CISMA partners comprise of local, county, tribal, state and federal agencies, as well as non-profit organizations and universities. Partners show their support of the SB-CISMA by signing a non-binding partnership agreement form stating that they will work together as a team to manage invasive species within CISMA boundaries. Invasive plants aren't bound by borders or property lines, and they affect many communities at once, therefore collaboration and partnerships are essential for effective management actions.
Partners help the CISMA become aware of aware of new invasive species infestations, needs, and opportunities to engage with the community. Partners can also have access to new sources of funding and increased implementation efficiency. With the help of its partners, SB-CISMA promotes invasive species education and outreach, inventory and prevention, and control activities for the Saginaw Bay community.
Looking to partner with Saginaw Bay CISMA? Click here to learn more about CISMA partnership. Ready to jump in and become a SB-CISMA partner? Click here to submit a non-binding partnership agreement.
Partners help the CISMA become aware of aware of new invasive species infestations, needs, and opportunities to engage with the community. Partners can also have access to new sources of funding and increased implementation efficiency. With the help of its partners, SB-CISMA promotes invasive species education and outreach, inventory and prevention, and control activities for the Saginaw Bay community.
Looking to partner with Saginaw Bay CISMA? Click here to learn more about CISMA partnership. Ready to jump in and become a SB-CISMA partner? Click here to submit a non-binding partnership agreement.
Conservation Districts
The Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) is a non-profit organization that represents the interests of Michigan Conservation Districts and works to strengthen Districts through leadership, information and representation at the state level.
Six Conservation Districts within the Saginaw Bay CISMA region provide resources for treatment, consevation, and outreach, and to help create citizen connections around the Saginaw Bay:
Arenac Conservation District
Bay Conservation District
Huron Conservation District
Blue Water Conservation District
Saginaw Conservation District
Tuscola Conservation District
A directory of all county-level Conservation Districts is available on their website at https://macd.org/local-districts/
Six Conservation Districts within the Saginaw Bay CISMA region provide resources for treatment, consevation, and outreach, and to help create citizen connections around the Saginaw Bay:
Arenac Conservation District
Bay Conservation District
Huron Conservation District
Blue Water Conservation District
Saginaw Conservation District
Tuscola Conservation District
A directory of all county-level Conservation Districts is available on their website at https://macd.org/local-districts/
Private and Non-profit partners
Audubon Great Lakes manages conservation work throughout the Great Lakes region to protect and improve habitat critical for birds during their migration and nesting cycles. Great Lakes Audubon is partnering with SB-CISMA on a Great Lakes regionwide effort to evaluate the impact of SOGL-funded restoration on breeding marsh birds, migratory waterfowl and migratory shorebirds.
Camp Cavell Conservancy, located in Lexington, Michigan, north of Port Huron, Camp Cavell covers over 55 acres of land, with 1,800 feet of beautiful Lake Huron shoreline. Camp Cavell Conservancy is a non-profit summer/community use camp that provides camping and outdoor experiences to campers young and old from across the state. Invasive species negatively impact the camp's unique placement on a shoreline bluff due to the shallow roots speeding up erosion and can give visitors a false understanding of what nature is supposed to look like in the great lakes region. They have been actively restoring the property to its original, natural state, which includes invasive species removal and getting campers involved in the process!
Cass River Greenway includes representatives from each community along the Cass River from Bridgeport to Cass City. In addition to developing recreation opportunities along the Cass River and its corridor, the Cass River Greenway Committee’s goals include; preserve and enhance wildlife habitat, improve water quality, promote good environmental stewardship practices and develop ecotourism opportunities. By working these goals across township and community boundaries the Committee hopes to insure a future of healthy connected communities.
The Conservation Fund has been saving special places across America protecting 7 million acres of land and water in all 50 states. The Conservation Fund ranks among the top 1% of charities nationwide.
Consumers Energy is committed to supporting resource conservation and natural resources by providing clean renewable energy for their clients. Consumers partners with multiple natural resources organizations throughout the state to promote biodiversity and sustainable practices.
EDDMaps is a web-based mapping system for documenting invasive species and pest distribution. Launched in 2005 by the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health at the University of Georgia, it was originally designed as a tool for state Exotic Pest Plant Councils to develop more complete distribution data of invasive species. Since then, the program has expanded to include the entire US and Canada as well as to document certain native pest species.
GLANSIS serves as the Laurentian Great Lakes' "one-stop shop" for information on aquatic nonindigenous species (ANS). As part of NOAA's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, GLANSIS is an valuable resource for recording aquatic non-indigenous species in the Great Lakes, and providing resources for educators and managers regarding aquatic invasive issues.
The Great Lakes Commission is an interstate compact agency that promotes the orderly, integrated and comprehensive development, use and conservation of the water and related natural resources of the Great Lakes basin and St. Lawrence River.
