The Lake to lake cisma program provides free invasive species management in
marquette, alger, schoolcraft, and delta counties. 

The Lake to Lake Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (L2L CISMA) is a multi-agency and multi-community group created in 2008 to protect the UP from invasive species!  L2L CISMA protects the Central Upper Peninsula from invasive species, from Lake Michigan's shoreline to Lake Superior's.  L2L CISMA aims to provide long-term protection to native habitats by reducing the threat from non-native and invasive species by educating the public, surveying and researching invasions, planting native species, and by providing on-the-ground invasive plant removal techniques. 

What are invasive species?

Non-native Invasive Species (NNIS) are species that are introduced where they did not naturally evolve and have no natural enemies to limit their production. The presence of invasive species can result in reduced native plant life, soil erosion, loss of wildlife habitat, and more.  Invasives are most commonly introduced to an area by humans, but are sometimes spread by wildlife as well.

what can l2l cisma do for you?

We are a resource for the public and offer many services, often at no cost. Here are some ways you could utilize L2L CISMA:
We offer free on-site evaluations to help determine what invasive species may be on your land.
We can help you treat invasive species on your land, or help you create a treatment plan to combat invasive species  on your own!
 We offer tips on native plantings, i.e. what will perform well in your sunny/shady spots, what to plant to attract pollinators, etc. 
Education - we are available to answer any questions you may have! We are also available for invasive species ID training with local schools, clubs, and other organizations.

Here is a list of the top invasive species to be on the lookout for in Marquette County:​
​Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica)
Glossy Buckthorn (Frangula alnus)
Non-native Phragmites (Phragmites australis)
Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata)
Spotted Knapweed (Centaurea stoebe)
Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)
Eurasian Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum)
European Swamp Thistle (Cirsium palustre)
Butterbur (Petasites hybridus)
If you have seen these, know of an area that has them growing, or want more information, there are a few steps to take:
1. Report any sighting to MISIN, a wonderful citizen science tool to share information on invasive species.
2. Call us! We have many tools and resources to share with you!
3. Be a mindful citizen. Make sure you are doing all you can to reduce the spread of invasive species!


Elise Desjarlais is the coordinator of the Lake to Lake CISMA and can be reached at 906.251.3068, or l2lcisma@gmail.com