Aquatic Nuisance Control Grant-In-Aid Program

The Aquatic Nuisance Control Grant-In-Aid Program is administered by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation through the Lakes and Ponds Management and Protection Program. The program supports the protection, maintenance, enhancement, and restoration of Vermont lakes and ponds while preserving the public uses and ecological benefits associated with healthy aquatic ecosystems. The Aquatic Invasive Species Program within the department coordinates statewide efforts related to aquatic invasive and nuisance species management, including prevention, control, education, outreach, and partnerships with local, state, and federal organizations. Funding for this program is supported through annual motorboat registration revenues and federal funds dedicated to aquatic nuisance control and stewardship activities. The purpose of the grant program is to provide financial assistance to municipalities and agencies of the State of Vermont for projects that prevent, manage, monitor, or control aquatic nuisance species and related environmental concerns. An aquatic nuisance is defined under Vermont law as an undesirable or excessive population or substance that interferes with recreational use or aquatic habitat conditions within a waterbody. Eligible nuisance concerns may include invasive aquatic plants, harmful algal populations, or other organisms affecting lake and pond ecosystems. The program specifically supports projects that improve environmental stewardship while reducing the spread and long-term impacts of aquatic invasive species across Vermont waters. Eligible project activities fall into three primary categories: Greeter Projects, Management Projects, and Scientific Survey Projects. Greeter Projects generally support public education and watercraft inspection efforts intended to prevent the spread of invasive species between waterbodies. Management Projects support active nuisance species control activities and long-term management efforts. Scientific Survey Projects support data collection, monitoring, mapping, and scientific assessment activities associated with aquatic nuisance populations and ecosystem impacts. Priority consideration is given to projects addressing new infestations, establishing novel management programs, or preventing further spread of invasive species. Recurring maintenance projects may also be considered, although they receive lower funding priority compared to prevention and early intervention efforts. Applicants must be municipalities or agencies of the State of Vermont. Local organizations such as lake associations are not eligible to apply independently and must instead work through the municipality in which the affected waterbody is located. If a waterbody spans multiple municipalities, joint applications may be submitted but are not mandatory. Additional evaluation considerations include public accessibility, recreational use of the waterbody, commercial or agricultural importance, level of community support, feasibility of long-term control outcomes, effectiveness of local shoreland zoning protections, and the extent to which the proposed project demonstrates developmental rather than maintenance objectives. The 2026 funding opportunity listed an estimated total program value of $750,000. The department may provide awards covering up to 75 percent of total eligible project costs, although actual awards are often awarded at a lower proportion due to high demand and limited funding availability. Applicants are required to contribute matching support through direct cash expenditures or documented in-kind contributions such as volunteer labor, donated equipment, supplies, or services. Final grant payments are calculated proportionally based on actual project expenditures compared to proposed project costs. Only expenditures incurred during the approved project timeline are eligible for reimbursement and cost-share calculations. The application closing date for the 2026 cycle was January 30, 2026 at 4:00 PM Eastern Time. The opportunity appears to be a recurring annual program that has operated since 1994 and is expected to reopen in a future cycle. Award recipients are required to complete project deliverables and provide supporting documentation including final project reports, expenditure reports, maps, and public outreach documentation such as news or social media announcements. Depending on the project type, recipients may also be required to attend department training sessions or submit electronic monitoring data. The source materials identify Kimberly Jensen as the primary contact for additional information regarding the program.

Prioritize projects addressing new infestations or prevention efforts because these receive highest funding priority. Demonstrate strong local support, long-term feasibility, and clear environmental stewardship outcomes.