The Michigan Department of Natural Resources yesterday announced the next round of funding for the department's Aquatic Habitat Grant Program, which is focused on funding projects that protect intact aquatic habitat and rehabilitate habitat that's become degraded.

There is $1.25 million available for this year's program. Funded projects will emphasize the protection and rehabilitation of degraded aquatic resources, development of self-sustaining aquatic communities that provide for continuing recreational opportunities and natural resource-based economies, and development of strong relationships, partnerships and new expertise with respect to aquatic habitat protection and recovery. Projects can address issues on streams, rivers, lakes or the Great Lakes.

Funding is available through an open, competitive process to local, state, federal and tribal governments and nonprofit groups, for single- and multiple-year projects. Minimum grant amounts will be set at $25,000, with the maximum amount being the amount of funds available for the grant cycle. Smaller projects within the same watershed addressing similar issues and system processes can be bundled into a single grant proposal package in order to reach minimum grant amount requirements, if necessary.

All applicants must complete and submit a three-page pre-proposal for review by the DNR Fisheries Division. Pre-proposals must be postmarked no later than Aug. 26. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their pre-proposals by Sept. 30 and, if successful, will be invited to submit a full application. An invitation to submit a full application does not guarantee project funding.

This grant program is funded by revenues from fishing and hunting license fees. The detailed program handbook (including timeline) and pre-proposal guidelines and forms are available at Michigan.gov/dnr-grants.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.


Contact: Chris Freiburger, 517-284-5824