Lake Erie and Saginaw Bay Watersheds Wetland Conservation Program

The Lake Erie and Saginaw Bay Wetland Conservation Program is administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) with funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The program aims to support wetland restoration in Michigan’s Lake Erie and Saginaw Bay watersheds, prioritizing environmental improvements that also align with COVID-19 recovery strategies. Specifically, it seeks to reduce nutrient and sediment loads entering these water bodies, improve water quality, and revitalize Great Lakes tourism and economic sectors affected by the pandemic. The DNR is soliciting applications from qualified organizations to serve as fiduciary and technical administrators of ARPA funds dedicated to implementing this program. The selected fiduciary will work collaboratively with regional partners to identify and execute approximately 5–10 wetland conservation projects by October 31, 2026. These projects may involve the acquisition, engineering, restoration, creation, or enhancement of wetlands. The objectives are rooted in several planning documents including the Michigan Lake Erie Domestic Action Plan, the Adaptive Management Plan, and the Michigan Wildlife Action Plan. Eligible applicants were required to submit a complete application package including a narrative, a detailed budget spreadsheet, and a proposed budget narrative. Supporting materials such as the program handbook and draft grant agreement were also made available to guide submissions. The application period for this opportunity has officially closed. While detailed evaluation criteria are not explicitly provided in the source content, successful applicants were expected to demonstrate technical capability, financial stewardship, and alignment with the outlined program goals. The fiduciary organization’s role includes coordination, fund disbursement, and oversight of project implementation in accordance with ARPA guidelines and DNR objectives. Key contacts for the program include Janet Liesman (administrative manager), Randall Knapik (program manager), and Steve Shine (program manager). All inquiries related to the program were directed to the shared email address [email protected]. The performance period for funded projects concludes on October 31, 2026. No recurrence information is provided, indicating that the program may be a one-time funding opportunity tied to ARPA allocations. No further applications are being accepted at this time.