+ DOES SICIM OPERATE IN NORTHERN INDIANA?

SICIM sponsors the Indiana Invasives Initiative which is a statewide effort with the goal to have strong local CISMAs in every county in the state. Check out our Indiana Invasives Initiative page for more information.

+ WHAT IS A CISMA?

A Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) is a local group or partnership of people who collectively manage the problem of invasive species spreading across the landscape. CISMAs operate by engaging local interests and addressing invasive species issues across various land ownership. Visit our Indiana CISMAs page for more information.

+ IS THE INDIANA INVASIVES INITIATIVE COMING TO MY COUNTY?

The Indiana Invasives Initiative is working to establish and support Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs) throughout the state. Visit our Indiana CISMAs page or contact our III Project Coordinator to learn if there is a group close to you. Your involvement and support are needed to help manage invasive species in your county.

+ WHO IS THE SICIM REGIONAL SPECIALIST FOR MY COUNTY?

You can find a listing of our Regional Specialists by county in the Contacts under the Invasives Initiative page.

+ WHAT ASSISTANCE CAN A REGIONAL SPECIALIST PROVIDE?

Indiana Invasives Initiative Regional Specialist support includes:

• Professional trainings for Indiana Conservation Partnership staff and CISMA members
• Direct support for new & existing CISMAs
• Landowner surveys and technical assistance
• Invasive species education & outreach materials, events, educational displays, etc

+ HOW DO I START A CISMA?

The first step is to read through SICIM’s Organizational Template for Indiana CISMAs and then contact your Indiana Invasives Initiative Regional Specialist for direct support.

+ HOW ARE PLANTS DETERMINED TO BE INVASIVE IN INDIANA

The Indiana Invasive Species Council (IISC) Official Invasive Plant List was created through a science-based assessment of each species. These assessments are carried out and approved by the Invasive Plant Advisory Committee (IPAC). Visit the IISC website and the IPAC page for more information.

+ HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT NATIVE PLANTS & WHERE CAN I BUY THEM?

Visit our Landscaping with Native Plants resource page to learn more about native plants in Indiana and where you can purchase them for landscaping and restoration.

+ HOW DO I PRIORITIZE FOR THE CONTROL OF INVASIVE PLANTS?

Since it is likely that you will be faced with multiple species of invasive plants, it's important to plan ahead for managing these infestations on your property. Without a plan, it’s easy to underestimate the time and resources it will take to control each species. You can end up overwhelmed and give up in frustration. For helpful tips on how to prioritize invasive plant control, check out this article by Ellen Jacquart, current president of the Indiana Native Plant Society (INPS).

WHY IS (Callery pear, border privet, Japanese barberry, winged burning bush, etc.] NOT ‘INVASIVE’ ON MY PROPERTY?

Many invasive plants are spread by means of fruits or seeds which are picked up and/or eaten and dispersed short and long distances by birds and other animals. Some invasive seeds and other plant parts are easily spread by wind, water, equipment, and even the soles of your shoes. The invasive plants you have may not be causing harm on your property, but they are very likely to spread by means of fruits, seeds and/or other plant parts into neighboring properties including our natural areas. In addition, many of us spread invasive plants by intentionally sharing them with neighbors, friends, and family.

+ IS THERE A CERTIFICATION OR LICENSE FOR THE USE OF HERBICIDE?

The Pesticide Section of the Indiana Office of the State Chemist (OISC) regulates the distribution and application of pesticides in the State of Indiana. The mission of the Indiana OISC Pesticide Section is to protect the public and the environment by ensuring that pesticide products distributed within the state are properly formulated and labeled and that individuals who apply pesticides have met minimum competency standards, when required, and apply those pesticides without causing harm to people or property. Visit the OISC Pesticides Section webpage to learn more.

+ HOW DO I SUPPORT EFFORTS TO MANAGE INVASIVE PLANTS?

There are so many ways to learn more and get involved:

• Take part in a Weed Wrangle® Indiana event
• Get involved with your local CISMA
• Request a free invasive species landowner survey from your Regional Specialist or local CISMA
• Learn more about invasive plants
• Control invasive plants on your property
• Learn about native plants
• Landscape with native plants and encourage others to do the same
• Join us on social media and share information with others
• Map & report invasive plants via the EDDMapS website or smart device app for Android or Apple
• Spread the word! Talk to your elected officials, local landscape nursery, neighbors, friends, and family about invasive plants and the importance of planting native.