The 2025 Invasive Aquatic Plant Management Grant Program, administered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), offers funding to local entities for managing invasive aquatic plant species, including curly-leaf pondweed, Eurasian watermilfoil, flowering rush, and starry stonewort. Applications will be accepted from 9:00 AM on Monday, November 18, 2024, through 4:30 PM on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. Grant amounts will range from $2,500 to $12,500, with up to $400,000 available for funding this cycle.

The program prioritizes the control of invasive species while minimizing harm to aquatic habitats, water quality, and native plant populations. Eligible applicants include local organizations such as lake associations, watershed districts, cities, and counties. Only one application per waterbody, defined by its unique Lake ID number, is allowed. Grants will reimburse costs for pre-treatment delineation surveys conducted by third-party contractors and related expenses.

2025 Program Highlights:

Funding Prioritization: Preference will be given to waterbodies that did not receive funding in 2023 or 2024 to broaden the program’s impact.
Starry Stonewort: Management at public access points, particularly through physical removal methods like hand-pulling or DASH, will receive higher priority and potentially increased funding due to the species' limited distribution and ecological impact.
Regional Distribution: Grants will be selected randomly, but funding will be equally distributed among DNR regions to ensure statewide support.
Applicants will be selected by random order, and award amounts will be based on proposed project acreage as reviewed by the DNR. The program aims to balance effective invasive species management with the protection of Minnesota’s aquatic ecosystems. Interested parties can access the application form through the DNR website.

For additional information or updates, visit the DNR's program page or contact your regional AIS coordinator. A demographic information form is available but optional for applicants. This program provides critical resources to protect Minnesota’s waterways and support local organizations in maintaining ecological health.