Fisheries Habitat Grant Program
Forecasted
Fisheries Habitat Grant Program supports Michigan project teams conserving fish habitat, managing dams, and assessing future conservation needs to benefit fisheries, aquatic resources, and the public.
Funder: Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates (Anticipated): November 2026 (Pre-proposal) | January 2027 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: $25,000 to available funds in eligible themes (up to $1.5 million); project periods are 1.5 years
Summary: Supports Michigan fish habitat conservation, dam management, and assessments that benefit fisheries and aquatic resources.
Key Information: Applicants must consult DNR staff before submitting a pre-proposal; full applications are by invitation.
Description
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) runs the Fisheries Habitat Grant Program to support work benefiting Michigan’s fisheries, aquatic resources, and the public. Projects fall under two themes: aquatic habitat conservation and dam management. Activities can include fish habitat conservation, dam removal or repair, and assessments that guide future conservation. Eligible applicants may seek funding under both themes in one application.
Competitive projects address the causes of habitat degradation rather than only its symptoms. The DNR also considers lasting benefits, cost-effectiveness, appropriate methods, outcome monitoring, and health and human safety in dam management. Projects on its priority habitat conservation list receive preference, but the list is not the only source of DNR-supported projects.