Huron County Nature Center is a volunteer run, non-profit organization dedicated to preserving nature and educating the public. The Nature Center is open year round, and admission is free.
Lone Tree Council is an environmental nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the environment through action and education.
Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) is a regional data aggregation effort to develop and provide an early detection and response (EDR) resource for invasive species in the Midwest region of the United States, led by researchers with the Michigan State University Department of Entomology Laboratory for Applied Spatial Ecology and Technical Services.
Michigan Lakes and Streams Association is a non-profit, state-wide organization dedicated to the preservation, protection and wise management of Michigan’s vast treasure of inland lakes and streams. We achieve our mission by supporting riparian associations as well as the collective and individual educational, stewardship and conservation initiatives of our members which include lake associations, concerned citizens, commercial and non-profit businesses as well as our public and private collaborative partners.
Michigan Sea Grant is a cooperative program of the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. We fund research, education, and outreach projects designed to foster science-based decisions about the use and conservation of Great Lakes resources.
Michigan State University Natural Resources Extension improves public understanding, helps landowners and communities create sustainable long-term social and economic development and conserve natural resources for future generations. Our partners through the Michigan State University Extension include:
Mershon-Neumann Heritage Chapter of Trout Unlimited has a strong 50 year history of protecting and preserving cold-water resources in Michigan. They are a grassroots organization that works on and helps fund projects like stream bank improvement, lunker structure placement, strategic tree plantings, river cleanups, and other hands-on initiatives. They provide opportunities throughout the year to increase knowledge of cold-water systems and ways to improve and enjoy the environment where trout are found including the Au Sable and Rifle rivers.
Michigan Technological University a globally recognized technological university that educates students, advances knowledge, and innovates to improve the quality of life and to promote mutual respect and equity for all people within the state, the nation, and the global community.
Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy helps to preserve land and water quality across the Saginaw Basin. The Conservancy has 83 conservation project sites. This includes nine SBLC owned nature preserves, 71 privately owned conservation easements, and four outdoor recreation sites access sites.
Saginaw Career Complex's Animal and Agricultural Sciences program provides an education on the many careers available relating to agriculture and animal sciences. Students learn a wide variety of agriculture and biological skills and get the opportunity to receive OSHA Career Safety Certification and earn college credit through Michigan State University.
Saginaw Valley State University transforms lives through educational and dynamic partnerships, unleashing possibilities for impact in our community, and worldwide.
Shiawassee River Water Trail Coalition is a State and Nationally designated water trail by the MI DNR and the U.S. National Park Service. The river flows through four counties in mid-Michigan covering eighty-eight miles. The Coalition has over 20 organizations as members which is inclusive of local units of government (cities, villages and townships), non-profits, a lake association, and three county wide park and recreation departments.
Camp Cavell Conservancy, located in Lexington, Michigan, north of Port Huron, Camp Cavell covers over 55 acres of land, with 1,800 feet of beautiful Lake Huron shoreline. Camp Cavell Conservancy is a non-profit summer/community use camp that provides camping and outdoor experiences to campers young and old from across the state. Invasive species negatively impact the camp's unique placement on a shoreline bluff due to the shallow roots speeding up erosion and can give visitors a false understanding of what nature is supposed to look like in the great lakes region. They have been actively restoring the property to its original, natural state, which includes invasive species removal and getting campers involved in the process!
Cass River Greenway includes representatives from each community along the Cass River from Bridgeport to Cass City. In addition to developing recreation opportunities along the Cass River and its corridor, the Cass River Greenway Committee’s goals include; preserve and enhance wildlife habitat, improve water quality, promote good environmental stewardship practices and develop ecotourism opportunities. By working these goals across township and community boundaries the Committee hopes to insure a future of healthy connected communities.
The Conservation Fund has been saving special places across America protecting 7 million acres of land and water in all 50 states. The Conservation Fund ranks among the top 1% of charities nationwide.
Consumers Energy is committed to supporting resource conservation and natural resources by providing clean renewable energy for their clients. Consumers partners with multiple natural resources organizations throughout the state to promote biodiversity and sustainable practices.
EDDMaps is a web-based mapping system for documenting invasive species and pest distribution. Launched in 2005 by the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health at the University of Georgia, it was originally designed as a tool for state Exotic Pest Plant Councils to develop more complete distribution data of invasive species. Since then, the program has expanded to include the entire US and Canada as well as to document certain native pest species.
GLANSIS serves as the Laurentian Great Lakes' "one-stop shop" for information on aquatic nonindigenous species (ANS). As part of NOAA's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, GLANSIS is an valuable resource for recording aquatic non-indigenous species in the Great Lakes, and providing resources for educators and managers regarding aquatic invasive issues.
