Clean Boats, Clean Waters
Clean Boats, Clean Waters supports organizations running boat inspections and boater education at Wisconsin landings to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species.
This grant was recently updated
CBCW final applications are due November 16, 2026; emailed applications must reach DNRSurfaceWaterGrants@wisconsin.gov by 11:59 p.m., and mailed applications must be postmarked by November 16. The new notice explicitly includes CBCW applicants.
Funder: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates: November 16, 2026 (Final application) | May 1, 2027 (Organizational eligibility) | September 15, 2027 (First-time applicant intent)
Funding Amounts: Up to $24,000 per project ($4,000 per landing or pair of landings), covering up to 75% of costs; maximum one-year term
Summary: Supports volunteer or paid boat inspections and boater education at Wisconsin landings to prevent aquatic invasive species spread.
Key Information: Projects require at least 200 inspection hours per landing or pair of landings and inspector training every two years.
Description
Clean Boats, Clean Waters (CBCW) is a streamlined aquatic invasive species grant administered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources through its Surface Water Grant Program. It supports eligible organizations operating volunteer or paid boat and trailer inspection programs at Wisconsin waterbody access points. Inspectors educate boaters about preventing the introduction of aquatic invasive species into surface waters and limiting the spread of species already present.
The program centers on inspections and direct boater education, supported by inspector training, program administration, and data entry into the Surface Water Integrated Monitoring System (SWIMS). Grantees must prioritize high-use periods, including holidays, weekends, and fishing tournaments. Inspection hours may be concentrated at one landing or shared between a pair of landings on the same or different lakes.
