Aquatic Invasive Species Grants
IMPORTANT DATES: Grant Applications Due 5 p.m., October 19, 2020
For additional information about the AIS Grant Program and to access the AIS Grant Program guidelines, visit: https://invasivespecies.mt.gov/montana-invasive-species/Aquatic-Invasive-Species-Grant-Program
GENERAL INFORMATION:
In the 2019 Legislature, funding for the Aquatic Invasive Species Grant (AIS) Program was provided through the AIS funding package in HB 32. Prior to that, funding was appropriated to the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) through the Reclamation and Development Grants Program.
The new legislation in 2019, directs the DNRC to administer the AIS Grant Program in coordination with the Montana Invasive Species Council (MISC). DNRC will provide fiscal management of the grant program and approve funding decisions, while MISC will manage the application process, reviews, and provide recommendations to the DNRC Director. Funding in the amount of $278,000/year for FY 20 and FY 21 was appropriated by the legislature. DNRC may incur up to 10% of the yearly appropriation for administration of the program.
WHO WE FUND: AIS grants are available to Montana communities or local, state, tribal, or other entities within the state and to Montana-based non-governmental entities.
WHAT WE FUND: AIS grants are intended to increase local capacity and involvement to address AIS issues. Projects that address the following AIS management components are eligible and include:
- Prevention
- Early detection
- Education and outreach
- Research
- Treatment
Current state-wide priorities that have been identified and vetted with former grantees and stakeholders for the upcoming AIS grant cycle include grants related to:
- Monitoring / early detection projects to expand local capacity and involvement in multi- AIS taxa early detection efforts.
- AIS outreach projects that expand AIS awareness at the local level.
- AIS research projects including eDNA research related to dreissenid mussel early detection addressing eDNA Science Advisory Panel recommendations.
Locally-led proposals that address the state-wide priorities will receive ranking preference, however all eligible grant requests will be evaluated and considered.
The state AIS program includes the Clean, Drain, Dry campaign and associated materials and products. E&O projects must be coordinated with the state campaign for consistency, accuracy, and brand recognition to ensure maximum effectiveness. FWP will provide outreach materials for distribution and customization. For more information about AIS education and outreach, call Liz Lodman at 406-444-9940.
Preference will be given to: AIS species on the Montana Noxious Weed List and AIS under the authority of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) (see Appendix A); and to locally-led on-the-ground projects such as surveys and removal that result in measurable control of AIS.
The project must align with state AIS priorities, must show local support, and must be coordinated with related AIS efforts in the area and comprehensive invasive species plans. Priority will be given to local partnerships that demonstrate the administrative, financial, and management capacity to implement the project. The project must commit to using statewide AIS protocols and reporting.
While match funding is not required, it will be considered in the grant review and ranking process.
For the complete AIS Grant Program Guidlines, including the application process and ranking criteria, visit: https://invasivespecies.mt.gov/montana-invasive-species/Aquatic-Invasive-Species-Grant-Program
FUNDING LIMITS: Grants may be awarded for up to $50,000 for most projects depending on available funding, the intended activities, and based upon a budget that is supported by a clear scope of work.
For Additional Information Contact:
Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation
Resource Development Bureau
1625 Eleventh Avenue
P.O. Box 201601
Helena, Montana 59620-1601
Phone: 406-444-6668
FAX: 406-444-6721
http://dnrc.mt.gov
