Noxious Weed and Invasive Plant Grant Applications Now Open

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is accepting applications for the first round of the Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20) Noxious Weed and Invasive Plant Grant.

Counties, municipalities, tribal governments, and weed management entities (including weed management areas) may apply for grants to address noxious weeds around the state.

Grants for FY20 will be funded at two levels. Level 1 grants will be up to $10,000 awards to be spent in one year and are intended to support local activity. Level 2 grants will be between $10,001 and $50,000 to be spent over two years and are intended to promote collaboration with entities within and outside their jurisdictions.

Cities, counties, townships, conservation districts and tribal nations are encouraged to apply for both grant levels.

For the FY18-19 biennium, the MDA received $600,000 to fund projects like purchasing equipment and supplies, conducting mapping and outreach activities, and hiring private applicators to manage noxious weeds.

Sixty-four municipalities were awarded grants averaging $10,000. Of those 64 municipalities, 60 were counties, three were townships, and two were cities.

To apply, please read through the request for proposals (RFP) on the MDA website at www.mda.state.mn.us/weedgrant. Applications are due no later than 4:00 p.m. on November 26, 2019.

Contact Emilie Justen at emilie.justen@state.mn.us with any questions about the application. The MDA anticipates awarding another round of grants in Fiscal Year 2021.