The Great Lakes Commission is an interstate compact agency that promotes the orderly, integrated and comprehensive development, use and conservation of the water and related natural resources of the Great Lakes basin and St. Lawrence River.
Huron County Nature Center is a volunteer run, non-profit organization dedicated to preserving nature and educating the public. The Nature Center is open year round, and admission is free.
Lone Tree Council is an environmental nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the environment through action and education.
Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) is a regional data aggregation effort to develop and provide an early detection and response (EDR) resource for invasive species in the Midwest region of the United States, led by researchers with the Michigan State University Department of Entomology Laboratory for Applied Spatial Ecology and Technical Services.
Michigan Lakes and Streams Association is a non-profit, state-wide organization dedicated to the preservation, protection and wise management of Michigan’s vast treasure of inland lakes and streams. We achieve our mission by supporting riparian associations as well as the collective and individual educational, stewardship and conservation initiatives of our members which include lake associations, concerned citizens, commercial and non-profit businesses as well as our public and private collaborative partners.
Michigan Sea Grant is a cooperative program of the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. We fund research, education, and outreach projects designed to foster science-based decisions about the use and conservation of Great Lakes resources.
Michigan State University Natural Resources Extension improves public understanding, helps landowners and communities create sustainable long-term social and economic development and conserve natural resources for future generations. Our partners through the Michigan State University Extension include:
- Clean Boats Clean Waters
- Bay County 4-H Club
- Saginaw County 4-H Club
- Tuscola County 4-H Club
- Reduce Invasive Pest and PLant Escapees (RIPPLE)
Mershon-Neumann Heritage Chapter of Trout Unlimited has a strong 50 year history of protecting and preserving cold-water resources in Michigan. They are a grassroots organization that works on and helps fund projects like stream bank improvement, lunker structure placement, strategic tree plantings, river cleanups, and other hands-on initiatives. They provide opportunities throughout the year to increase knowledge of cold-water systems and ways to improve and enjoy the environment where trout are found including the Au Sable and Rifle rivers.
Michigan Technological University a globally recognized technological university that educates students, advances knowledge, and innovates to improve the quality of life and to promote mutual respect and equity for all people within the state, the nation, and the global community.
Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy helps to preserve land and water quality across the Saginaw Basin. The Conservancy has 83 conservation project sites. This includes nine SBLC owned nature preserves, 71 privately owned conservation easements, and four outdoor recreation sites access sites.
Saginaw Career Complex's Animal and Agricultural Sciences program provides an education on the many careers available relating to agriculture and animal sciences. Students learn a wide variety of agriculture and biological skills and get the opportunity to receive OSHA Career Safety Certification and earn college credit through Michigan State University.
Saginaw Valley State University transforms lives through educational and dynamic partnerships, unleashing possibilities for impact in our community, and worldwide.
Shiawassee River Water Trail Coalition is a State and Nationally designated water trail by the MI DNR and the U.S. National Park Service. The river flows through four counties in mid-Michigan covering eighty-eight miles. The Coalition has over 20 organizations as members which is inclusive of local units of government (cities, villages and townships), non-profits, a lake association, and three county wide park and recreation departments.
State and Federal Partners
Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division is exclusively responsible for managing state game and wildlife management areas and facilities, which includes 111 state game and wildlife areas, located mainly in the southern half of the Lower Peninsula, on over 400,000 acres. The Wildlife Division is also jointly responsible, with the DNR Forest Resources Division, for planning and managing 3.9 million acres of state forest.
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality promotes wise management of Michigan’s air, land, and water resources to support a sustainable environment, healthy communities, and vibrant economy.
Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division conducts aquatic surveys and assessments, performs permit reviews, and engages with the public and other agencies to provide critical information for management direction and decisions. Biologists and managers use this information to make fish stocking recommendations, prioritize and facilitate habitat improvement and protection projects, and evaluate and modify regulation changes, if necessary, on inland waters and the Great Lakes.
Natural Resource Conservation Service draws on a long history of helping people help the land. For more than 80 years, NRCS and its predecessor agencies have worked in close partnerships with farmers and ranchers, local and state governments, and other federal agencies to maintain healthy and productive working landscapes.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's mission of service is “working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.” The Service’s ability to achieve this mission depends on partnerships. Throughout its storied history, the agency has been committed to a collaborative approach to conservation. Our strategy is to empower Americans to become citizen conservationists. The more the Service can empower people as stewards of the land, the more effective we can be in our conservation mission.
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality promotes wise management of Michigan’s air, land, and water resources to support a sustainable environment, healthy communities, and vibrant economy.
Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division conducts aquatic surveys and assessments, performs permit reviews, and engages with the public and other agencies to provide critical information for management direction and decisions. Biologists and managers use this information to make fish stocking recommendations, prioritize and facilitate habitat improvement and protection projects, and evaluate and modify regulation changes, if necessary, on inland waters and the Great Lakes.
