Serving Elk County, Pennsylvania since 1962! Call Us: 814-776-5373
Elk
County
Conservation
District
P.R.I.S.M.
Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM) is a pilot program taking place in 13 northwestern PA counties. The goal of this program is to address the critical need to manage invasive species. PRISM partnerships hope to generate interest from public stakeholders including private landowners, those with an interest in the environment, and other cooperating agencies (e.g., Allegheny National Forest). By bring together many partners, the program will lessen the burden of invasive species management and increase restoration of the native landscape.
P.R.I.S.M. Funding
The funding for PRISM is divided into two separate sub-grants. The first sub-grant is intended to implement activities for education and outreach. The second is to help with invasive species management and treatment opportunities.
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The overarching goal of each sub-grant is to build strong partnerships with the public, and to help broaden the range of people involved with the management of invasive species. This pilot program is also working to address any potential threats posed towards Pennsylvania's economy, environment, and both human and native animal health.
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Landowners have the opportunity to work with the Elk County Conservation District (ECCD) to mitigate invasive species found on their property. Interested individuals should schedule a pre-application site visit with ECCD prior to submitting an application.
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Once the application is approved, a landowner agreement will be issued between the property owner and ECCD. Any treatment projects will be contracted out to a licensed and insured pesticide applicator by ECCD, and ECCD will oversee any necessary communication and collaboration.
Three Main Goals...
1. Prevention
2. Education
3. Funding
Manage Threats to...
1. Economy
2. Environment
3. Health
This pilot program will address the critical need to manage invasive species that threaten PA's environments, economy, and both human and animal health.
Example Treatment Methods...
This is an example of a basal, herbicide treatment. The lower portion of a trunk is sprayed with an herbicide mixture. This method of treatment is most effective on woody plants with trunks up to 6 inches in diameter.
This is an example of a foliar, herbicide treatment that was sprayed on the invasive plant, Glossy Buckthorn. This form of herbicide will be absorbed by the plant's leaves and travel throughout the plant.
While Elk County is not listed under the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) Quarantine, it is important to continue monitoring for this invasive pest, so we can prevent any further spreading into northern PA. If you are interested in monitoring for SLF on your property, please contact the District for a trap shown here.
If you are interested in possible treatment opportunities by a licensed and insured pesticide applicator, as well as future monitoring of the invasive species, PRISM may be what you are looking for!​
Please contact us at 814-776-5373 or email at tech2@elkconservationdistrict.com for more information.
Please be advised that eligibility requires a minimum 50% cash and/or in-kind match contribution.