CRI has provided continued funding for this project through its Franklin Parker Small Grants program:
2007- $4,000
2008- $5,000
2009- $6,000
2010- $5000
2011- $5000
The New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team (CJISST) was initiated in 2008 by the Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space (FoHVOS) and the Upper Raritan Watershed Association (URWA), whose goal it was to create New Jersey’s first private/public partnership based upon a cooperative approach to prevent the spread of newly emerging invasive species though early detection & rapid response (ED/RR). ED/RR is an innovative, cost-effective and efficient approach to invasive species. Partners and volunteers involved in CJISST are all committed to a common goal — preventing the torrent of new invasions that will further degrade New Jersey’s natural resources.
Strike Team partners use early detection/rapid response (ED/RR) methodology to map the locations and densities of newly emerging populations of invasive species and to remove them before they spread further. Eradications are prioritized based on the frequency, range and density of the species, as well as the conservation value of specific sites. Engaging a wide range of partnerships with state, county, and municipal agencies, conservation and community organizations, private landowners, and an extensive network of volunteers ensures the success of this project.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Biological Diversity: Habitat- federal threatened species habitat protection; Ecosystem resilience and pest control- invasive plant removal
Outreach & Education: volunteer training, public education on invasive species
Total Project Cost: $250,000
Status: In 2011, the New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team became an independent non-profit organization. CRI’s grant funds have helped leverage nearly $250,000 in additional grants from other funders.
NJISST now includes over 55 project partners from multiple sectors including government (federal, state, county, and municipal), non-profit, corporate and private. Stewardship and education/outreach activities occur throughout the project area which covers 1.6 million acres across 9 counties (Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Monmouth, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset and Union). Key project accomplishments include: searching over 50,000 acres, detecting nearly 2,000 populations, eradicating over 600 populations, providing over 50 educational presentations with over 800 total participants, and providing outreach and training to over 1300 partners and volunteers. The project has also established a Steering Committee to guide its progress moving forward and a website to provide technical materials including a project map depicting detections and eradications (www.njisst.org).
If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.
