FocusAquatic Weed Management Fund GrantsBackground Invasive, non-native freshwater plants are a serious threat to the health of lakes, rivers, and streams throughout the state. Excessive weed growth impairs fish and wildlife habitat and restricts recreational activities. Traditionally, residents and property owners have borne the high costs of controlling these plants. In 1991, the legislature established the Freshwater Aquatic Weeds Account to provide financial and technical support to tackle the problem on a statewide level. This Account provides funding for technical assistance, public education, and grants to help control aquatic weeds. Revenue for the Account comes from a $3 increase in annual license fees for boat trailers. What Kind of Projects are Eligible for Grants? Grant projects must address prevention and/or control of freshwater, invasive, non-native aquatic plants. The types of activities funded include: Planning, education, monitoring, implementation (control), pilot/demonstration projects, surveillance and mapping projects. Who can Receive Funding? Cities, counties, Tribes, special purpose districts, and state agencies are eligible to receive grants. Lakes groups and other private organizations must work in conjunction with their local governments to receive funding for projects. When Can I Apply for Grants? Grant applications are accepted from October 1 through November 1 of each year during a formal application process. Grant applications are evaluated by people experienced with aquatic plant management. Funds are offered to selected applicants in the winter. Generally about $300,000 is available during each annual funding cycle. An additional $100,000 is available on a year-round basis for "early infestation" grants. The purpose of early infestation grants is to provide immediate financial assistance to local or state governments to eradicate or contain an invasion of a non-native freshwater plant like Eurasian watermilfoil. What are the Special Requirements of this Fund?
What are the State Funding Priorities? Projects that can demonstrate that lake or waterbody residents have a long-term interest and commitment to the project receive funding priority because they are likely to be successful. Other important criteria include: The presence of a nonnative aquatic plant like Eurasian watermilfoil or purple loosestrife (projects dealing with submersed species receive priority over projects dealing with emergent plants), the environmental and economic impacts of the problem plants on the ecosystem, the degree that the project will benefit the public, the likelihood of the problem plant to spread to other waterbodies, and state wide significance of the project. For More Information For more information about the Aquatic Weeds Management Fund or to find out how to apply for grant funds, contact Kathy Hamel at (360) 407-6562 (voice) or (360) 407-6006 (TDD) or send her an E-mail at kham461@ecy.wa.gov, or address correspondence to:
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