Aquatic Invasive Species Control Projects - Grant Program

This grant program is now accepting applications.

Final application deadline for curly-leaf control grants is May 15, 2013.

Final application deadline for all other control grants is June 10, 2013.

Program Purpose

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Invasive Species Program offers Aquatic Invasive Species Control Grants. These grants are intended to help fund the control of curly-leaf pondweed (CLP), Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM) or flowering rush (FR). This offer is an opportunity for local entities, such as lake associations, watershed districts, cities, and counties to receive state funding and/or partner with the DNR on the control of these invasive aquatic plant species.

Description of Grant Offer and Grant Process

Approximately $900,000 is available for this grant program in 2013. These grant funds can be used for projects that control Eurasian watermilfoil, curly-leaf pondweed or flowering rush using either herbicides or mechanical control, or a combination of both. They are intended to support projects that have received an Invasive Aquatic Plant Management Permit (IAPMP). Grantees must pay project expenses up front and make all arrangements.

A small amount of grant funding may become available for projects done under IAPMP permits written in July or August. If those funds do become available, the final deadline for this grant program will be extended and that deadline change will be announced on this website.

In order to apply for these grant funds you must include a completed Invasive Aquatic Plant Management Permit application or a copy of the permit if a permit has already been issued. An Invasive Species Specialist will review your permit application. If it is approved you will be offered a grant, as described below.

Description of funding levels for projects with Invasive Aquatic Plant Management Permits.

Individual grant amounts are subject to availability of funds, and will be adjusted as needed in order to offer a grant to all approved projects. The current estimated grant offer is for $100 per estimated treatment acre or $1,500, whichever is more. The maximum grant offered will be $30,000. The estimated treatment acreage will be determined by DNR Invasive Species staff after a review of grant application materials.

The DNR will reimburse actual costs up to $1,500 or $100 per treated acre, whichever is more; up to the grant amount.

Example 1:

  • The Little Lake Association receives a permit to treat five acres of curly-leaf pondweed and a grant for $1,500.
  • The Association treats five acres of curly-leaf pondweed for a cost of $1,000.
  • The Little Lake Association receives a reimbursement of $1,000.

Example 2:

  • The Round Lake Association receives a permit to treat 50 acres of curly-leaf pondweed and a grant for $5,000.
  • The Association treats 50 acres for a total cost of $15,000.
  • The Round Lake Association receives a reimbursement of $5,000

Example 3:

  • The Long Lake Association receives a permit to treat 50 acres of curly-leaf pondweed and a grant for $5,000.
  • Because there is less curly-leaf than expected, the Association only treats 30 acres of curly-leaf pondweed, for a cost of $9,000.
  • The Long Lake Association receives a reimbursement of $3,000, because they only treated 30 acres. Reimbursement is based on the number of acres treated.

Example 4:

  • The Very Large Lake Association receives a permit to treat 500 acres of curly-leaf pondweed and a grant for $30,000.
  • The Association treats 500 acres for a total cost of $125,000.
  • The Very Large Lake Association receives a reimbursement of $30,000.

If you are interested in this grant program, read and submit the "2013 Grant Application for Aquatic Invasive Species Control Projects" and a copy of your 2013 Invasive Aquatic Plant Management Permit Application (or permit, if you already have one).

Proposals must be submitted on the application form, and must include either a copy of a signed Invasive Aquatic Plant Management Permit or a copy of the permit application. Electronic proposals are encouraged.

Completed applications should be returned to:
Wendy Crowell, Grants Coordinator
DNR - Ecological and Water Resources, Box 25
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155
Wendy.Crowell@state.mn.us
Phone: 651-259-5085
Fax: 651-296-1811

Applications must be received on or before the application deadline. You may also hand deliver your application on or before the deadline during normal business hours (8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday).

You will be notified when your application is received. If you do not receive a notification, please contact Wendy Crowell (651-259-5085)

 

Your regional Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist can assist you with the grant application and permitting process.

 

 

Further information

Questions regarding Aquatic Invasive Plant Control:

Chip Welling
Coordinator, Aquatic Invasive Control
651-259-5149
Chip.Welling@state.mn.us

Questions regarding the grant process in general:

Wendy Crowell
Ecological and Water Resources Grants Coordinator
651-259-5085
Wendy.Crowell@state.mn.us