The Michigan Clean Marina Foundation and the Michigan Boating Industries Association have been awarded $302,700 in grant funding to increase awareness with boaters to prevent the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species
The MCMF/MBIA funding project was announced March 1, during National Invasive Species Awareness Week (AIS Awareness Week).
“With this funding we’re able to utilize our events, resources, and connections to help stop the spread of AIS in Michigan by engaging and educating the boating public with the steps they need to take when moving vessels from one body of water to another,” said MBIA Executive Director Nicki Polan.
The Michigan Invasive Species Grant allows for 31 funding projects like this one to take place. These collective grants will share in $3.6 million in funding. This funding program is being carried out by the Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural development; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Natural Resources. The goal is to address prevention of invasive species in Michigan through means of detection, eradication, and control of both aquatic and terrestrial species. The offer to match grants has raised $541,500 in matching funds by grantees. These funds will serve as support for these projects bringing about a total investment of $4,141,500!
“Michigan has the world’s greatest resource of freshwater with the Great Lakes and thousands of inland lakes and streams. We all have a part to do in keeping them clean and available for generations to come. The CMF and MBIA are happy to do our part in spreading awareness to boaters,” said Polan.
Funding projects like these bring boaters one step closer to cleaner and safer water.
