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

KPCISMA Workshop

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

AKISP logo

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.

Our Partners

Homer Soil and Water Conservation District
KP-CISMA Coordinator

Kenai Watershed Forum 
KP-CISMA Field Coordinator

Kenai Soil and Water Conservation District

Cooperative Extension Service 
University of Alaska Fairbanks

Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Chugach National Forest
U.S. Forest Service

Kenai Fjords National Park
National Park Service

Seldovia Village Tribe

Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities

Alaska Department of Natural Resources

Alaska Department of Fish and Game

Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association

Kenai Peninsula Borough

Natural Resources Conservation Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture

Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Alaska Center for Conservation Science
University of Alaska Anchorage

Alaska Invasive Species Partnership

Copper River Watershed Project

Alien Species Control LLC

Antheia Environmental