About Us

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Company Background

Wildlife biologists Ernie and Nick Kafcas created Wildlife and Wetlands Solutions (WWS) in 2007 in response to the growing need for responsible invasive species control and habitat restoration. Through hard work and dedication to project success, their experience and capabilities grew, building WWS into what it is today: a leader in vegetation management, habitat restoration, invasive species control, forestry and fuels management, and other treatment techniques utilized to create beneficial and successful natural habitats for wildlife and humans alike.

In 2007, wildlife biologists Ernie and Nick Kafcas established Wildlife and Wetlands Solutions (WWS) to address the increasing need for responsible invasive species control and habitat restoration. Their commitment and hard work expanded their expertise and capabilities, establishing WWS as a leader in vegetation management, habitat restoration, invasive species control, forestry, fuels management, and other treatment methods that benefit both natural wildlife habitats and human environments.

Wildlife and Wetlands Solutions was founded in the pursuit of invasive species management by biologists seeking to provide science-backed, responsible, and effective non-native invasive species control. Some of WWS’ first contracts were for hand pulling herbaceous invasive species which then transitioned into spot-spray herbicide applications and hand cutting and stump treating woody invasive species.  Over the past 16 years, these efforts have been consistent, with targeted treatments enhanced by specialized equipment like the Marsh Master, UTVs, ATVs, and truck rigs, enabling access to areas that were inaccessible or unfeasible to treat. Tens of thousands of acres have been treated across the Great Lakes region by WWS for local, state, and federal entities. 

In 2019, WWS expanded its fleet of to include a variety of forestry support equipment, this included adding rugged forestry spray rigs capable of treating a variety of sites for invasive and unwanted woody vegetation, and forestry mulchers, capable of mulching up invasive trees and shrubs to improve forest health. This new equipment allowed WWS to provide its constituents with more treatment options to create end results that better aligned with their objectives. Since 2019, WWS has treated thousands of acres of woody vegetation with this type of equipment and its fleet has grown with a total of three forestry mulchers to handle material of all sizes, from ½ DBH autumn olive undergrowth, to stands of mature juniper.

In 2023, WWS expanded its fleet again to offer a new method of invasive species control through the use of drones. With its DJI Mavic, WWS can quickly map unwanted vegetation for targeted treatments. These unwanted plants can then be targeted for spot spray applications by WWS’ DJI Agras T40 application drone that can apply herbicide while reducing human exposure concerns posed by these chemicals. These drones can also apply fungicide, fertilizer, seed, and greenhouse shading paint to meet a variety of project needs.

Throughout the past 16 years, WWS has encountered and treated just about every invasive species in our region and has been on the frontlines for several invasive species including Japanese Stiltgrass in Ann Arbor and pale and black swallowwort in Petoskey. We are accustomed to researching and trialing treatment methods and work hard to ensure that the treatment utilizes the best management practices available given the species in question. 

WWS currently employs 12 people, including vegetation management equipment operators, certified pesticide applicators, biologists, field mechanics, project managers, field technicians, and office administrators. Beyond invasive species and unwanted vegetation control, WWS also has extensive heavy equipment, native seeding, and wildlife habitat restoration experience built over 16 years of contracting and nearly 3 decades of experience in all aspects of habitat management. WWS has conducted vegetation management and restoration activities for a multitude of township governments, county governments, the State of Michigan, USDA Forest Service, Corps of Engineers, multiple non-profit organizations (RGS, NWTF, PF, DU), lake and/or homeowner associations, and many private property owners. See our references below