What is an invasive species?

Invasive species are those which are not native to an area and cause harm, or are likely to cause harm, to the economy, environment, or human health in the following ways:

• alter natural ecosystems by crowding out native species, leaving less food and habitat for native plants and wildlife
• disrupt natural food chains and soil composition
• pose a risk of toxicity to humans, livestock, pets and wildlife
• decreased property values
• decreased enjoyment of the outdoors by disrupting recreational access, blocking views of scenery and wildlife and altering natural areas

What is an ISN?

An Invasive Species Network (ISN) is a partnership of local, state, and federal organizations working together with individuals, groups and businesses to address invasive species concerns across jurisdictional boundaries. Other common terms for an Invasive Species Network are Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) and Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA).

Northeast Michigan CWMA serves 11 counties and is organized into two distinct but cohesive management units: Huron Coastal Invasive Species Network and Huron Heartland Invasive Species Network. Each of these ISNs are better equipped to serve their communities, expand the reach and scope of work and ensure long-term stability of invasive species management across Northeast Michigan.

Click the graphics below to visit our ISN webpages.

Identify and report invasive species

Visit the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) for information to help you identify invasive species and tools for reporting what you find.

Do you have invasive species on your property? Take our landowner survey to help us monitor invasive species and see if you qualify for treatment assistance.

You can also learn how to build your own DIY contamination kit by downloading our PDF instructions.

Native plant resources

Follow the links below for additional resources on native and invasive plant species.

Photo credits
“Ninebark” by Lenora Enking, licensed by CC BY-SA 2.0
“Japanese Barberry” by Kristine Paulus, licenced by CC BY-SA 2.0
“Boneset” by Nonenmac, licensed by CC-BY-SA 4.0
“Indiangrass” by Friends of Prairie Learning Center and Neil Smith NWR, licensed by CC BY-SA 2.0
“Japanese ribbon grass” by Miya.m, licensed by CC BY-SA 3.0
“Trumpet Honeysuckle” by Sanjay Archarya, licensed by CC BY-SA 3.0
“Oriental Bittersweet” by Soap, licensed by CC By-SA 4.0
“Sugar Maple” by James St. John, licensed by CC BY-SA 2.0
“Norway Maple” by Jonathan Billinger, licensed by CC BY-SA 2.0
“Baby’s Breath,” public domain