Vermont Aquatic Nuisance Species Grant-in-Aid Grants
Invasive aquatic species are not only a nuisance to swimmers, boaters and anglers, but they also pose a threat to the survival of native plant and animal species that have long flourished in local waters.
Municipalities have the opportunity to apply for grants to control and prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species.The Grant-in-Aid Program, through the State of Vermont, offers financial assistance to municipalities and agencies for aquatic nuisance species management programs.
Local interest groups, such as lake associations, must apply through the municipality in which the waterbody is located. If the waterbody is located in more than one municipality, the municipalities may apply jointly.
Types of Eligible Projects for Vermont Aquatic Nuisance Species Grants
All types of aquatic nuisance control projects, for management of both native and non-native species, are eligible for funds under this grant program.
- Previously supported projects have included: control programs for Eurasian watermilfoil, purple loosestrife, curly leaf pondweed, and nuisance native aquatic plants, and aquatic nuisance species spread prevention programs.
- Supported management methods have included: mechanical controls, benthic barriers, herbicides, and harvesting – even physical removal by hand.
- Spread prevention programs have included: public access area “greeter” programs, boat wash stations, searches for invasive species, and education/outreach initiatives.
Grant-in-Aid Project Selection
Grant awards are prioritized based upon the extent funds are available. First priority is to projects designed to manage new infestations of aquatic nuisances. Second priority is to projects designed to prevent or control the further spread of aquatic nuisance species. Third priority is to recurring maintenance projects.
The prioritizing for individual projects considers: public accessibility and recreational uses; the importance to commercial, agricultural or other interests, the degree of local interest, and local efforts to control aquatic nuisances. Other considerations include: probability of achieving long-term control, the necessity or advantage of the proposed work, and the extent to which the control project is a developmental rather than a maintenance program.
(Photo credit, J. Selby)
Funding Information
Municipalities may be awarded a grant for up to 75% of the total estimated project cost. Grant recipients must contribute at least 25% of the final eligible project cost. That contribution may be in-kind labor or services and/or actual cash expenditures.
Online applications must be completed by Feb. 11 for funds, training and technical assistance.
Vermont Aquatic Nuisance Species Grant-in-Aid Grants Application Information
- 2015 Grant-in-Aid Instructions (pdf, 136 KB)
- 2015 Grant-in-Aid Application, fill able Word document (docx, 53 KB) Proposal submittal deadline: Wednesday, February 11, 2015
- 2015 Grant-in-Aid Application, fill able Portable Document Format (pdf, 130KB) Proposal submittal deadline: Wednesday, February 11, 2015
For more information, visit the DEC water quality grant page at http://bit.ly/VtWaterQualityGrants , or contact Ann Bove at ann.bove@state.vt.us or (802) 490-6120.