ISGP 2 Invasive Species Rapid Response and Control

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) administers the Invasive Species Grant Program, funded through the State’s Environmental Protection Fund. The program supports statewide efforts to reduce the ecological and economic impacts of invasive species by funding projects across control, research, prevention, and restoration categories. It aligns with the New York State Invasive Species Comprehensive Management Plan, which establishes long-term objectives to mitigate spread and damage through coordinated management, research, and outreach. Since its inception in 2016, the ISGP has awarded approximately $9.5 million to 157 projects, demonstrating its sustained commitment to ecosystem protection, scientific advancement, and community participation. Round 4 of the ISGP provides approximately $4 million in total available funding for 2025. Eligible applicants include municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, and academic institutions located entirely within New York State. Funding will support four project categories: (1) Aquatic Invasive Species Spread Prevention or Boat Decontamination, including boat steward education programs and installation of decontamination stations; (2) Terrestrial and Aquatic Invasive Species Rapid Response and Control, which targets management and biocontrol methods; (3) Terrestrial and Aquatic Invasive Species Research, focused on improving understanding and management outcomes; and (4) Restoration and Resiliency of Sites Impacted by Invasive Species, which assists in restoring native species and habitats. Each proposal must present clear objectives, tasks, deliverables, and performance measures achievable within a three-year term. Projects are required to comply with DEC’s performance and reporting standards under the Master Contract for Grants (MCG). The MCG must be fully executed and approved by the Department, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Office of the State Comptroller before expenses may be incurred. Costs outside the approved contract period are not eligible. Projects may request one-year extensions with written justification if warranted by circumstances beyond the applicant’s control. The minimum award request is $11,000, and the maximum is $250,000 per proposal, with no more than two submissions permitted per applicant. Bidders may not submit multiple proposals for the same project or project location. Applications must be submitted electronically through the New York Statewide Financial System (SFS) Grants Management platform, for which registration is mandatory. Applicants can register at https://grantsmanagement.ny.gov/transition-SFS. Proposals must be submitted by 3:30 PM Eastern Time on December 17, 2025. Projects will be evaluated based on technical merit, feasibility, alignment with state invasive species goals, and expected ecological outcomes. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted. Technical inquiries may be directed to Michelle Higgins, Program Specialist with the Department of Environmental Conservation, Environmental Justice, at dlfgrants@dec.ny.gov or 518-402-9405. Fiscal management questions should be addressed to John Bolt, CMS Trainee with the Division of Fiscal Management, at john.bolt@dec.ny.gov or 518-402-9256. All funded projects must be located fully within New York State. Awards are anticipated to be announced following state review and contract processing in early 2026, with performance periods extending up to three years from contract execution. The Invasive Species Grant Program represents a continuing biennial investment in New York’s natural resources and community resilience. By supporting control, research, and restoration initiatives, the program advances statewide environmental protection and provides vital support for organizations combating invasive threats in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The next expected solicitation, consistent with prior program cycles, is anticipated in Fall 2027.

Ensure SFS registration prior to submission; clearly define measurable performance metrics; include justification for costs within the three-year period; review project feasibility and deliverable tracking consistent with DEC evaluation criteria.