Ohio's First CWMA

The Iron Furnace Cooperative Weed Management Area (IFCWMA) is Ohio's first CWMA and was formed in September 2006. The IFCWMA is located in southern Ohio in Lawrence, Gallia, Scioto, and Jackson counties. The IFCWMA consists of landowners and local, state, federal, and private organizations that meet quarterly.

Goals of the IFCWMA

The goals of the IFCWMA are to improve awareness of the threat of invasive plants and work to restrain these harmful invaders. This is accomplished by working with partners to promote land stewardship, conduct research and exchange information about invasive plants. We work locally, yet we are able to pool resources from a variety of sources to compbat invasive plant problems.

How does the IFCWMA accomplish its goals

• Educate the public about invasive plants by hosting workshops, field tours and public meetings; and developing and distributing informational materials.
  
• Provide coordination and leadership for a local volunteer monitoring program which collects information about locations and spread of invasive plants to be used in early detection of new infestations.
  
• Strategically control populations of invasive plants in the IFCWMA.
  
• Seek grants and other funding sources to support the goals of the IFCWMA.
  
• Develop a strategic plan to guide us into the future by establishing long-term direction and priorities.