Aquatic Invasive Species Spread Prevention Program

Grants starting at $25,000 to New York municipalities, IHEs, nonprofits, and groups applying through municipalities to address the issue of invasive small-bodied aquatic species in sites that are entirely located within the State. January 22 is the deadline for questions. Priority will be given to projects located on or in closer proximity to water with 50% or more publicly owned shoreline.

Priority will also be given to projects that are regional, involve multiple partners, and focus on stewards delivering on-site education, outreach and voluntary/courtesy inspections of boats and equipment.

High priority actions include:

• Preventing the introduction and spread of high priority AIS
• Protecting native aquatic species and their habitats
• Protect water-based recreational resources and economy
• Educating recreational watercraft operators on steps they need to take to prevent the spread of AIS
• Watercraft operators taking responsible steps to help stop the spread of AIS through their activities
• Protect New York’s citizens’ investment in publicly-owned waters
• Training stewards and steward trainers

Minimum Project Eligibility

Projects must implement one of the following three eligible project types:

1. Boat Steward Voluntary Boat Inspections and Outreach. Applicants may apply for projects to deploy watershed stewards to conduct courtesy boat inspections and deliver education and outreach to recreational boaters.

2. Boat Decontamination Stations to augment existing steward programs for education and outreach and voluntary boat inspections. Applicants that are currently operating an established voluntary boat inspection and outreach program using stewards may apply for funding to establish boat decontamination stations.

3. Steward Training Programs. Applicants may apply to fund steward training programs.