Oregon State Weed Board Grant Program

The Oregon State Weed Board Grant Program is administered collaboratively by the Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board to support statewide efforts addressing invasive noxious weeds. Since 2010, these agencies have coordinated funding to promote integrated weed management strategies that protect Oregon’s natural resources. The program is funded through lottery resources and is designed to encourage comprehensive watershed-based approaches to weed control. The Oregon State Weed Board prioritizes projects that restore and enhance fish and wildlife habitat, improve watershed function, support native salmonid populations, and protect water quality. The purpose of the grant program is to fund on-the-ground projects that address state-listed noxious weeds using integrated management practices. Eligible projects must focus on the management of weeds listed on the Oregon State Noxious Weed List and demonstrate clear ecological benefits. Projects are expected to incorporate control activities and may also include survey, monitoring, prevention, restoration, and outreach components. Emphasis is placed on projects that show measurable environmental outcomes, including improved habitat conditions and long-term watershed health. Funding supports activities that directly contribute to weed control and ecosystem restoration, but it comes with specific requirements. Projects must include a strong integrated weed management approach and clearly defined site-specific objectives. A minimum match requirement of 25 percent is required, and other funding from similar sources cannot be used to meet this match. Grant funds are distributed in installments, with 50 percent provided upon agreement execution, followed by 25 percent after interim reporting, and the final 25 percent upon completion and approval of final reports. Administrative costs are capped at 10 percent of modified total direct costs. Eligibility for the program includes a wide range of non-federal entities such as tribes, watershed councils, soil and water conservation districts, nonprofit organizations, schools, community colleges, and Oregon-based higher education institutions. Political subdivisions of the state that are not state agencies are also eligible. Federal or state agencies may participate only as co-applicants with an eligible entity. Applicants must possess a Federal Employer Identification Number to qualify. The application process is conducted entirely online through the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board’s Grant Management System. Applicants must create or access an organizational account to submit proposals. The application requires detailed information including a project abstract, problem statement, proposed solution, budget, match documentation, and supporting materials such as maps and photos. Additional required elements include a racial and ethnic impact statement, insurance verification, and documentation of permits where applicable. Applicants are encouraged to consult with program staff prior to submission to strengthen proposals. Applications are evaluated based on several criteria, including alignment with priority weed classifications, collaboration among partners, incorporation of restoration activities, and integration with existing management plans. Projects addressing higher priority weed categories receive greater consideration. Monitoring and reporting are required throughout the project lifecycle, including interim and final reports, expense tracking, and documentation of outcomes. Selected projects may also undergo on-site monitoring by program staff. The grant operates on an annual cycle. For the 2026 cycle, applications open on October 17, 2025 and are due by December 19, 2025. Awards are typically announced at the Oregon State Weed Board meeting in February 2026, with project implementation extending through April 30, 2027. Interim reports are due in September 2026, and final reports are required by June 30, 2027. The program is recurring annually, providing ongoing opportunities for eligible entities to secure funding for weed management and watershed restoration projects.

Consult ODA staff before applying; ensure strong integrated weed management approach; include clear objectives and measurable outcomes; provide required maps and photos; adhere to character limits and submission requirements