Clean Boats, Clean Waters
Clean Boats, Clean Waters supports Wisconsin organizations running boat inspections and boater education at waterbody access points to help prevent aquatic invasive species from spreading among surface waters.
Funder: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates: November 16, 2026 (Final application) | May 1, 2027 (Organization eligibility) | September 15, 2027 (New-applicant notice)
Funding Amounts: Up to $24,000 per grant ($4,000 per landing or pair); up to 75% of project costs for one year
Summary: Supports boat inspections and boater education to prevent aquatic invasive species from spreading among Wisconsin surface waters.
Key Information: Each landing or pair of landings in the grant must receive at least 200 inspection hours.
Description
Clean Boats, Clean Waters (CBCW) is a streamlined aquatic invasive species grant within the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Surface Water Grant Program. It supports volunteer or paid inspectors who check boats and trailers at waterbody access points and teach boaters how to prevent invasive species from entering or spreading among Wisconsin surface waters.
Funding focuses on the people and activities needed to run inspections: inspector time, program administration, data entry into the Surface Water Integrated Monitoring System (SWIMS), CBCW training, and specified clothing, supplies, and insurance. It does not fund broader landing facilities or decontamination work.
