With this funding, more individuals will become aware of invasive species pathway spread through recreational gear and equipment, and that they are responsible for preventing the spread of invasive…

The Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service awarded a $180,000 Cooperative Agreement to the North American Invasive Species Management Association on July 14, 2026, to expand the PlayCleanGo campaign, an awareness and behavior-change initiative targeting outdoor recreationists' prevention of invasive species pathways through recreational gear and equipment.

Under the award, NAISMA will conduct targeted surveys across North America to assess awareness, behaviors, and barriers related to invasive species prevention and inform brand refresh and messaging improvements to PlayCleanGo. The organization will update and expand outreach materials, launch a new PlayCleanGo short course, and deepen digital engagement through an improved online pledge experience. NAISMA will distribute six boot brush stations and replacement brushes to partner sites in coordination with public land agencies, nonprofits, and field partners, and will continue distributing interpretive signage. The award funds expanded partnership engagement with nonprofits, government agencies, and businesses nationally, including through the Don't Move Firewood and HungryPests campaigns to increase campaign visibility and relevance.

The period of performance runs from the award date through March 31, 2027. Work is performed across the United States.

Activities

This funding will allow naisma to expand their reach among recreationists, natural resource professionals, and partner organizations across north america. In year 2 of the plan, they will conduct targeted surveys to inform a brand refresh, update and expand outreach materials, launch a new playcleango® short course, and deepen digital engagement through an improved online pledge experience. They will continue to distribute boot brush stations and interpretive signage and strengthen engagement with existing and new partners to increase the campaign's visibility and relevance.deliverables and expected outcomes:second year program focuses on expanded reach, audience research, infrastructure distribution, and program development across north america. Conduct targeted surveys with key audiences across north america to assess awareness, behaviors, and barriers related to invasive species prevention and inform improvements to playcleango® branding and messaging. Distribute 6 boot brush stations and replacement brushes to partner sites in coordination with public land agencies, nonprofits, and field-based organizations. Launch a redesigned, more visible and engaging playcleango® pledge experience to encourage broader public commitment and behavior change. Develop and release a new playcleango® short course as part of naisma academy to build partner knowledge and capacity to implement and promote campaign messaging. Increase and RE-engage the playcleango® partner network through targeted outreach and support. Create and publish a partner spotlight series to showcase how playcleango® is being implemented across north america. Host playcleango® awareness week in collaboration with partner organizations, delivering a coordinated outreach effort to engage audiences across north america. Exhibit and host an invasive species communications session at the 2026 naisma annual conference in alexandria, VA, to share campaign updates, tools, and partnership opportunities. Distribute updated playcleango® outreach materials in english, spanish, and french, including signage, handheld boot brushes, digital content, and tabling materials to partner organizations. Increase the number of partner organizations and the number of locations where the playcleango® brand is visible and actively used to promote invasive species prevention behaviors to recreationists. Intended beneficiary(IES):this national program will benefit all residents, visitors and professionals who work with and enjoy outdoor recreation and natural landscape resources. Subrecipient activities, if known or specified at the time of award: the following will provide program support. Kimberly davidson (marketing manager), john stabinger (website support), TBD (instructional design), TBD (graphic design), kayla muñoz (numbersfornonprofits), jodi hougan (program assistant), marg lamorte/digital hive consulting (website/LMS/shop), david krause and associates (accounting), knowledgenow LLC (instructional design), and TBD (program coordinator). Cost analysis: personnel-executive director @400 hours $50.00=$20,000.00, education and prevention manager @ 303.2 hours $37.09=$11,245; fringe benefits @ 20%=$6,249.00. Travel (mileage, flight , lodging, per diem)=$$9,750.00. Supplies(boot bushes, station, signage, banners, software, office supplies, printing, website and communication operations, etc)=$22,479.86. Contractual(seasalt digital, TBD graphic design)=$76,412.50. Other(postage, outreach package material, advertising, conference registration)=$17,500.00. Indirect cost @ 15%=$16,363.64.