About Us
The Kenai Peninsula Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area is a volunteer partnership dedicated to preventing the introduction and managing the spread of non-native, invasive species.
Governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and Tribal entities have collaborated since 2003 to eradicate invasive species on public and private lands and waters on the Kenai Peninsula.
We work hard to protect fish and wildlife habitat from current and potential invasive species.
Our Goals
Prevent the introduction and spread of non-native, invasive species within the KP-CISMA.
Implement the most economic, effective, and safe control methods for priority invasive species.
Reduce the extent and density of newly established invasive species to minimize spread and damage to natural resources through early detection and rapid response.
Facilitate cooperation among those working to manage invasive species on the Kenai Peninsula.
Our History
2003
The Kenai Peninsula Cooperative Weed Management Area (KP-CWMA) was spearheaded by the Homer and Kenai Soil and Water Conservation Districts in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service – State and Private Forestry.
2007
The KP-CWMA developed a strategic plan that further defined goals and objectives, management approaches, and invasive plants of highest management concern. This strategic plan is updated every five years.
2013
Elodea, the first aquatic invasive plant in Alaska, was detected in two lakes on the Kenai Peninsula. Since then, six lake infestations have been detected and successfully eradicated through the KP-CISMA’s rapid response.
2020
The partnership expanded in scope to include all taxa of invasive species, and thus changed the name from a Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA) to a Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA). Today there are over 20 active partners.
Strategic Plans
Reed Canarygrass Strategic Management Plan 2021
Integrated Pest Management Plan for Eradicating Elodea 2021
Workshops and Trainings
The KP-CISMA hosts a biennial invasive species workshop that brings scientists, land managers, field technicians, and the general public together to discuss best management practices for Early Detection and Rapid Response.
Statewide Annual Invasive Species Workshop
Professionals may earn continuing education units (CEUs) for their pesticide applicator license by attending the annual workshop hosted by AKISP, the Alaska Invasive Species Partnership.
Partnerships
Collaborative partnerships between state and federal agencies, Tribes, non-profit organizations, and private landowners are critical if we are to succeed at keeping Alaska wild and free from invasive species.
The KP-CISMA gains a partner when an agency/organization signs our Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which formally outlines the intent of the KP-CISMA and the role of a partnering entity.
THANK YOU
Major funding for the KP-CISMA and its programs is provided by the US Forest Service and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
