the Outstanding Research Contributor award, for advancing aquatic plant management to protect U.S. water resources.
Four WSSA scientists now hold top APMS leadership posts
Lyn Gettys, Ph.D. (University of Florida) serves as APMS Past President, while Gray Turnage, Ph.D. (Mississippi State University) was elected Vice President. Greg MacDonald, Ph.D. (University of Florida) now serves as Secretary, and Mirella Ortiz, Ph.D. (Utah State University) joins the Board of Directors alongside Benjamin Sperry, Ph.D. (University of Florida).
Meeting draws 113 attendees to Phoenix under Southwest water-scarcity theme
The conference, themed