If your waterbody has an exotic aquatic plant infestation, whether it is new or old, then you will want to participate in this new grant program!
GRANT PROGRAM PURPOSE
The New Hampshire Lakes Association (NH LAKES) has received a federal appropriation, and funding from the Exotic Aquatic Weeds and Species Committee, to implement an Innovative Exotic Aquatic Weed Control Grant Program in 2010 for lakes and other bodies of water with exotic aquatic plant infestations in New Hampshire.
The appropriation of these funds will benefit local municipalities and taxpayers by assisting NH LAKES, in partnership with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES), in undertaking efforts to control and remove invasive aquatic plants, like variable milfoil, which are a rapidly spreading problem in New Hampshire lakes and ponds and threaten their health and the ability of individuals to enjoy these natural environments.
This effort includes assisting local groups to fund the construction or purchase of mechanical harvesting machines, contracting mechanical harvesting and hand-pulling services of certified Weed Control Divers, and other forms of non-chemical control.
The requirements for receiving a NH LAKES Innovative Exotic Weed Control Grant are as follows:
THE WATERBODY MUST:
- Be a surface water of the State of New Hampshire.
- Have at least one public access site or boat launch.
- Be infested with an exotic aquatic plant, as determined by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and listed in ENV-wq 1303.02.
- Have a New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Long-Term Management Plan. (If the waterbody does not have a plan in place, DES can work with you to develop a plan.)
ELIGIBLE GRANT ACTIVITIES:
- This matching grant program is to be used for the implementation of non-chemical means of control for existing, whether new or old, exotic aquatic plant infestations in public waterbodies in New Hampshire.
- Priority will be given to projects that involve the construction, update/retrofit (to make more efficient and/or safer) or purchase of Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting (DASH) systems. (Funding can be applied to the cost of training/instruction in how to use system.)
- The hiring of Certified Weed Control Divers experienced with the operation of Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting machines in New Hampshire to harvest infestations.
- The hiring of Certified Weed Control Divers to harvest infestations by hand pulling.
- The purchase of diving equipment to be used by certified divers or trained surface tenders and to be owned applicant group (association or municipality).
- The purchase/installation of benthic barriers, and the purchase/installation of netting. (Note: The installation of these materials may require a permit from the DES Wetlands Bureau.)
- Contact NH LAKES if you have questions about other forms of non-chemical control not mentioned above.
GRANT PROGRAM TIMELINE (Revised on 1/22/10):
- January 5, 2010: NH LAKES Innovative Exotic Weed Control Granting Program application package posted.
- March 15, 2010, 8am: Complete application form and attach required appendices (map of waterbody showing infestations, DASH unit specifications (if applicable), New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services letter of support, and Partnering Organization(s) letter of commitment) for fund request and submit to NH LAKES via snail mail or email (preferred). Must be received in NH LAKES office by 8am, not postmarked by March 15.
- By May 1, 2010: Announcement of grant awards. Upon notification of the grant award, NH LAKES will send the lead contact of the project a grant award letter that must be signed and returned to NH LAKES before any associated project work is to begin. NH LAKES will also provide all necessary project forms.
- By October 15, 2010: Reimbursement requests submitted to NH LAKES for pre-approved grant project costs and final Project Report submitted to NH LAKES.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND TO APPLY:
For additional program information and application, download the application package here
QUESTIONS?
Contact Andrea LaMoreaux, NH LAKES Education Director, at alamoreaux@nhlakes.org or (603) 226-0299.
