Protecting the Natural Resources, Economy, and Human

“Protecting the natural resources, economy, and human health in Charlevoix, Antrim, Kalkaska and Emmet Counties through collaborative outreach and management of invasive species.” Who We Are The CAKE CISMA is the Charlevoix, Antrim, Kalkaska and Emmet Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area. The CAKE CISMA provides education, outreach and land management assistance to the public within the four county service area.

Our Mission

The mission of the CAKE CISMA is to protect the natural resources, economy, and human health in Northern Lower Michigan through collaborative outreach and management of invasive species.

What We Do

The CAKE CISMA meets its mission statement through the following primary focus areas:

Education and Outreach

Either through event, discussion or an integrated workshop, the CAKE CISMA coordinator is excited to partner with you and your outreach needs; topics can include training volunteers or interested individuals in plant identification and explaining recommended management styles for different species.

Management and Control of Invasive Species

Through surveying and prescribed treatments, the CAKE CISMA strike team is the CISMA's 'boots on the ground' for counteracting invasive species. In addition to assisting partnering organizations with land management for invasive species, CAKE offers a cost sharing program for private landowners who are interested in removing priority species from their property. Why We Care About Invasive Species

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources defines an invasive species as a‘ species that is not native, and whose introduction causes harm or is likely to cause harm to an area’s economy, environment or human health.’ Invasive species, if left unchecked and untreated, can be detrimental to human health, natural ecosystem flow, native species, outdoor recreation opportunities and economic prosperity.

1. Human Health: In addition to being a nuisance, some invasive species can also introduce diseases and physical dangers to human health. An example of this in the Great Lakes region are feral hogs that often carry and spread harmful bacterial diseases, such as brucellosis (mediterranean fever) and harmful E. coli.

2. Natural Ecosystem Flow: Certain species, once introduced, can disrupt and prevent natural ecosystem operations. An example of this in the Great Lakes are both baby’s breath (Gypsophila paniculata) and lyme grass (Leymus arenarius). These invasive plants are invading Michigan’s sand dunes and displacing native vegetation with their deep, extensive root systems. These roots prevent the natural shifting patterns of the sands that cause dune formation. Loss of these habitat forming patterns means less natural habitat for dune wildlife.

3. Native Species: Invasive species are often immune to natural predators, climatic factors and other ecological controls that hinder native species. This advantage helps them to displace native species and reduce biodiversity. An example of this in the Great Lakes region is the hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA). This small pest feeds on the sap of eastern hemlock trees, which over time weakens and kills the tree. As a result, not only are native hemlock populations reduced, but the shade that hemlocks offer over streams and rivers is eliminated. This consequent increase in water temperature can lead to lower oxygen levels, which effects fish populations, food webs and the energy flow in an ecosystem. The dense, evergreen forest habitat that hemlocks help create for many types of wildlife along coastal areas is in danger due to this pest.

4. Outdoor Recreational Opportunities: Aquatic invasive species can inhibit boating, fishing and swimming on Northern Michigan’s inland lakes. In the Great Lakes region, certain types of aquatic invasive species such as Eurasian watermilfoil, water soldier, water chestnut and European frogbit can form dense mats on the water’s surface; these mats effectively clog recreational waterways and can prevent sunlight from penetrating the water, which degrades fish habitat and limits fishing opportunities. Additionally, higher decomposition rates can deplete oxygen levels.

5. Economic Prosperity: The introduction of invasive species often decimates the populations of competing native species, which limits natural resources. Furthermore, invasive populations can negatively affect tourism. For example, the accidental introduction of the sea lamprey from the St. Lawrence Seaway through the Welland canal began a trophic cascade (ecological chain of events); the parasitic lamprey fed upon native lake trout, which was a natural top predator of smaller fish species. As a result, the invasive alewife populations skyrocketed. In the mid 1960’s, dead alewives washed up on shore, polluting and stinking up public beaches. By way of invasive species introduction, both the tourism industry along Lake Michigan tanked and one of Michigan’s greatest sportfish species was aggressively depleted.

