Aquatic invasive plants management grants program
Invasive, non-native aquatic plants are a serious threat to the health of lakes, rivers, and streams in Washington. Excessive invasive plant growth impairs fish and wildlife habitat, and restricts recreational activities.
In 1991, the Legislature established the Freshwater Aquatic Invasive Plant Management Program and Account to provide financial and technical support to tackle the problem statewide. The account provides funding for technical assistance, public education, and grants to help control aquatic invasive plants. Account revenue comes from a $3 fee on the yearly registration of boat trailers, which are the biggest carriers of aquatic invasive species. Learn about the types of past projects this program has funded.
For more help managing your aquatic invasive plants grant-funded project, read general resources for water quality grants and loans.
Funding cycle
- Amount of funding available: Generally, about $350,000 is available during each annual funding cycle.
- Grant award limit: Limited to $30,000 for planning grants and $75,000 for other projects. Each public body is limited to $75,000 per annual grant cycle. The limit for early infestation projects is $50,000 per project.
- Amount of matching funds required: Ecology no longer requires grant recipients to provide matching funds for these grants.
Applications are not being accepted at this time.
Applications were accepted between Oct. 15, 2024 and Dec. 17, 2024. Stay tuned for the next application cycle.
Applications are started, completed, and submitted via Ecology's Administration of Grants and Loans (EAGL) system.
Funding is available for the following entities:
- State agencies
- Counties, cities
- Special purpose districts
- Tribes
Eligible activities include, but may not be limited to:
- Development of integrated aquatic vegetation management plans
- Plant control activities
- Education/information projects
- Aquatic plant mapping and inventory
- Pilot and demonstration projects, evaluation of implementation effectiveness, and follow-up monitoring
More information about this funding program
State fiscal year 2026 final offer list
Past grant recipients
Related links
Contact information
Joseph Teresi
Aquatic Invasive & Algae Control grants manager
Joseph.teresi@ecy.wa.gov