Natural Resource Conservation Service draws on a long history of helping people help the land. For more than 80 years, NRCS and its predecessor agencies have worked in close partnerships with farmers and ranchers, local and state governments, and other federal agencies to maintain healthy and productive working landscapes.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's mission of service is “working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.” The Service’s ability to achieve this mission depends on partnerships. Throughout its storied history, the agency has been committed to a collaborative approach to conservation. Our strategy is to empower Americans to become citizen conservationists. The more the Service can empower people as stewards of the land, the more effective we can be in our conservation mission.
County and Local Partners
Arenac County Road Commission provides monitoring and identification assistance along roadsides, ditches, and right-of-ways. Road commissions are crucial for tracking and treating invasive plants like Phragmites and knotweed.
Bay County Environmental maintains environmental and natural resources project for all residents of Bay County, wind energy initiatives, recycling and waste disposal programs, and invasive species management programs for phragmites, gypsy moth and more.
Bridgeport Charter Township Parks and Recreation in Saginaw County provides affordable recreational, physical and cultural opportunities for all Bridgeport residents. Bridgeport Parks and Recreation has agreed to host an interpretive boot brush station in Davis Community Park, just east of the Cass River. Visit today!
Hampton Charter Township is located in southern Bay County, Michigan, which is in east central lower Michigan along Lake Huron. Among the township's goals are the preservation and protection of land and shoreline. By partnering with SB-CISMA, Hampton township aims to keep it's land free of invasive species.
Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe’s Environmental Team supports Tribal Council’s relations with governmental and non-governmental organizations, to ensure Tribal representation in environmental issues, protect Tribal natural resources, and facilitate sustainable development.
Saginaw County Parks and Recreation Commission operate over 550 acres in 6 parks throughout Saginaw county. Saginaw county parks include 18 miles of hiking trails, two boat launches, four fishing access sites, and many diverse recreation programs.
Saginaw County Road Commission provides monitoring and identification assistance along roadsides, ditches, and right-of-ways. Road commissions are crucial for tracking and treating invasive plants like Phragmites and knotweed.
Thomas Township Nature Center and Preserve is being constructed along the Tittabawasee River, as a park and nature preserve. 60 acres owned by Thomas Township will be open to the public as a nature preserve with outdoor recreation, including river access for kayaking, canoeing and fishing.
Tuscola County Parks and Rec advises the Tuscola County Board of Commissioners on matters of policy and practice pertaining to the encouragement, establishment, and provision of recreational opportunities for residents of, and visitors to, Tuscola County.
Tuscola County Planning Commission is committed to quality planning through education, information, and advocacy and is dedicated to promoting planning practices that benefit the residents of Tuscola County.
Tuscola Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to raising the quality of life in Tuscola County through economic development.
Bay County Environmental maintains environmental and natural resources project for all residents of Bay County, wind energy initiatives, recycling and waste disposal programs, and invasive species management programs for phragmites, gypsy moth and more.
Bridgeport Charter Township Parks and Recreation in Saginaw County provides affordable recreational, physical and cultural opportunities for all Bridgeport residents. Bridgeport Parks and Recreation has agreed to host an interpretive boot brush station in Davis Community Park, just east of the Cass River. Visit today!
Hampton Charter Township is located in southern Bay County, Michigan, which is in east central lower Michigan along Lake Huron. Among the township's goals are the preservation and protection of land and shoreline. By partnering with SB-CISMA, Hampton township aims to keep it's land free of invasive species.
Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe’s Environmental Team supports Tribal Council’s relations with governmental and non-governmental organizations, to ensure Tribal representation in environmental issues, protect Tribal natural resources, and facilitate sustainable development.
Saginaw County Parks and Recreation Commission operate over 550 acres in 6 parks throughout Saginaw county. Saginaw county parks include 18 miles of hiking trails, two boat launches, four fishing access sites, and many diverse recreation programs.
Saginaw County Road Commission provides monitoring and identification assistance along roadsides, ditches, and right-of-ways. Road commissions are crucial for tracking and treating invasive plants like Phragmites and knotweed.
Thomas Township Nature Center and Preserve is being constructed along the Tittabawasee River, as a park and nature preserve. 60 acres owned by Thomas Township will be open to the public as a nature preserve with outdoor recreation, including river access for kayaking, canoeing and fishing.
Tuscola County Parks and Rec advises the Tuscola County Board of Commissioners on matters of policy and practice pertaining to the encouragement, establishment, and provision of recreational opportunities for residents of, and visitors to, Tuscola County.
Tuscola County Planning Commission is committed to quality planning through education, information, and advocacy and is dedicated to promoting planning practices that benefit the residents of Tuscola County.
Tuscola Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to raising the quality of life in Tuscola County through economic development.