What is a CISMA?

A CISMA is a Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area. These areas are often regional and may be determined by county lines. A CISMA works to educate the public on the harms of invasive species and works with conservation partners to prioritize, survey and treat invasive species within its region. There are 19 CISMAs in the state of Michigan; they can span in size from one county (such as the Oakland County CISMA) to eleven counties (such as the Northeast Michigan CWMA). Functional funding for CISMAs is supplied through the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program (MISGP). This grant program is administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The funding from this grant allows the entire state to have CISMA coverage and therefore a network to monitor the spread of invasive species and raise awareness to key issues.

Our Steering Committee

The CAKE CISMA steering committee is comprised of members that represent local conservation organizations passionate about protecting natural lands in northwest Michigan and educating the public on the harms of invasive species; CAKE’s committee works with other conservation partners in prioritize, survey and treat invasive species in the region.

Antrim Conservation District The ACD was formed in 1947 by local farmers to conserve, improve, and maintain Antrim’s soil and to promote efficient and economical use of the land. The ACD serves as the first stop for local citizens, farmers, landowners, conservation groups, and county government for their natural resource needs. The ACD is the acting fiduciary for CAKE and houses the CISMA staff.

Emmet Conservation District The ECD’s mission as steward of the environment is to improve the quality of life for residents of Emmet County by protecting and conserving natural resources, promoting sound sustainable agriculture practices, and providing educational opportunities for the community. Our Steering Committee, cont.

Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy For nearly 25 years, the GTRLC has protected and cared for the region’s natural, scenic, farm and forest lands. With the support of individual donors, foundations and volunteers and the partnership of local, state, and federal agencies, the conservancy has protected more than 40,000 acres of land and

124 miles of shoreline along the region’s exceptional rivers, lakes and streams.

Kalkaska Conservation District The mission of the KCD is to provide leadership in the natural resource management of Kalkaska County, deliver conservation assistance and information to residents and visitors, and ensure quality implementation of conservation practices. The KCD plays a unique role in working with property owners, land users and community leaders to address the needs of its beautiful and vibrant region.

Little Traverse Conservancy The mission of the LTC is to protect the natural diversity and beauty of northern Michigan by preserving significant land and scenic areas, and fostering appreciation and understanding of the environment. In a service area that spans Chippewa, Mackinac, Emmet, Cheboygan and Charlevoix counties, the LTC provides protection and care for public lands and offers outdoor education opportunities.

Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians The Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians share in common with all other Odawak the customs, culture, and spirituality. The Tribe utilizes its assets to provide the necessary tools to become a successful, hard-working community of members who proudly represent their culture; this includes the implementation of management strategies that protect Tribal resources on, above, below and within the land and waters for the future benefit of the tribe.

Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council Since 1979, the Watershed council has protected the water resources of Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, and Emmet counties. The Watershed Council speaks on behalf of its members, including full-time and seasonal residents, lake associations, and businesses. The council works to maintain the environmental integrity and economic and aesthetic values of the Great Lakes, inland lakes, rivers and streams, wetlands and groundwater.

Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy The mission of Walloon Lake Trust and Conservancy is to conserve, care for and connect people to the lands, lakes and streams within the Walloon Lake watershed now and forever. The Trust and Conservancy accomplishes its goals through land preservation and land stewardship. How We Help

Outreach and Education:

Whether it be through event, discussion or an integrated workshop, the CAKE CISMA program coordinator is excited to partner with you and your event; topics can range from simply training volunteers or interested individuals in plant identification, to explaining and discussing recommended management styles for different species.

Cost Sharing Program:

Through surveying and prescribed treatments, the CAKE CISMA strike team is the eyes and ears for invasive species management in the four county region. CAKE offers a cost sharing program for private landowners who are interested in removing priority invasive species from their property. As certain species are more detrimental to the environment than others, different species are prioritized differently; the CAKE CISMA uses a priority system to determine which properties will receive monetary assistance from the cost share program.

