Create a CWMA

Cooperative Weed Management Areas (CWMAs) are partnership organizations formed with the goal of managing invasive plants across jurisdictional and landownership boundaries. Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs) and Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISMs) are similar to CWMAs, but their goals may include the management of invasive animal species in addition to plants. The following are key characteristics of CWMAs/CISMAs/PRISMs:

Work within a defined geographic area
Participation from a broad cross-section of stakeholders and land owners
Decision making though a steering committee
Long-term commitment to cooperation, preferably formalized through a partnership agreement
Have a strategic plan for addressing species of concern
Coordinate across jurisdictional boundaries

CWMAs/CISMAs/PRISMs enable partners to pool resources to address invasive species problems held in common. Partnerships are more efficient and effective than piecemeal approaches. Due to these benefits, MIPN advocates for and offers technical support towards the establishment of CWMAs/CISMAs/PRISMs in the Midwest. Please explore some of our resources below.

Introduction to CWMAs PowerPoint Presentation

Introduction to CWMAs Presentation PDF

The CWMA Cookbook

The CWMA concept was initially developed in the Western U.S. In 2003, the Idaho Noxious Weed Coordinating Committee published a “cookbook,” which provided a step-by-step guide explaining how to form a CWMA. MIPN adapted this work into a CWMA Cookbook for the Eastern U.S. If you are interested in forming a CWMA and would like training on the Cookbook, please contact us.