Identifying & Managing Invasive Species
What is an invasive species?
Invasive species are non-native plants, animals, or organisms that harm local ecosystems, economies, or human health. Early detection and proper management are key to protecting our natural resources.
Why treatment matters?
Invasive species are non-native plants, animals, or organisms that harm local ecosystems, economies, or human health. Early detection and proper management are key to protecting our natural resources.
North Country CISMA
(Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area)
About NCCISMA
The North Country Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (NCCISMA) is a regional partnership working across Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Missaukee, Osceola, and Wexford counties. Their mission is to combat invasive species through collaboration, outreach, and hands-on support. Whether it's helping landowners identify invasive plants, offering treatment advice, or providing on-site services, NCCISMA is a key resource for protecting our local landscapes.
Meet the Team: Who to Contact
Zach Peklo
Program Coordinator
Plant ID & management practices for non-high priority species
Emily Fredricks
Invasive Species Tech
Strike team for hire, high-priority species ID and treatment advice
Michael Ramsey
Public Engagement Specialist
Requesting or planning outreach and events
NCCISMA Strike Team For Hire
NCCISMA's strike team can be hired at cost to control high priority invasive species on your property. This program is best suited for small infestations where it would be cost prohibitive to hire a contractor.
For more information or to request a free quote, contact Emily Fredricks.
-
Bristly Locust
Description:
A shrub which grows up to 10 feet high and 15 feet wide with bright pink pea like flowers. Found growing in a variety of soils, it forms dense thickets that crowd out other plants and wildlife. -
Eurasian Phragmites
Description:
A very tall grass which grows between 6-13 feet tall and is often found in wetlands, along roadside ditches, stream/river banks, lakeshore edges, and other wet areas. There is a native species of phragmites that can hybridize with invasive phragmites. Distinguishing between them can be difficult, contact NCCISMA. -
European Frogbit
Description:
A free-floating aquatic plant that creates mats with tangled underwater roots. It has white flowers that are cup-shaped with yellow dots at the base. It can look like a native water lily but are much larger in size. European frog-bit occurs in shallow, slow-moving water on the edges of lakes, rivers, streams, swamps, marshes, and ditches.
-
Reason for concern:
Cutting it causes new growth from the roots, leading to the plant's spread. All parts of bristly locust are mildly poisonous. -
Reason for concern:
Invasive phragmites form dense stands. Pulling, cutting, mowing, and burning can increase the rate of its spread. Even small rhizome fragments can grow into new plants. -
Reason for concern:
Reproduces rapidly and forms dense mats of European frog-bit that can impede boat traffic, alter food and habitat for ducks and fish and can also reduce oxygen and light.
-
Basic
Description:
A shrub which grows up to 10 feet high and 15 feet wide with bright pink pea like flowers. Found growing in a variety of soils, it forms dense thickets that crowd out other plants and wildlife. -
Intermediate
Description:
A very tall grass which grows between 6-13 feet tall and is often found in wetlands, along roadside ditches, stream/river banks, lakeshore edges, and other wet areas. There is a native species of phragmites that can hybridize with invasive phragmites. Distinguishing between them can be difficult, contact NCCISMA. -
Advanced
Description:
A free-floating aquatic plant that creates mats with tangled underwater roots. It has white flowers that are cup-shaped with yellow dots at the base. It can look like a native water lily but are much larger in size. European frog-bit occurs in shallow, slow-moving water on the edges of lakes, rivers, streams, swamps, marshes, and ditches.
-
Reason for concern:
Cutting it causes new growth from the roots, leading to the plant's spread. All parts of bristly locust are mildly poisonous. -
Reason for concern:
Invasive phragmites form dense stands. Pulling, cutting, mowing, and burning can increase the rate of its spread. Even small rhizome fragments can grow into new plants. -
Reason for concern:
Reproduces rapidly and forms dense mats of European frog-bit that can impede boat traffic, alter food and habitat for ducks and fish and can also reduce oxygen and light.