Michigan Clean Boats, Clean Waters program awards $35,000 to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species
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EmailThirteen projects receive grant funding to educate boaters and anglers on the importance of cleaning, draining, and drying their equipment to protect lakes and rivers.
In 2024, the Michigan Clean Boats, Clean Waters program is funding thirteen aquatic invasive species education projects across the state. The awardees include lake associations, nonprofit organizations, townships, and conservation districts. Grant funds will be used for invasive species prevention materials including decontamination equipment, Clean Boats, Clean Waters Decontamination Signs and handouts for boaters and anglers. The funds will also be used by groups to host in-person education events at boat launches, community events, and schools.
2024 Michigan Clean Boats, Clean Waters grant projects
- The Avery Lake Environmental Stewardship Council in Montmorency County is planning to create a personal ethic and cleaning habit among local recreationalists. They plan to do this through installing a Clean Boats, Clean Waters Decontamination Sign, distribution of educational materials, and having a presence at several events such as bass tournaments.
- Clinton County Parks and Green Space Commission plans to install several Clean Boats, Clean Waters Decontamination Signs, host educational events such as youth fishing programs and promote invasive species awareness through local media. They will be working with several local partners on this project, including local school districts and Clinton County Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA).
- The Eagle Lake Improvement Association in Cass County will provide outreach to the community through several activities such as the Spring Lake Clean-Up, the Eagle Lake Sailing Club open house, and fishing tournaments. Eagle Lake plans to install two Clean Boats, Clean Waters Decontamination Signs.
- The Higgins Lake Foundation in Roscommon County plans to impact both local and neighboring inland lakes with their outreach due to the high number of transient boaters that visit Higgins Lake. Their strong volunteer presence and meet-and-greet boat events will expand invasive species awareness. Events will be hosted at boat ramps, state parks, and the Roscommon Library. Higgins Lake Foundation will also be installing “Clean, Drain, Dry” signage on trash cans at boat launches to promote bait and aquatic plant disposal.
- The Lake Leelanau Lake Association in Leelanau County intends to educate youth and adult boaters, as well as lake community members on the prevention of invasive species through boat cleaning demonstrations and educational events. Working with Benzie Conservation District, Lake Leelanau plans to build a team of dedicated volunteers that can present and share the message of “Clean, Drain, Dry” at events. Volunteers will help lead boat wash demonstrations at locations like the LIFT Teen Center, Leelanau Street fair, and Fourth of July parades.
- The Missaukee Conservation District will partner with their local Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area and Missaukee Lake Improvement Board to host educational booths at three local lakes. At these events volunteers will hand out promotional materials and host activities, including a mini-boat cleaning demonstration in kiddie pools. Additionally, Missaukee Conservation District plans to install several Clean Boats, Clean Waters Decontamination Signs.
- The Mullett Area Preservation Society in Cheboygan County plans to install four Clean Boats, Clean Waters Decontamination Signs at access locations across Mullett Lake. At these installation locations, Mullet Area Preservation Society will host opening day events promoting the signs and will be handing out educational materials. Local conservation partners are also invited such as Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, Burt Lake Preservation Society, and Huron Pines.
- Paddle Antrim in Antrim County is working with the Village of Elk Rapids and plans to install a nonmotorized boat wash station with aquatic invasive species signage at the Elk Rapids Rotary Park. They will also be hosting community paddle events, including the Paddle Antrim Festival, where they plan to teach individuals how to protect waterways from invasive species.
- The Prairieville Township Parks Department in Barry County is promoting clean boating practices via the installation of several boat wash decontamination stations in the Upper Crooked Lake region. They are also hosting educational events during popular boating days such as the Michigan Department of Natural Resources free fishing weekend and Memorial Day.
- The River Raisin Watershed Council plans to focus their efforts over several counties including, Lenawee, Monroe, Washtenaw, Jackson, and Hillsdale. The council plans to host several boater education events around the region. Additionally, River Raisin Watershed Council plans to install two Clean Boats, Clean Waters Decontamination Signs in the Loch Erin area.
- The Saginaw Conservation District will educate residents on the importance of acting on aquatic invasive species through the installation of several Clean Boats, Clean Waters Decontamination Signs and publishing articles for distribution in local newspapers and newsletters. Additionally, they will host several educational paddle events, called Canoeing for Conservation, on the Cass and Tittabawassee Rivers.
- The Silver Lake Improvement Corporation in Livingston County plans to provide information and educational materials through presentations to Silver Lake Improvement Corporation members and several other local entities. Silver Lake will also promote the “Clean, Drain, Dry” principles through social media.
- The Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy in Charlevoix County seeks to strengthen invasive species outreach efforts through installing four Clean Boats, Clean Waters Decontamination Signs at water access sites. Additionally, their planned events include interactive workshops at boat launches, boat inspection and outreach days, and a community clean-up event. Walloon Lake plans to partner with CAKE CISMA, Michigan Lakes and Streams Association, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, and Little Traverse Conservancy on their grant project this summer.
Interested in a Clean Boats, Clean Waters grant?
Funding for the Clean Boats, Clean Waters program was provided by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. We anticipate having funds to support local aquatic invasive species outreach projects in the future. If you would like to be notified of future grant opportunities, sign-up on the Clean Boats, Clean Waters website to receive an email if funding is available in the future.
Since 2006, Clean Boats, Clean Waters has educated and engaged recreational watercraft users in behaviors that will limit or prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Aquatic invasive species are frequently spread unintentionally on boats and trailers and once introduced they can be difficult and expensive to manage. Boater education and engagement is one tool of many used in Michigan to address invasive species issues. This is the fourth year funds have been available through the Clean Boats, Clean Waters program to support local organizations.
The Michigan Clean Boats, Clean Waters program is a joint educational effort between Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy.
