Calling all lake associations, watershed groups, non-profits and local and tribal units of government – we have great news! We have grant funding available to support your aquatic invasive species outreach efforts. This opportunity is for any organization dedicated to boater education about aquatic invasive species and the protection of Michigan’s waterways.
Up to $25,000 is available for the 2023 grant program. Funding requests can range from $1,000 to $3,000 and do not require local match or cost sharing. Clean Boats, Clean Waters grants can be used for a variety of activities including signage, invasive species supplies such as plant removal tools, sponges and towels, and staff time to perform watercraft inspections and demonstrations of boat cleaning techniques. Eligible applicants include lake associations, watershed groups, local or tribal units of government and non-profits. Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs) are encouraged to support local groups in their area or pursue Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program funds to perform boater outreach activities.
Interested groups can apply for a grant now on the Clean Boats, Clean Waters website. The deadline to apply is December 16, 2022. This is a competitive funding opportunity and complete applications will be ranked based on eligibility, project significance, and overall strategy. Accepted grantees will be notified in March of their award.
Over the last two years Clean Boats, Clean Waters has awarded 18 grants to lake associations, watershed groups, local units of government, and nonprofit organizations to educate the public about aquatic invasive species. Below are some examples of their projects.
- The Muskegon Conservation District installed Clean Boats, Clean Waters Boat Decontamination Station signs at six boat launches on White Lake in Muskegon County. In addition, they hosted invasive species education booths at popular community events.
- The Michigan United Conservation Clubs shared invasive species prevention information via their Michigan Out-of-Doors magazine and membership newsletters. They also incorporated Clean Boats, Clean Waters into their “On the Water” volunteer watershed habitat improvement project workdays.
- The Charter Township of Oxford installed a user-operated, waterless cleaning station that is equipped with a weed removal tool, plug wrench, boot brush, and interpretive signage at the Stony Lake Township Park in Oakland County. They promoted the cleaning station and invasive species prevention activities via media outlets and at three outreach events hosted at township parks.
Michigan Clean Boats, Clean Waters Program
Michigan State University (MSU) Extension is leading the effort to implement the Clean Boats, Clean Waters program in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. Since 2006 the Clean Boats, Clean Waters program has been educating Michigan boaters about aquatic invasive species with trained volunteer boat inspectors. The program has grown into a comprehensive aquatic invasive species boater outreach program thanks to funding from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Clean Boats, Clean Waters promotes understanding of boat cleaning practices and regulations through the distribution of educational materials, an online resource library, boat washing demonstrations, grants, and partnerships. The program builds upon existing partnerships with statewide and local organizations including the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association, CISMAs, and lake associations and is actively seeking new opportunities and partners to share the clean, drain, dry message.
More information on Clean Boats, Clean Waters can be found on the MSU Extension website, Facebook (@MichiganCBCW), or Instagram (@michigan_cbcw).
Questions about the Clean Boats, Clean Waters program and this grant funding opportunity can be directed to Kelsey Bockelman, bockelm4@msu.edu.