Special Projects

The CAKE CISMA is constantly applying to additional funding sources to survey and treat large scale projects within its service area. These funds include the Restore Our Great Lakes Initiative by the U.S Forest Service, and the Sustain Our Great Lakes program administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Using these grant dollars, the CAKE CISMA strike team works to remove invasive species from vulnerable, high quality natural areas and restore ecosystem stability. Cost-sharing Treatment and Control The CAKE CISMA values the work that local residents do to promote native species and mitigate the spread of invasive species, especially on their own property. To assist these efforts, the CAKE CISMA has developed a cost sharing program to provide surveying and treatment invasive species on private and public lands. As some species are more detrimental to the environment than others, certain species are prioritized differently; the CAKE CISMA uses a priority system to determine which properties will receive monetary assistance from the cost share program. Current species cost-shared to landowners at a 50% rate are:

Black swallow-wort is a noxious invasive plant with a limited distribution in Northern Michigan; it is primarily found in the Petoskey area. This species is toxic to mammals as well as insect pollinators, such as monarch butterflies which mistake it for milkweed. The CAKE CISMA is partnering with the City of Petoskey to treat this species and prevent it from overtaking city parks.

Invasive knotweed (Japanese, Giant and Bohemian) is a destructive invasive plant originally native to east Asia. It is a highly resilient species; in its native range, it has the ability to grow through volcanic debris. In the Midwest, its rapid growth rate and highly persistent nature allows it to form dense monocultures and grow through concrete and buildings, consequently lowering property values.

Invasive phragmites, or common reed, is an invasive species that forms dense monocultures in wetlands, roadside ditches and shorelines. It is extremely difficult to control, due to its ability to spread through its rhizomes. If left unchecked, phragmites will outcompete native plants and degrade suitable wetland habitat for native flora and fauna..

Purple loosestrife is a fast growing, invasive plant that is often found along streams, lakes, ponds, wetlands and roadside ditches. Due to a lack of predation and a long-lived seed bank, this species can quickly take over wet areas and form a monoculture. As a result, native flora and fauna are displaced, and a lack of biodiversity soon follows. Due to its density, it can even affect water quality and levels from high amounts of absorption.

Oriental bittersweet is a woody vine that can constrict native trees through its girdling and winding growth activity. It can be extremely difficult to remove once established. The berries are eaten readily by birds, which contributes to the rapid spread of this species. If left untreated, oriental bittersweet can seriously damage and even kill other plants. How You Can Help There are many ways to aid the fight against invasive species. The efforts of private citizens to prevent and mitigate the spread of harmful invasive species are instrumental in keeping the counties of Charlevoix, Antrim, Kalkaska, and Emmet as environmentally healthy as possible.

Volunteer: CAKE is often hosting events that raise awareness and provide education on how to respond to invasive species. We are always seeking passionate individuals that wish to help us meet our mission. For more information, visit our website or contact our

program coordinator.

Manage your Land: if each property owner in the CAKE region worked to eradicate invasive species on their own property, the mission of preserving Michigan’s natural resources would be that much easier to attain. Educating yourself on invasive plants and being intentional with native replacements for your own land is helpful in

mitigating the spread of invasive species.

Become a Partner: are you interested in working with

CAKE to address invasive species related concerns for your organization and the health of our region? Consider

becoming a Partner! Partners receive regular CISMA updates, emails and our Quarterly Newsletter. Contact our coordinator to learn how to become a CAKE CISMA Partner. There is no charge to become a Partner.

Use MISIN: check out the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network, an ever growing database of confirmed invasive species sightings. Connect to MISIN on their mobile app to practice your citizen science, or visit their website online.

Office Phone: call 231-533-8363 (ext. 5) Website: https://www.antrimcd.com/cake-cisma.html Program Coordinator: Benjamin VanDyke, [email protected] Field Crew Leader: Ed DeRosha, [email protected]

Created using funds from the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program.