ABOUT
Learn More About WRISC!
WRISC's mission may seem pretty straighforward: stop invasive species! But actually WRISC's goals are detailed, strategic, and constantly adapting to our changing landscape!
MISSION
The Wild Rivers Invasive Species Coalition (WRISC), as a multi-partner organization representing five counties in two states, is dedicated to the management of invasive species on our lands and waters through cooperation, education, prevention, and control.
WRISC's Strategic Goals
The primary goals of WRISC are to:
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Raise awareness about invasive species in the WRISC area
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Prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species through monitoring, early detection, and rapid response
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Address known populations of invasive species utilizing Integrated Invasive Species Management methods where appropriate
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Consider restoration during invasive species projects
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Continually work to enhance collaboration among all stakeholders involved with WRISC
GOAL
Prevention through Education
WRISC’s educational outreach is focused on increasing awareness of the problem of invasive species and the role that humans play in spreading invasive plants and animals, and helping people take action in their own communities. Through education, the public can help to reduce the impact of invasive species in the WRISC management area.
#1
GOAL
Early Detection and
Rapid Response
WRISC places a high emphasis on detecting new species and populations of invasives early, and rapidly responding with control and eradication efforts. These control efforts are the most cost effective and provide a high return on investment.
#2
GOAL
Control and Management
WRISC supports and encourages the control and management of invasive species and participates directly as funding allows. The following objectives will allow management to be addressed strategically using information, prioritization, and integrated techniques, resulting in more effective and efficient results.
#3
GOAL
Restoration
Restoration of ecosystems and landscapes to their natural and native form is the ultimate long-term goal of any invasive species management campaign. WRISC is committed to pursuing and encouraging restoration where appropriate and feasible.
#4
GOAL
Organizational Collaboration and Stability
The long-term success of WRISC is dependent on the structure and strength of the organization and Partnership. One of WRISC’s goals is to maintain and strengthen collaboration, which will expand the organization’s capacity to accomplish all other goals.
#5
To learn more about WRISC's goals and strategies, check out the Strategic Management Plan on the Documents page
Meet The Team
Lindsay Peterson
WRISC Coordinator
Lindsay holds a BS in Environmental Geoscience with an emphasis in Water Science from Northland College. She has been with WRISC since 2015 and has been the Coordinator of WRISC since 2017.
Originally from Foster City, Lindsay loves being able to work with the local community she grew up in.
In her free time, Lindsay enjoys backpacking, gardening, & adventuring with her family & two dogs.
Katherine Mentel
WRISC Project Manager
Raised in the Iron Mountain area, Katherine has been with WRISC since 2018 and has been a Project Manager since the Fall of 2019.
Currently, Katherine is working to go back to school to secure a BS in Sustainable Management.
In her free time, Katherine enjoys showing her little son all of the best hiking spots in Dickinson County and the Upper Peninsula!
Tyler Norris
WRISC Project Manager
Tyler is originally from Livonia, New York. He attended SUNY ESF (The State University New York for Environmental Science and Forestry), and graduated with a degree in Conservation Biology and a minor in Marine Biology.
Outside of work, Tyler loves to stay active by hiking, bike riding, or going to the gym for a nice swim. When out in nature, Tyler loves to observe the local wildlife.