MICHIGAN, (WPBN/WGTU) — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is offering up to $1.5 million in grants to improve state fisheries and aquatic resources.
The Fisheries Habitat Grantswill be used for fish habitat conservation, dam removal and repairs, resource assessment studies and recreation opportunities.
“Recreation and local economies throughout Michigan rely on healthy rivers, lakes and wetlands to support fishing, boating and other enjoyment of our natural resources,” said Joe Nohner, a DNR fisheries resource analyst.
“These grants help our partners protect and rehabilitate fisheries and aquatic ecosystems in a state that depends heavily on those resources. In cases where we remove, repair or renovate dams, we also can improve public safety for residents and visitors,” Nohner said.
Expected funding is derived from three sources:
- Up to $951,727 from the state’s Game and Fish Protection Fund, supporting the aquatic habitat conservation theme.
- $350,000 from the state’s General Fund, supporting the dam management theme.
- At least $225,000 from a hydropower license and settlement agreement between Consumers Energy and several entities including the DNR, supporting aquatic habitat and recreation in the Au Sable, Manistee and Muskegon river watersheds.
Grant amounts start at a minimum of $25,000.
All potential applicants must first discuss their projects with a local DNR fisheries biologist, then complete and submit a short preproposal for DNR review.
Preproposals must be:
- Submitted using an online form available at the Fisheries Habitat Grant website
- Submitted no later than Oct. 4; for questions about the grant or preproposal submission, contact Joe Nohner at 517-599-6825 or Chip Kosloski at 517-281-1705.
Applicants will be notified about their preproposal by Nov. 15 and if selected will be invited to submit a full application.
Final funding announcements are expected to be made by May 2025.
For more information, click here.