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.

Start date: Oct 24, 2023
End date: Dec 14, 2023

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