Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas

A Co-operative Invasive Species Management Area, or CISMA, is a partnership among local organizations that have a vested interest in maintaining the ecological health of a particular area through invasives outreach, prevention and management. Organizations that are part of a CISMA can work together to share resources and collectively be more effective in their work.

Three CISMAs currently exist in Vermont. The Ottaquechee, the Upper Connecticut and the Upper White. For more information about each of these, click on the links above to visit their partner pages.

Members of a CISMA can include, but are not limited to:

  • Land managers

  • Watershed organizations

  • Landowners

  • Conservation commissions

  • Land trusts

  • Federal and state agencies

  • Environmental education centers

  • Road commissioners

  • Town parks departments

  • Regional planning commissions

  • Natural resource conservation districts

  • Master Gardeners

  • Foresters

  • Tree wardens

  • Hunting and fishing organizations

  • Hiking and biking clubs

  • Schools

Because of its size, a CISMA may require additional outreach, management and fundraising committees. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is necessary to create a shared understanding about the project and partners’ goals and responsibilities. A fiscal agent also will likely be needed. Hiring a paid part-time coordinator or designating a lead partner is also important.

Click here to learn how to create a CISMA or a Co-operative Weed Management Area (CWMA).