Information for Partners

A Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) is an alliance of stakeholders addressing invasive species management in geographic regions within Florida. The Everglades CISMA was created in 2008 with the following objectives:

• Formalize areas of coordination and cooperation among agencies
• Define specific geographical areas and prioritize species for Everglades restoration
• Integrate coordination, control and management of invasive species at regional, multi-jurisdictional levels
• Directly involve high-level policy makers and managers in Everglades invasive species coordination and areas of cooperation through a formal agreement
• Be eligible for additional funding opportunities that are only available to CISMA-type organizations
• Provide multi-organizational agreement and support toward the development of an Invasive Species Master Plan as part of CERP
• Organize an Invasive Species Steering Committee to provide direction, coordinate actions and funding, and provide regular oversight and updates to the Invasive Species Master Plan
• Resolve interagency coordination issues that require higher level management involvement (such as coordination of budget planning)
• Help ensure the success of Everglades restoration