Aquatic Invasive Plant Management Grants Program
Aquatic Invasive Plant Management Grants Program supports local and tribal governments and state agencies in planning, control, education, and pilot research to manage invasive plants in Washington freshwaters.
Funder: Washington State Department of Ecology
Due Dates: October 15, 2026, 8 a.m. (Applications open) | December 17, 2026, 5 p.m. (SFY 2028 deadline) | Rolling (Early Infestation projects)
Funding Amounts: Published grant award limit: $400,000–$500,000; see SFY 2028 guidelines for category caps
Summary: Grants support planning, control, outreach, and pilot research to manage invasive aquatic plants in Washington freshwaters.
Key Information: Eligible applicants are cities, counties, special purpose districts, state agencies, and Tribes.
Description
The Washington State Department of Ecology runs this competitive grant program to reduce the spread and excessive growth of non-native aquatic plants in Washington’s lakes, rivers, and streams. Invasive plants can harm fish and wildlife habitat and restrict recreation. The program was established by the Legislature in 1991 as part of a statewide effort that also provides technical assistance and public education.
Grants support Integrated Aquatic Vegetation Management Plans, plant control and education projects, responses to early infestations, and demonstration or pilot research. Ecology prioritizes high-impact projects, including work on species listed as state noxious weeds or on the state quarantine list. The SFY 2028 application uses updated scoring criteria intended to improve consistency in selecting high-priority projects.
