Granting change: Small grants empowering Michigan communities
Print
EmailThe Clean Boats, Clean Waters program awards $35,000 to twelve conservation groups to educate and empower their local communities in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species, while actively engaging with boaters and anglers.
The Clean Boats, Clean Waters program is awarding grants to twelve organizations that will be conducting education about aquatic invasive species in their local communities. Throughout the summer, these groups will be hosting invasive species awareness events, installing signage at boat launches, and running marketing ads spreading the message of “Clean, Drain, Dry” to boaters and anglers. This is the fifth year the program has been able to offer grant funding for local aquatic invasive species education.
Alger Conservation District
To heighten the public's awareness of aquatic invasive species, especially that of flowering rush, Alger Conservation District will host four educational outreach events: two along the Au Train River, one at the U.S. Forest Service’s Au Train Lake campground boat launch, and one at the City of Munising Municipal Marina.
One of these outreach events will include demonstrations of proper boat decontamination techniques with the help of their partner, Lake to Lake Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (L2L CISMA), and a mobile boat washing crew. Interpretive signage and informational brochures detailing invasive species impacts and boater decontamination practices will be posted at four locations. Local recreational outfitters will also be provided with educational materials to distribute during equipment rentals.
Charter Township of Long Lake
With grant funds the Charter Township of Long Lake will be installing a Clean Boats, Clean Waters aquatic invasive species boat decontamination station at the Bass Lake boat launch. In addition, the Township created an education pamphlet directing boaters to a high-pressure boat wash station at the township hall.
The Charter Township will also be supporting a boat launch attendant, who serve as vital parts of educating boaters on proper boat washing techniques. The outreach events will be made possible through partnerships with the Long Lake Foundation, Long Lake Association, and the Benzie Conservation District.
Delton Crooked Lake Association
Delton Crooked Lake Association will be raising awareness of aquatic invasive species through signage and by providing promotional materials to lake residents and recreators on Upper Crooked Lake in Barry County. These activities will primarily occur during fishing tournaments and raft events. With funding, the lake association will be purchasing booth and outreach supplies. They will also continue working collaboratively with Prairieville Township Parks and Recreation to reactivate a boat washing station at the public launch.
Friends of the Detroit River
The goal of Friends of the Detroit River’s project is to hold six aquatic invasive species stewardship and outreach events. The group aims to provide Metro Detroit residents with exciting ways to access Michigan’s natural, public resources while educating those participants on the importance of stopping aquatic hitchhikers. Included in this project are several decontamination signs as well as outreach swag to hand out. The project will also provide stewardship opportunities for participants to be able to clean up their community.
Friends of the St. Clair River
Friends of the St. Clair River is uniquely positioned in one of the largest boating communities in the state along the St. Clair River, an international watershed. Their aim is to provide messaging to an international audience and to share the “Clean, Drain, Dry” message with the fast-growing local paddle sport community.
They will capitalize on their 2025 collaboration with the Port Huron Museum and the Blue Water Sturgeon Festival in reaching international audiences. They are also ensuring local communities with accessible kayak launches have appropriate invasive species prevention signage.
Newaygo County Environmental Coalition
The Newaygo County Environmental Coalition will be raising awareness of invasive species prevention through marketing, printed materials, the installation of a Clean Boats, Clean Waters aquatic invasive species decontamination station, and various invasive species handouts. Their project will engage community members and a robust tourist industry at events such as the annual Healthy Lakes Program and at several boat launches. Clean Boats, Clean Waters outreach will educate and inform a broad canvas of the population via social and public media, and through collaborations with local partners.
Paw Paw Lake Association
The Paw Paw Lake Association is sponsoring education and outreach programs to all those who enjoy their lake. With grant funding, the lake association will be purchasing signage, equipment, and outreach kits for two public launch sites on Paw Paw Lake in Berrien County. They will engage lake residents and the public through three education events, with their newsletters, and via their website.
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute will be using grant funds to support the installation of a Clean Boats, Clean Waters aquatic invasive species boat decontamination station at a boat launch site on the northwest side of Thornapple Lake at the Historic Charlton Park. This is a popular recreation site used by boaters, anglers, and families in Barry County.
The grant also will fund educational presentations and provide outreach materials at community events and a school-related fishing tournament, enabling the education of over 2,200 individuals of all ages.
Platte Lake Improvement Association
Platte Lake Improvement Association’s project is targeting key locations on Platte Lake that are vulnerable to aquatic invasive species. Through this project, the association will be educating fishing clubs and other recreationalists through the installation of several Clean Boats, Clean Waters aquatic invasive species boat decontamination stations and they will be hosting joint events with the Benzie Conservation District.
Rogue River Watershed Partners
The Rogue River Watershed extends across five counties and over 218 square miles north of Grand Rapids, and represents significant environmental, economic, and recreational value in West Michigan. Grant funds will be used to host events, install educational signage, and build and strengthen collaboration with community partners, such as Kent County Parks.
Ryerson Lake Association
Through this grant funding, Ryerson Lake Association plans to educate residents and watercraft visitors on the value of the “Clean, Drain, Dry” mission by reaching over 2,000 seasonal visitors at Camp Echo. Outreach efforts will run monthly from May through September, utilizing existing events to share key messages.
Boat launch improvements include installing a Clean Boats, Clean Waters aquatic invasive species boat decontamination station as well as other invasive species signs at strategic locations. Additionally, the team will present and distribute CBCW-branded boat wipe-down towels at their annual lake association meeting.
St. Joseph County Conservation District
The St. Joseph County Conservation District will partner with the Southern Michigan Invasive Species Team (SMIST) CISMA to host three aquatic invasive species outreach and education events at the St. Joseph, Branch, and Hillsdale County Fairs, as well as boat launches throughout the St. Joseph River Watershed.
At these events, the Conservation District will distribute materials and conduct boat cleaning demonstrations. This initiative aims to empower community members to take actionable steps in safeguarding local waterways, contributing to the long-term health and sustainability of our Great Lakes aquatic ecosystems.
Interested in a future grant?
Funding for the Clean Boats, Clean Waters program is provided by the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program. We anticipate having funds next year to support local aquatic invasive species outreach projects. If you would like to be notified of future grant opportunities, sign up on the Clean Boats, Clean Waters website.
Learn more about Clean Boats, Clean Waters
Since 2006, the Michigan Clean Boats, Clean Waters program 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. 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.
More information on aquatic invasive species and prevention can be found on the MSU Extension Clean Boats, Clean Waters website, Facebook (@MichiganCBCW), and Instagram (@michigan_cbcw).
