Using appropriations to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) anticipates providing grants to support implementation of Great Lakes State Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans (State AIS Plans).

Funding is provided to support implementation of State AIS Plans which helps states in preventing introduction and spread of AIS on state and surrounding lands. State environmental agencies develop the science-based plans and approaches to make sound decisions to prevent the introduction and spread of AIS and adapt to changes in state waters over time.

State AIS Plans have been transmitted by state governors and then approved by the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force. All state grants will be awarded based on a competitive process for which only Great Lakes states are eligible.

Proposed work must either be within the Great Lakes Basin or near enough to the basin that it contributes substantially to the prevention and/or control of AIS in the Great Lakes basin. Activities such as outreach, boat ramp inspections, and/or law enforcement are often done outside the basin but make substantial contributions when work is done in areas where people are likely to transit (and thereby potentially transfer AIS) into the Great Lakes basin. Early detection, rapid response, and/or control efforts outside the basin must address: 

• Species with a substantial potential for interbasin transfer (e.g., hydrilla in a waterbody near the Great Lakes basin that receives heavy boat use). 
• Species of significant concern to the Great Lakes community within a Great Lakes state. 
• Activities where the primary motivation is the prevent transfer of AIS into the Great Lakes basin.

Funding Information

• Estimated Total Funding: $ 4,500,000
• Maximum Award: $ 800,000
• Minimum Award: $ 100,000
• Expected Award Date: September 30, 2021

Eligibility Criteria

FWS is seeking one application from a primary state natural resource agency in each of the Great Lakes states. However, that agency may designate an entity (of any type) to apply for the award on their behalf.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.