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Aquatic invasive species prevention

Hennepin County receives funding from the State of Minnesota to manage the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS), such as zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, carp and other species.

See the AIS Prevention Program 2017 Accomplishments Report (PDF) for more information about how the county uses this funding.

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AIS prevention grants

Grants are available to help local units of government and organizations implement projects that prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

For more information, see the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevent Grants flyer (PDF).

Eligible recipients

Eligible recipients include:

  • Local government agencies, such as cities, watershed organizations and park districts
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Public companies and institutions
  • Private, for-profit companies

Eligible project activities

Eligible project activities include:

  • Assessing the risk of AIS introduction and the resources available to respond.
  • Broadening knowledge and participation in early detection and rapid response.
  • Prevent the spread of AIS.
  • Researching and addressing specific pathways of introduction.
  • Increasing enforcement resources.
  • Increasing public awareness and participation in prevention.

Funding available

Up to $300,000 in grants funds are available. Typical project awards will range from $15,000 to $25,000, with a maximum project award of $50,000. No match required.

Eligible expenses include consulting fees, staff time, materials, supplies, labor, printing and promotions.

Apply

Applications due by 4:30 p.m. on January 12, 2018.

To apply, complete the:

Contact

Staff is available to answer questions, offer resources and provide feedback on project ideas.

For more information, contact Tony Brough at tony.brough@hennepin.us or 612-348-4378.

Recently awarded grants

Grants awarded 2018

In March 2018, the county awarded 11 grants totaling $198,000. Organizations will use funding for early detection of aquatic invasive species, inspections at public lake accesses, outreach and education, research, watercraft cleaning facilities and more.

Grant were awarded to the following projects:

  • Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission: $20,000 to purchase and install a watercraft cleaning station at French Regional Park along the north shore of Medicine Lake.
  • CD3 General Benefit Corporation: $15,000 to build upon a project funded last year that developed a waterless cleaning station installed at numerous boat launches in the county.
  • Christmas Lake Homeowners Association: $10,000 to help fund watercraft inspections every hour that Christmas Lake public access is open.
  • City of Eden Prairie: $9,000 to conduct research on Brittle Naiad, an invasive plant about which very little is known.
  • City of Long Lake: $33,675 to purchase and install a watercraft cleaning station at the public access on Long Lake.
  • Fortin Consulting Inc.: $18,500 to fund early aquatic invasive species detection efforts throughout the county, including providing volunteer assistance and training. Fortin received a second grant for $18,000 to survey 12 bodies of water that don't have boat access for the presence of aquatic invasive species to evaluate possible unidentified pathways for aquatic invasive species reaching these waters.
  • Lake Minnetonka Conservation District: $10,000 to expand public access inspection times at smaller accesses around Lake Minnetonka.
  • Three Rivers Park District: $20,000 to purchase and install a watercraft cleaning station at Lake Minnetonka Regional Park and $33,000 to expand inspections at public accesses throughout the county.
  • Wayzata Sailing Foundation: $11,000 to engage youth in discovery, monitoring and exploration of aquatic invasive species in Lake Minnetonka.
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