Emergency Insect Management Grant

The Wyoming Emergency Insect Management Grant (EIMG) is administered by the Wyoming Emergency Insect Management Committee under the authority of the 2003 Wyoming Legislature through the Emergency Insect Management Program Act (EIMPA) (W.S. 11-5-401 through 11-5-405). This funding opportunity is aimed at providing critical financial support to state agencies, tribes, and political subdivisions such as cities, towns, counties, weed and pest districts, and special districts. The purpose of the program is to help manage emergency outbreaks of insect pests and vectors of disease that threaten public health and safety, animal health including livestock and wildlife, as well as agriculture and natural resources. The program provides grant funding for up to 50% of total program costs, with the remaining funding to be supplied by the applicant through matching contributions. In certain cases, such as proactive control of grasshopper or Mormon cricket populations before they reach 2,000 acres, cost-share from the state may rise to 75%. Matching funds can be cash or in-kind contributions and must be documented appropriately. EIMG funds may only be used for part-time (seasonal) salaries, not full-time staff, and restrictions are placed on administrative, equipment, mapping, and research costs—no more than 20% of grant funds may be allocated to these uses within the first three years of a program, and no more than 10% thereafter. Applications must include a completed program narrative, budget, identification of partners, documentation of matching funds, and a description of land units to be treated or benefited. Projects should integrate a broad range of insect management strategies consistent with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles. IPM methods may include educational outreach, biological control, pesticide application, monitoring and survey efforts, and cultural or mechanical interventions. Applicants are strongly encouraged to adopt these strategies, especially if their program targets West Nile Virus (WNV) vector mosquitoes or other high-risk species. Programs with strong cooperation across agencies and landowners, or those operating at full taxing capacity, may be prioritized for funding. Evaluation criteria include the ability of the program to protect public and animal health, reduce insect vector populations, manage disease transmission, and minimize environmental impacts. Proposals are also evaluated based on the clarity and detail of the program narrative, use of action thresholds, and strength of monitoring, education, and communication strategies. Programs addressing WNV must include a monitoring protocol meeting committee standards and demonstrate a focus on reducing known mosquito vectors. Required attachments include staff qualifications, program maps, sample education materials, and lists of governing bodies. Applications must be submitted by March 31, 2026, via email or postmarked by that date. The application package must not exceed ten pages plus required attachments and must be submitted using the official forms provided. The final report is due December 31 of the same funding year. The grant contact is Lindsey Woodward, Weed and Pest Coordinator at the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, who can be reached by phone at 307-777-6585 or via email at [email protected]. The program is not offered on a rolling basis but is expected to recur annually. This program is suitable for agencies responding to emergent insect outbreaks and aligns closely with state agricultural and public health objectives. By supporting rapid-response capabilities through financial assistance, the EIMG ensures that local entities can mitigate the threat posed by pests in a coordinated and scientifically sound manner.