F24AS00225 - Aquatic Invasive Species Grants to Great Lakes States - Fiscal Year 2024 Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is planning on providing grants, as part of the 2024 Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), under the grant code F24AS00225. The grants are intended to support the implementation of state Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans (State AIS Plans) in the Great Lakes states. These plans, approved by the state governors and the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force, aim to prevent the introduction and spread of harmful aquatic species.

State environmental agencies are responsible for developing these science-based plans, which adapt over time to changes in state waters. The funds will be awarded to the states, or their designee, based on a competitive process, to support the implementation of the State AIS Plans.

The proposed work must either be within the Great Lakes Basin, or close enough to significantly contribute to AIS prevention and control within the basin. Outside activities such as outreach, boat ramp inspections, and law enforcement are often employed to prevent the potential transfer of AIS to the Great Lakes Basin. This includes addressing species with a high potential for interbasin transfer and species of significant concern to the Great Lakes community.

In addition, the grant also covers the prevention of invasive carp work, though it is only eligible if vetted through the Invasive Carp Regional Coordinating Committee's (ICRCC) Invasive Carp Action Plan approval process. This annual plan, mostly funded by GLRI, undergoes a separate review process, including a Office of Management and Budget (OMB) review and approval.

Overall, the goal is to fund actions that have the most benefit to the Great Lakes Basin.