Invasive Species Assessments, About

SICIM (Southern Indiana Cooperative Invasives Management) regional specialist, Mary Welz, performing a survey with a local HOA.

Andrew Fritz, Urban Conservation Technician
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Technical assistance through the Hamilton County SWCD is a type of consulting that provides support, planning, and guidance for anyone or any group interested in applying conservation to the land. It is a free service offered to citizens of Hamilton County who desire to work toward conservation.

One way we offer technical assistance is through an invasive species assessment. The goal of this assessment is to identify where invasive species are on your property and how to manage and remove them to improve ecosystem health.
With an invasives species assessment we help you with:

• Finding and naming invasive species
• Supplying resources on how, when, and where to manage and remove them
• Identifying potential native replacements
• Making management decisions
• Ongoing assistance as you implement the conservation on your land

Upon your request and initial conversation by phone, we can help to determine if your area of concern qualifies for a site visit. Assuming you have legal access to the area or land of concern, we will meet with you to perform an assessment of the site. During the assessment we will walk the property together and identify invasives species. If needed, we will follow-up with resources and strategies in the form of a conservation plan.

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Map showing density of invasive plant species on a property in Hamilton County.

Who can Receive Invasive Technical Assistance?
While technical assistance is available to all county residents, those with multi-acre properties are in greater need of protection and are a priority for invasive species assessments.

Is Financial Assistance Available to Help Manage Invasives?
Financial assistance may be available to landowners with financial need who demonstrate a commitment to conservation. Depending on the specific conditions, financial assistance or cost-share grants are available through the HCSWCD or other partnering agencies for invasive species management as part of a conservation management plan.

How do you request technical assistance for an invasive species assessment? 
To request technical assistance, contact our office at (317) 773-2181. You may also contact Urban Conservation Technician, Andrew Fritz, by email at Andrew.fritz@hamiltoncounty.in.gov.

Links:
What are invasive species?
Invasive species resources on our website

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