The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is excited to announce the Invasive Species Grant Program to provide funding and technical assistance to prevent, detect, eradicate and control terrestrial and aquatic invasive species.
Donor Name: Michigan Department of Natural Resources
State: Michigan
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 11/01/2023
Size of the Grant: $40,000 and $400,000
Grant Duration: 3 years
Details:
Administration of the MISGP is handled through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in collaboration with the Departments of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). MISGP metrics include:
- Statewide coverage of Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs).
- Response to early detections of invasive species.
- Education and outreach to Michigan citizens.
- Increased management and control of terrestrial and aquatic invasive species.
Goals
This program is designed to address strategic issues of prevention, detection, eradication and control for both terrestrial invasive species (TIS) and aquatic invasive species (AIS) in Michigan. The main goals of the MISGP are to:
- Prevent new invasive species introductions
- Prevention is the most effective step in managing invasive species. Prevention involves both keeping unwanted organisms out of Michigan and stopping the spread of newly introduced species. Michigan’s Invasive Species Program targets pathways that can bring invasive species into the state and those which can move them from place to place.
- Strengthen the statewide invasive species early detection and response network
- Successful early detection and response to new infestations requires a widespread monitoring effort, rapid communication and well-prepared personnel to respond. A statewide approach involves coordinated efforts amongst agencies, Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas, industry professionals, researchers and citizens to detect, report, verify and treat emerging invasive species issues.
- Limit the dispersal of recently confirmed invasive species
- People who work or play in areas where invasive species are already established can unknowingly aid in their spread to new areas. Arming these audiences with information to identify the invaders they encounter and to take steps to avoid carrying “hitchhikers” to new locations will have important long-term effects in reducing invasive species populations.
- Manage and control widespread, established invasive species
- Established or widespread infestations can change the make-up of whole ecosystems. The negative effects on native plant and animal populations include displacement, diminishing food and habitat and species reduction. The recreational value of lakes, dunes and forests is degraded by the presence of invasive species. Invasive species are also taking a toll on Michigan’s fisheries, agriculture and timber industries. Both large-scale management efforts and innovative treatment methods are needed to manage invasive species populations in the state.
Priorities
- Prevention and limiting spread
- Using a social science approach, evaluate outreach methodologies and determine barriers to behavioral change in adopting decontamination or other prevention practices (e.g., pet or plant releases) relative to reducing the spread of invasive species. Provide recommendations to achieve changes in behavior. Recommendations should have statewide applicability and include an engagement strategy. User groups may include recreationists, hunters, outdoor workers (e.g., landscaping, constructions, forestry, arboriculture, ROW maintenance) and others.
- Early detection and response
- Develop and/or implement detection techniques and strategic responses to high-risk invasive species. Engage partner networks in strategic surveillance and/or conduct ongoing response activities for watch list species in high-risk areas where they are likely to occur including public and private lands and waters, storm water basins and retention areas.
- Management and control
- Develop, implement, and evaluate strategic management or control projects. Efforts may be focused on regionally high-priority species, high-impact species, watch list species or species with limited distributions. Priority will be given to collaborative, landscape-scale proposals that demonstrate the potential for longterm benefits including protection of high-value natural resources, local eradication, and/or limiting spread. Projects should incorporate pre/post monitoring to evaluate success and/or explain applicability to larger scale efforts
Funding Information
Up to $3.6 million in grant funds is available annually. The minimum grant amount is $25,000 with maximum grant amounts between $40,000 and $400,000 depending on the type of project.
Project Period
Priority Projects may be from one to three years, with work commencing within the first 60 days of 3 grant execution.
Eligibility Criteria
- Local, state, federal, or tribal units of government.
- Non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations.
- Universities.
For more information, visit Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
