From harmful plants to pesky pests, invasive species can wreak havoc on our environment, economy, and health. But you’re not alone! That’s where we come in! Barry, Calhoun, Kalamazoo Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (BCK CISMA) comprises numerous organizational partners, including local municipalities, state and federal departments, non-profits, tribes, and educational institutions.

What does invasive species management involve?
Spotting Invasive Species – We’re always on the lookout for invasive species during our travels across our service area and beyond.

Controlling Invasive Species – We provide services to both private and public landowners for high-priority species for a small fee unless covered by a grant. These services include treatment and monitoring of invasive species. Learn how to hire the strike team by visiting barrycd.org/bck/invasive-species-treatment

Creating Awareness – We’re available to speak in classrooms, public meetings, and staff training on identifying, reporting, and preventing the spread of invasive species.

What is the Invasive Species Strike Team?

As part of BCK CISMA, Barry Conservation District (BCD) is fiduciary and plays a crucial role in managing the administrative and operational aspects. This includes maintaining the necessary licenses, permits, and insurance for invasive species treatment. Contact BCD at BarryConservation@gmail.com, or call 269/908.4139

BCD’s team includes individuals dedicated to invasive species management.

The CISMA Coordinator leads, manages, and oversees all CISMA activities, including strategic planning, organizational coordination, and fieldwork execution, ensuring effective implementation of invasive species management initiatives across Barry, Calhoun, and Kalamazoo Counties.Contact at bckcisma@gmail.com or call 269/908-4136

A Program Specialist provides targeted leadership and expertise to guide specific initiatives, in this case mile-a-minute weed. Contact at bckcismaMAMW@gmail.com or call 269/908-4133

During the active season from April to October, BCD hires a skilled strike team to assist in fieldwork and treatment activities. These technicians play a vital role in completing treatments and supporting monitoring efforts across the tri-county region. Learn about our current team at barrycd.org/strike-team

Current Projects

Awareness efforts, surveys, and management of the following species are covered by the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program.

Mile-a-minute weed (Persicaria perfoliata)– an aggressive annual vine posing a threat to Michigan’s native plants and wildlife. As of December 2023, the Barry-Calhoun-Kalamazoo Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (BCK CISMA) has confirmed this invasive species in 33 locations across three townships in Calhoun County by surveying over 7,700 acres! Learn more at barrycd.org/mamw

Red Swamp Crayfish – A local park of Vicksburg, MI, currently hosts a small population of Red Swamp Crayfish, and BCK CISMA, the Gun Lake Tribe, and Michigan DNR have been taking action to protect our waterways through monitoring efforts and physically removing red swamp crayfish from a stream off the Kalamazoo River weekly.

How can you become a partner?

Join us in the fight against invasive species – together, we can make a difference! Are you involved in education or controlling invasive species, or interested in adding invasive species efforts to your organization’s goals? You’d be a great partner!

As a partner, you’ll receive program updates, information on new invasive species detection and control methods, and collaborative opportunities with other organizations. Plus, you’ll have the chance to speak about how invasive species affect your organization or community and the challenges you face.

Barry Conservation District and BCK CISMA are committed to nurturing community interest in conservation and welcome your help in spreading awareness, reporting invasive species, and controlling them. If you have a group interested in a project, we can connect you with opportunities through our network of partners. Reach out to learn more about current opportunities.