Our Steering Committee
The CAKE CISMA was established in 2015 by a group of local, active organizations that are passionate about the management of invasive species and increasing public awareness to current issues. These organizations include natural resource focused non-profits, tribal entities, land trusts, and county conservation districts. Our steering organizations and their representing members are listed below: visit their websites to learn more about the work they are doing in the region!
Antrim Conservation District
The Antrim Conservation District was formed in 1947 by local farmers to conserve, improve, and maintain Antrim County's soil and to promote efficient and economical use of the land. ACD serves as the first stop for local citizens, farmers, landowners, conservation groups, and county government for their natural resource needs. The ACD is the acting fiduciary for the CISMA, and houses the CISMA office and supplies.
Emmet Conservation District
The Emmet Conservation District's mission as a steward of the environment is to improve the quality of life for residents of Emmet County, by protecting and conserving natural resources, promoting sound sustainable agriculture practices, and providing educational opportunities for the community.
Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy
For nearly 25 years, the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy has protected and cared for the region’s natural, scenic, farm and forest lands. With the support of individual donors, foundations and volunteers, and the partnership of local, state, and federal agencies, the conservancy has protected more than 40,000 acres of land and 124 miles of shoreline along the region’s exceptional rivers, lakes and streams. The GTRLC is fully accredited by the Land Trust Alliance.
Kalkaska Conservation District
The mission of the Kalkaska Conservation District is to provide leadership in the natural resource management of Kalkaska County, deliver conservation assistance and information to residents and visitors, and ensure quality implementation of conservation practices. KCD plays a unique role in working with property owners, land users and community leaders to address the needs of its beautiful and vibrant region.
Little Traverse Conservancy
The mission of the Little Traverse Conservancy is to protect the natural diversity and beauty of northern Michigan by preserving significant land and scenic areas, and fostering appreciation and understanding of the environment. In a service area that spans Chippewa, Mackinac, Emmet, Cheboygan, and Charlevoix counties, the LTC provides protection and care for public lands and offers outdoor education opportunities.
Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians
The Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians share in common with all other Odawak the customs, culture, and spirituality of their ancestors, and hold to the cultural values of Wisdom, Love, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Humility and Truth. The Tribe utilizes its assets to provide the necessary tools to become a successful, hard-working community of members who proudly represent their culture; this includes the implementation of management strategies that protect Tribal resources on, above, below and within the land and waters for the future benefit of the Tribe.
Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council
Since 1979, the Watershed Council has protected the water resources of Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, and Emmet Counties. The Watershed Council speaks on behalf of its members, including full-time and seasonal residents, lake associations, and businesses. The council works to maintain the environmental integrity and economic and aesthetic values of the Great Lakes, inland lakes, rivers and streams, wetlands and groundwater.
Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy
The mission of the Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy is to conserve, care for and connect people to the lands, lakes and streams within the Walloon Lake watershed now and forever. The Trust and Conservancy accomplishes its goals through land preservation and land stewardship.