Iron Furnace CWMA

The Iron Furnace Cooperative Weed Management Area (IFCWMA) is a local organization that provides available invasive plant management resources and information to benefit the community. The IFCWMA is the first and only one in Ohio. It was formed in September of 2006. The Iron Furnace region covers four counties in southern Ohio: Lawrence, Gallia, Scioto and Jackson.

The Problem with Invasive Plants

Invasive, non-native plants (which includes the most problematic plants) are drastically altering natural habitats by displacing native species and reducing the diversity of species.  Fish and wildlife populations are degraded when non-native, invasive plants dominate habitats such as forests, grasslands and wetlands. The invasive plants often lack natural controls, have high reproductive abilities and are often very difficult to control. If invasive plants are not eradicated, they begin to take over the natural habitat and force natural plants and wildlife out of the area.

Partner with the Iron Furnace CWMA

The purpose of the CWMA is to work toward the eradication of invasive non-native species in the Iron Furnace region. We work together with the community to educate and work toward mass eradication of these harmful invaders. Community members are encouraged to learn to identify invasive plants, to incorporate native species into their landscaping, and to take part in our workshops and organized events.

Kudzu
Kudzu kills or degrades other plants by covering them under a solid blanket of leaves, by girdling woody stems and tree
trunks, and by breaking branches or uprooting entire trees and shrubs through the sheer force of its weight
For long term control of kudzu, the entire root system must be destroyed.

For more information about how to get rid of invasive plants, check the Control Methods section.