Project Grant 00E03704

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) was awarded a $1,360,000 Project Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 5 under the Geographic Programs - Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (CFDA 66.469) to administer three projects focused on identifying distributors of aquatic invasive species, developing virtual tools for data collection and reporting, and performing invasive species removal and native habitat restoration on public lands.

The grant activities include: 1) educating and training law enforcement on aquatic invasive species, 2) creating an interactive dashboard to highlight efforts in the fight against invasive species, and 3) prioritizing invasive species containment and treatment across public lands and green spaces. The City of Ashland, Wisconsin, was awarded a sub-grant of unspecified amount to perform habitat modification through invasive species removal and native herbaceous species restoration on publicly owned land within the city. This grant-funded project aims to eliminate illegal possession of aquatic invasive species, enhance data collection and reporting, and offer invasive species management and habitat restoration components to benefit residents, recreational users, and natural resources across the state of Wisconsin.