Invasive species are like uninvited guests who don’t just overstay their welcome—they rearrange the furniture, eat all the     food, and lock the door behind them. Here’s why they’re such a big deal:

• They outcompete native species: Invasive plants or animals often reproduce quickly and consume resources more aggressively than local species, pushing them out of their own habitats.
• They disrupt ecosystems: Native species are part of a delicate web. When invaders take over, it can unravel entire food chains and change soil chemistry, water availability, or even wildfire patterns.
• They reduce biodiversity: By crowding out or preying on native species, invasive species can cause population declines or even extinctions, shrinking the rich tapestry of life in an area.
• They carry diseases: Some invasive animals bring pathogens that native species have no immunity again.
• They can damage human livelihoods: Beyond ecological impact, they can hurt agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, and cost billions in management efforts.

 It’s a bit like throwing a wrench into a carefully tuned machine—it might keep running for a while, but eventually, things start to break down. 

Invasive Species Control Grant

BSPOA Invasive Species Grant Instructions 2025

BSPOA members are eligible for up to $500 in matching funds (50/50) for the treatment of various targeted invasive species, ie: buckthorn, honeysuckle, garlic mustard, dames rocket, Autumn Olive, and others. (Note: the BSPOA grant differs from the DCIST grant which targets Phragmites, Purple Loosestrife, Wild Parsnip, Teasel, and Knotweed. See deadlines on DCIST site or call Jamie for information).

BSPOA Program Administrator is Jamie Palmer.
Contact Information: Email: Timberhousedc@yahoo.com Phone: 920-559-1007

Application Procedures are as follows:

1. If you know that you have one or more of the BSPOA covered invasive plants listed above, first contact one of the certified and licensed expert invasive eradication contractors listed below to arrange for a site visit and estimate. These specialize in the plants BSPOA is targeting:

BSPOA- IS Certified Contractors

Winter Work – Buckthorn, Honeysuckle, Autumn Olive

(Contact now to get on their list for treatment in the Fall or Winter)

Lowneys Jeremy: 920-733-2560

Dawn’s Lawn Care: 920-559-0515

Bridenhagen Ivan: 920-854-5993

Jason Wilke: 920-493-1788

Spring/Summer/Fall Work- Garlic Mustard, Dames Rocket, etc.

Bob Boltman: 920-421-2283

Jason Wilke: 920-493-1788

Note: DCIST (Door County Invasive Species Team) has a grant that will eradicate your Phragmites, Japanese Knotweed, Teasel, Purple Loosestrife, and Wild Parsnip. Contact them at # 920-746-5955.

2. Members should then submit the BSPOA Invasive Species grant application along with the estimate from the contractor to the Program Administrator for approval BEFORE the work is scheduled. Click on the application link below:

• Invasive Species Grant Application

If you are unsure whether your property contains any of the plants listed above, you may contact the Program Administrator to arrange for a site visit by one of our knowledgeable volunteer team members.

3. Members contact the Program Administrator to schedule a site visit before and after the work is completed. In order for BSPOA to release the grant funds to your contractor, before and after site visits by your Program Administrator are mandatory.

4. After the final inspection is conducted by the Program Administrator, the board will approve the distribution of the funds to the contractor.

Failure to follow all 4 of the grant program application procedures will result in the application being denied. Contact the Program Administrator if you have questions regarding the grant program or application procedures.