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 carrier 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 (state share) for planning grants and $75,000 (state share) 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: 25 percent local match; 12.5 percent for early Infestation grants
Applications are currently being accepted.
We will accept applications October 24, 2023 – December 14, 2023 at 5 p.m.
Applications are started, completed, and submitted using 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
Past grant recipients
- Fiscal Year 2023
- Fiscal Year 2021
- Fiscal Year 2019
- Fiscal Year 2018
- Fiscal Year 2017
- Fiscal Year 2016
- Fiscal Year 2015
Related links
- Water quality grants and loans
- General resources for water quality grants and loans
- Environmental and cultural resources review for water quality program agreements
- A Citizen's Manual for Developing Integrated Aquatic Vegetation Management Plans
- Aquatic plant identification manual for Washington's freshwater plants
Contact information
Lizbeth Seebacher
Aquatics Fund Coordinator
lizbeth.seebacher@ecy.wa.gov
360-628-7516