By Paul J Sniadecki, MLSA Board Director
Sarah LeSage, Aquatic Biologist, EGLE, attended the 2019 Conference and announced the progress made by the DEQ/ELGE implementing the 1st Year of the AIS Eradication and Control Fund created by legislation in late 2018.
Ms. LeSage reports $100,000 has been allocated to the grants fund in 2019. Grants will be awarded to properly qualified and formed Lake Associations, Home Owner Associations, and Municipalities. The 1st year grants will be available only to pay for any Aquatic DEQ/ELGE permit required for treatment in 2019.
Ms. Lesage anticipates applications will be available for release on June 1, 2019, with successful applicants notified by September 1, 2019. Since the program roll-out continues to be developed, interested riparians are encouraged to keep current on the program by visiting: www.Michigan.gov/invasives and click on the “GRANTS” tab/hyperlink.