Michigan program seeks proposals to help stop invasive species

What's happening: A major funding source to fight invasive species in Michigan is available to local governments, tribal units, nonprofit organizations and universities. The Michigan’s Invasive Species Grant Program is accepting proposals for the 2024 funding cycle. The program is a joint initiative with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) and Agriculture and Rural Development.  This will be the 10th year of the statewide effort to help prevent, identify and control species that are not original to local ecosystems and cause harm to native plants and wildlife. Up to $3.6 million will be available to applicants.

Addressing environmental issues: The grant program is specifically looking for solutions in multiple areas. Some deal with public education, including the adoption of better decontamination practices and cleaning of recreational equipment before setting up in a new location. Others deal with organizational concerns by developing more extensive control methods, identifying new practices and supporting the 22 cooperate invasive species management areas statewide. 

What they're saying: “The challenge of harmful invasive species in Michigan is bigger than any one department in state government,” said Phil Roos, EGLE director. “It takes cooperation, education, and effective tools like the Michigan Invasive Species Grant to counter the threat these invaders pose to our environment, economy, and well-being – on land and in our waters.”

What's next: The handbook and a recording about the grant initiative is available on the grant’s webpage www.Michigan.gov/MISGP. Full project proposals are due November 1. Awards will be announced in March 2025.