MI - Michigan seeking proposals for projects to help fend off invasive species
Michigan's Invasive Species Grant Program is seeking proposals for this year's funding cycle, with $3.6 million available for projects that could help mitigate intrusive species.
Applicants have until Nov. 1 to submit an application that outlines objectives, proposes ecological benefits, demonstrates diverse collaboration and shows strong community support. Awards are expected to be announced in March 2024.
Grant requests for general projects can range from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $400,000. Cooperative invasive species management areas can request up to $70,000 for annual implementation of prevention, detection and control activities and up to $40,000 for specific outreach and/or survey and treatment projects.
Match projects do not qualify, officials said.
A webinar planned for 9 a.m. Wednesday will provide information about the grant, application process and priorities.
The program is a joint effort of the Michigan departments of Natural Resources; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Agriculture and Rural Development. It is part of a statewide initiative launched in 2014 to help prevent, detect and control invasive species in Michigan.
An invasive species is one that is not native and whose introduction causes harm, or is likely to cause harm, to Michigan's environment, economy or human health, according to a news release from the state.
"Invasive species threaten Michigan's aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, harming our environment, agricultural economy and natural resources," said Tim Boring, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. "The Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program is an important tool in addressing these threats — both on the local level with cooperative invasive species management areas and on a statewide scale by supporting advances in prevention and control."
