ISGP 1 Aquatic Invasive Species Spread Prevention or Boat Decontamination

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) administers the Invasive Species Grant Program (ISGP) through the state’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). Since its inception in 2016, the ISGP has supported over 150 projects statewide, allocating more than $9.5 million to local governments, not-for-profit organizations, and academic institutions. The program aligns with the New York State Invasive Species Comprehensive Management Plan and seeks to enhance ecological resilience through prevention, management, and restoration activities that mitigate the harmful effects of invasive species. For the current round, Round 4 of ISGP, one of the key funding categories is Aquatic Invasive Species Spread Prevention, focusing on initiatives that prevent the spread of aquatic invasives through education, outreach, and direct action. Eligible projects include the deployment of Boat Steward programs at public boat ramps to conduct voluntary inspections and provide public education aligned with Part 576 of the state’s invasive species standards. Additionally, applicants may establish or enhance Boat Decontamination Stations that support education and voluntary inspection services, with allowable costs covering the purchase of decontamination equipment and operational services to augment existing boat programs. The program offers a total of approximately $4,000,000 in funding for 2025, with $750,000 designated specifically for the Aquatic Invasive Species Spread Prevention category. Applicants may request between $11,000 and $250,000 per project, with awards governed by the Environmental Protection Fund rules and performance-based contract structures. All projects must be completed within a three-year term under a Master Contract for Grants (MCG), subject to approval by DEC and, where applicable, the Attorney General and the Office of the State Comptroller. A one-year extension may be granted based on written justification. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is restricted to entities located within New York State. Qualifying applicants include municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and academic institutions capable of implementing invasive species prevention programs. Each applicant may submit up to two proposals, provided they are for distinct projects or locations. Projects must demonstrate defined objectives, measurable outcomes, and performance metrics achievable within the three-year contract period. Applications must be submitted electronically through the New York State Grants Management System (SFS). Interested applicants must register with the SFS portal before submission, and detailed guidance for registration is available at https://grantsmanagement.ny.gov/transition-SFS. The application deadline for Round 4 is December 17, 2025, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time. For technical or programmatic inquiries, applicants may contact Michelle Higgins, Program Specialist for Environmental Justice at DEC, by email at [email protected] or by phone at 518-402-9405. Fiscal and contract-related inquiries should be directed to John Bolt, CMS Trainee at DEC’s Division of Fiscal Management, reachable at [email protected] or 518-402-9256.

Clearly define project outcomes; register early in SFS; align objectives with invasive species management plan.