Invasive phragmites is one of our oldest invasive species, it was originally introduced to the United States in the 1700's or 1800's in ship ballast water. It is a restricted species in Michigan, which means that it is illegal to sell, trade, plant, or share per  Michigan's Natural Resources Environmental Protection Act (Part 413 of Act 451).  

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Phragmites management in Northern Michigan traces back to a time preceding the CAKE CISMA program. Initially, it was a grassroots endeavor championed by lake associations, concerned citizens, and local environmental organizations. Since its establishment in 2015, CAKE CISMA has spearheaded invasive phragmites management across Northern Michigan. Our mission is twofold: to complement existing efforts by these organizations and to provide additional avenues for landowners to access free treatment for their phragmites infestations. In 2024, we'll be utilizing grant funding from the Great Lake Restoration Initiative and the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program to survey for and treat invasive phragmites. While we cannot guarantee treatment for every affected area, we are committed to leveraging these resources to address the most critical infestations. Our focus lies on targeting high-quality natural areas and locations directly linked to large surface water bodies. By prioritizing these sites, we aim to curb the spread of phragmites and safeguard the ecological integrity of our region's most sensitive ecosystems.