Grant to help Macomb County address invasive species in Lake St. Clair region

Six Rivers Land Conservancy, the fiduciary for the Lake St. Clair (LSC) Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) in Macomb and St. Clair counties, was recently awarded two grants totaling $120,000 from the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program. Each $60,000 grant will support a CISMA coordinator based in a geographic region and their efforts to address invasive species. 

McKenzi Bergmoser was hired as the CISMA Coordinator for the Lake St. Clair CISMA in November 2018. "I'm thrilled to be part of the efforts to control invasive species in the Lake St. Clair region," she said. "By coordinating our efforts, municipalities and nonprofits can share best management practices and gain an economy of scale." 

"Invasive species degrade natural habitat," said Chris Bunch, executive director of the Six Rivers Land Conservancy. "Through its support of the CISMAs, Six Rivers, Macomb County along with a couple dozen other communities are improving the natural value of lands in southeastern Michigan. Thanks to this funding, CISMA coordinators will continue to expand the reach of the program and inform the public about invasive species." 

During 2018, the Lake St. Clair CISMA and its partners successfully managed over 1,000 acres of invasive species. Phragmites alone accounted for over 500 of those acres. The remaining acres featured Garlic Mustard, Dames Rocket, Parrot feather Watermilfoil, Curlyleaf Pondweed and invasive shrubs. 

The Lake St Clair CISMA plans to continue Phragmites treatments along road right-of-ways in Macomb County in 2019. Pending additional funding, LSC CISMA hopes to expand their control efforts to county drains using a non-chemical approach. Grant funding would be achieved through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA). 

In future years, the Lake St Clair CISMA would like to include additional priority invasive species in their management efforts. Currently, LSC CISMA's main focus has been on Phragmites australis, due to its ever prominent populations throughout Macomb and St Clair counties. Other priority invasive species include Black Swallow-wort, Japanese knotweed, European frog-bit and Flowering rush. The Lake St. Clair CISMA members hope to educate the general public about their role in managing these species. 

About the LSC CISMA: The Lake St. Clair Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (LSC CISMA) is a partnership of local and state governments, nonprofits and property owners founded in 2015. Unitedin their goal to prevent, detect, and control priority invasive species, the CISMA operates within the boundary of the vast, 2,100 square mile, Lake St Clair Watershed.

About Six Rivers Land Conservancy: Six Rivers Land Conservancy is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit located in Oakland Township whose mission is to conserve, sustain and connect natural areas, lands, and waters that make the places we live special. We have currently protected over 2,000 acres in Oakland, Macomb, St. Clair, Lapeer, and Genesee Counties. If you'd like more information about our work, volunteer opportunities, or to make a donation, please visit https://www.sixriversrlc.org.