Nearly three dozen projects aimed at fighting invasive species in Michigan will share $3.6 million in grant funding through the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program.

The program is meant to help with the prevention, detection, eradication, and control of invasive species in the state. The state received 50 applications for grant funding this cycle and 31 programs were selected.

“Over the last 10 years, the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program has helped to build and sustain a statewide network of cooperative invasive species management areas, which fight invasive species in their local communities,” said DNR Director Scott Bowen. “Grant-funded projects have increased public awareness and reporting of invasive species and supported a robust early detection and response program. This helps limit the introduction and spread of plants, animals and diseases that threaten the quality of Michigan’s land and water.”

The funding will support early detection and response efforts for invasive species on the state’s watch list:

• Continuing survey and treatment of hemlock woolly adelgid along the northern edge of the infestation in Benzie, Manistee and Mason counties along the Lake Michigan shoreline.

• Conducting surveys for hemlock woolly adelgid along the Lake Michigan shoreline in the Upper Peninsula.

• Evaluating current chemical treatment methods for hemlock woolly adelgid and assessing a potential nonchemical approach to managing the invasive insect.

• Conducting survey and treatment of invasive mile-a-minute weed infestations in Calhoun County.
• Broadening the survey for hydrilla, an invasive aquatic plant recently detected for the first time in Michigan in private ponds within the St. Joseph River watershed.

Funding will also support efforts to prevent the spread of invasive species:

• Performing invasive species assessment and planning for parks with natural areas in the city of Flint.

• Continuing to share the Reduce Invasive Pet and PLant Escapes (RIPPLE) message and materials with retailers and hobbyists while expanding surrender options for unwanted aquatic plants and pets.
• Supporting continued public reporting of invasive species detections and a growing library of identification resources and training opportunities through the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network, housed at Michigan State University.

This year’s grants support 22 regional cooperative invasive species management areas (CISMA), the network of partnership organizations working to manage and control invasive species across the state.

Each CISMA is eligible for $70,000 each year to provide education and technical assistance to landowners and up to $40,000 for outreach, survey, and treatment of high-priority invasive species.

Program created in 2014

The state Legislature designated $5 million in annual funding to address invasive species in 2014, with $3.6 million for grants.

This is the 10th year of program funding. So far, more than $36 million has been awarded to support 269 projects.

• More than 644,000 acres of land and water have been surveyed for invasive species.

• More than 53,000 acres have been treated for invasive terrestrial and aquatic plants.

• Through direct contact, including face-to-face interactions at boat washes, workshops, trainings and other events, 395,000 people have been reached with information about invasive species.

• An additional 45 million contacts were achieved through grantees’ passive outreach efforts, including mail, newspapers, social media and handouts.