ISGP 1 Aquatic Species Prevent or Boat Decon.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) administers the Invasive Species Grant Program (ISGP), which provides competitive funding to help municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, and academic institutions implement projects that reduce the spread and impact of invasive species. This opportunity, funded by the state’s Environmental Protection Fund, supports activities that advance the goals of the New York State Invasive Species Comprehensive Management Plan. ISGP 1 focuses specifically on aquatic invasive species (AIS) spread prevention and boat decontamination, providing grants for stewardship, education, inspection, and decontamination programs at public boating access sites across the state. The program seeks to prevent the spread of invasive plants and invertebrates between water bodies by supporting boat steward programs, voluntary inspections, and high-pressure hot-water decontamination operations. Projects may include delivery of boat steward services at public ramps, installation of AIS disposal stations, purchase of decontamination equipment, and the development of outreach materials to educate boaters about clean, drain, and dry practices. Eligible applicants may also implement regional prevention networks spanning multiple watersheds and are encouraged to collaborate with municipalities and regional partners to increase the program’s effectiveness and coverage. Approximately $750,000 is available under ISGP 1 for the 2025 cycle, with individual grant awards ranging from a minimum of $11,000 to a maximum of $250,000. Applicants must provide a 25% cost share, which can include cash or in-kind contributions from local or non-state sources. All project work must occur within New York State, and the period of performance will run for three years following contract execution, typically April 2026 through March 2029. One-year extensions may be granted based on written justification and DEC approval. Eligible applicants include municipalities, counties, soil and water conservation districts, Indian nations or tribes with lands within New York, academic institutions, and 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporations. Projects must demonstrate organizational capacity, landowner permission, and readiness to start within the designated contract term. Applicants are required to report data through the state’s iMapInvasives database and use the Watercraft Inspection Steward Program App (WISPA) where applicable. Matching funds, proof of property access, a detailed budget, and at least one project cost estimate over $2,500 are mandatory components of a complete application. Applications are submitted electronically through the New York State SFS Grants Management System. The bidding period begins October 8, 2025, with questions due by December 15, 2025. Final applications must be submitted by 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time on December 17, 2025. Awards are anticipated in February 2026. The DEC will evaluate proposals based on project relevance, coverage, collaboration, cost-effectiveness, and public benefit, with higher scoring projects typically located at sites of high public use or without existing boat steward coverage. Program inquiries may be directed to dlfgrants@dec.ny.gov, and SFS technical assistance is available at helpdesk@sfs.ny.gov or 518-457-7737.