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County to accept $69,700 state grant for invasive species control, including spotted lanternfly and phragmites work
Summary
Parks staff briefed the committee on a proposed FY25 Michigan invasive species grant of $69,700 to support county invasive species control (spotted lanternfly, European frog‑bit, phragmites) and outreach; the committee voted to recommend acceptance to the full board.
A parks department staff member presented a proposal to accept a $69,700 state grant for invasive species control in FY25. The presenter said the funds would support efforts targeting spotted lanternfly and European frog‑bit, ongoing phragmites control in partnership with the road commission, and public outreach activities. The county serves as the administrative partner for the local CISMA (Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area) organization that coordinates control activities across member governments.
Commissioner Christiansen asked whether CISMA recommends which invasive species projects are undertaken; the presenter said CISMA functions as an advisory group and the county’s staff lead the control work while consulting with CISMA members. Commissioners discussed phragmites as an ongoing, large problem in the county; the presenter said partnership funding and property owner cooperation allow the county to make local, controlled progress but that eradication is not imminent.
The presenter said the spotted lanternfly is fairly new to the county and encouraged residents to report or "squash" insects if they find them. The presenter offered to send identification photos to commissioners on request.
The committee voted to recommend acceptance of the Michigan invasive species grant to the full board.
