MISC

Michigan Invasive Species Coalition

www.michiganinvasives.org

The Michigan Invasive Species Coalition (MISC) advances a statewide, cooperative approach to invasive species management. By coordinating regional partnerships known as Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs), MISC strengthens communication, builds public awareness, and supports the structure, funding, research, and data necessary for long-term success. This collaborative model enables Michigan to detect threats early, respond quickly, and protect ecosystems statewide.

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Project deliverables

01     Statewide Communication
02    Outreach / Education Materials
03    Reporting on CISMA Outcomes
04    Assist CISMA Formation
05    MISIN Integration

Overview and Summary

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Key Impacts & Benefits

Protecting Ecosystems and Communities

By prioritizing invasive species prevention, control, and eradication, MISC enables Michigan’s natural landscapes to recover their ecological balance.
Healthy, functioning natural systems act as cost-effective infrastructure, filtering water, recharging aquifers, and mitigating flooding events.
Ecosystem integrity contributes directly to public health – whether through clean drinking water, reduced vector-borne disease risk, or access to recreational spaces.

Building Public Engagement

MISC ensures that all residents, from urban neighborhoods to rural communities, have access to simple, practical guidance on invasive species threats and management.
Every Michigan resident can identify and contact their local CISMA for advice, reporting, or partnership opportunities.
Raises public awareness of invasive species threats and inspires local stewardship.

Expanding Management Capacity

MISC works toward complete statewide coverage, filling gaps where invasive species partnerships do not yet exist.
The CISMA model fosters collaboration between local governments, nonprofits, tribes, and state agencies.
MISC coordinates the use of MISIN for invasive species reporting and treatment tracking, ensuring data are current, accurate, and publicly accessible.

Strategies

MISC will establish a unified communication system to connect all Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs) across Michigan.
To build broad public awareness and engage stakeholders, MISC will coordinate the creation and distribution of standardized education and outreach materials.
MISC will help CISMAs identify and secure funding opportunities, coordinate statewide reporting on invasive species control, and expand the use of shared data systems like the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN).

Highlights

Online Community Forum

Join the Discussion Today! The MISC online community provides a space for Michiganders to connect with professionals and others to come together to fit invasive species.

Online you will find forums related to:

Best Management Practices (BMP)
Mapping and Data
Support forums for MISIN and iForest
CISMA Focused Discussions

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CISMA Story Map

ArcGIS StoryMaps combine maps, embedded content, multimedia, and more into an interactive narrative.

View the Michigan CISMA StoryMap for a interactive introduction to the CISMA network covering the state of Michigan.

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Statewide Initiatives

Learn more and connect with these statewide invasive species programs. Michigan is actively implementing these national programs statewide in the battle against critical invasives species.

View more initiatives at our “Invasives 101” resource.

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