Background
My name is Cole Bracket. After graduating from Kingsford High School, I ventured north to Gogebic Community College, where I played basketball and studied Forestry. Currently, I am dual enrolled through Bay College and Michigan State, where I will graduate with a certificate in Agricultural Operations this fall. To graduate, an internship was required. Finding the WRISC Invasive Species Technician not only filled my internship requirements but allowed me to obtain a Commercial Pesticide Applicator certification and develop valuable career skills such as plant identification, GIS data management, and speaking to diverse audiences.
Field Season Memories
Summer 2024 was busy! I worked on several projects doing management, survey, and education. Priority species I managed included Wild Parsnip, Garlic Mustard, Purple Loosestrife, and Non-Native Phragmites. Before taking this internship, I had limited invasive species management and identification experience, but thanks to the guidance of my supervisors, I now feel confident in my abilities to survey and treat invasive species.
Many memories were made this summer. Early in the season, one of my favorite days was spent surveying Strong Falls Trails System with my coworker, Leah Larsen. These were newly built trails in the heart of Marinette County, and it was our job to hike miles through the woods and record any invasive species infestations. While surveying, we talked to other hikers, saw cool animals, and enjoyed the fresh air. The rest of the summer was filled with more fun days. I especially enjoyed spraying Wild Parsnip along county roads and surveying and pulling Purple Loosestrife plants along the Michigamme River. It is always a great day when you can kayak and call it work.
One not-so-great memory had to be pulling Garlic Mustard in the rain! Even though my supervisors and coworkers tried to make the situation cheerful, there was no disguising how badly the rain soaked through our clothing.
What’s Next?
Working at WRISC has allowed me to connect with many people across Northeast Wisconsin and the UP, some working in fields I would like to be in. While I will be moving to Iowa early next year to pursue my career goals, I am glad I was able to work at WRISC and gain experience for future jobs. This internship also made me excited to graduate with my degree in Agricultural Operations, as I got real experience of what I can do with my certification.
The Wild Rivers Invasive Species Coalition (WRISC), as a multi-partner organization representing five counties in two states, is dedicated to the management of invasive species on our lands and waters through cooperation, education, prevention, and control.
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