AQUATIC INVASIVES SPECIES PROGRAM
Aquatic Nuisance Control - SFY 2018 Grant-in-Aid
Released: Monday, November 20, 2017
Application Due: 4:00 PM on Friday, February 9, 2018
Grant-in-Aid Application Manual
Table of Contents
Lakes & Ponds Management and Protection Program...... 1
Aquatic Invasive Species Program...... 1
Vermont Lake Wise Program...... 1
Vermont Lake Assessment & Water Quality Monitoring Program ...... 2
Lakes and Ponds Permitting...... 2
Additional Permitting...... 3
Aquatic Nuisance Control Grant in Aid Program...... 4
Eligibility...... 4
FundingPriorities...... 4
General Information...... 5
Grants Awarded...... 5
Project Types...... 5
Guidance onApplicationSections...... 6
Project Summary ...... 8
Project Timeline Table...... 8
Budget...... 9
Project Map...... 9
Supplemental Submittal Requirements ...... 10
Attachment A – Project Budget Template...... 11
Attachment B – Risk Assessment Questionnaire...... 13
Attachment C – Standard State Conditions for Contracts and Grants ...... 15
Attachment D – VTDEC Request for Approval to Subgrant/Subcontract...... 20
AQUATIC INVASIVES SPECIES PROGRAM
Aquatic Nuisance Control - SFY 2018 Grant-in-Aid
Released: Monday, November 20, 2017
Application Due: 4:00 PM on Friday, February 9, 2018
Lakes and Ponds Management and Protection Program Overview
The Lakes and Ponds Management and Protection Program of the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) works to protect, maintain, enhance, and restore Vermont lakes and the public uses that healthy lake ecosystems provide through outreach and education, monitoring and assessment, and regulatory programs.The program consists of four sub-programs:
Aquatic Invasive Species Program
The Aquatic Invasive Species(AIS) Programcoordinates management activities associated with both aquatic invasive and nuisance species.Staff survey,monitor, and maintain aquatic invasive population information, as well asimplement managementand spread prevention efforts to prevent negative effects associated with nuisance species.These may include habitat loss and a reduction in native biodiversity along with adverse social and economic impacts and impacts to public health and safety.The program works collaboratively with other divisions of the Department, the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife, and various partners to provide guidance and technical and financial assistance to municipalities and lake associations. The program assists with the implementation of many effective programs, including nuisance species management plans, Public Access Greeter Programs, and education and outreach initiatives. For more information, please visit the Program’s website at:
Vermont Invasive Patrollers
The AIS Program oversees the Vermont Invasive Patrollers (VIPs), which is an invasive species early-detection program centered on engaging and training a network of volunteers to survey lakes for new infestations of invasive species.
Vermont Public Access Greeter Program
Because spread prevention is the most effective method for mitigating the potential impacts of invasive species, the AIS Program oversees the Public Access Greeter Program, which is primarily concerned with educating water users and stopping the spread of AIS through watercraft inspections. Greeter Programs at individual waterbodies are coordinated by local municipalities, and the State provides training and all necessary equipment to each program. Costs associated with establishment and maintenance of a Greeter Program are eligible for Grant-in-aid funding.
Vermont Lake Wise Program
The Lake Wise Program goal is to teach lake shore owners how to implement best management practices that are lake friendly and effectively protect the lake’s water quality, shoreline stability, and wildlife habitat. Through this program, participants receive technical assistance and certification for controlling runoff, preventing erosion, and restoring natural landscapes. The Lake Wise Program certifies lake-friendly shoreland properties, including state parks, town beaches, and private homes and businesses that are well managed.The Program encourages the use of shoreland Best Management Practices that are maintained to care for the lake. For more information, go to:
Vermont Lake Assessment & Water Quality Monitoring Program
The primary function of the lake assessment program is to monitor the status and trends of Vermont’s waters, including inland waterbodies and Lake Champlain and its tributaries.DEC Scientists annually monitor,survey, and assess various parameters to measure the condition of Vermont waterways.These assessments provide the foundation for the EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, water quality standards development, surveillance and enforcement actions, and inform public information efforts. Assessment results are uploaded to the Vermont Inland Lake Score Card, a user-friendly interface to share available data on overall lake health with lake users.
Vermont Lay Monitoring Program
The Lay Monitoring Program (LMP) is a statewide program consisting of dedicated volunteers who have sampled more than 90 inland lakes and 40 stations on Lake Champlain since 1979. Volunteer monitoring provides essential data on phosphorus, chlorophyll, and water clarity. LMP volunteers collect weekly water quality samples and complete public perception surveys during June, July, and Augustto establish baseline nutrient conditions, detect trends, determine compliance with nutrient criteria, inform basin plans, and engage lake users and residents in a lake management communication network.
Lakes and Ponds Permitting
Several near- and in-lake activities are regulated by the State to ensure the protection of Vermont’s aquatic resources. The Lakes and Ponds Program provides technical assistance to those undertaking a regulated activity, and issues permits for applicable projects on a Lake or Pond.More information concerning Lake and Ponds Program permits can be found at The following is a summary of permits provided by the Program:
Aquatic Nuisance Control - A permit is required for activities used to control nuisance aquatic plants, insects, or other aquatic life (including lamprey) in Vermont’s waterbodies (this does not include manual removal techniques, i.e. hand-pulling nuisance vegetation).Examples include use of herbicides/pesticides, chemicals other than pesticides, powered mechanical devices, bottom barriers, and structural and biological controls.Aquatic Nuisance Control Permits are issued under 10 V.S.A. Chapter 50,§1455.
Lake Encroachment - Projects encroaching on public waters (from mean water level towards the lake) such as docks, walls, boathouses, bridges, water intakes, cables, dredging, or fill may require a permit.Lake Encroachment Permits are issued under 29 V.S.A. Chapter 11.
Shoreland Protection - As of July 1, 2014, changes to land use within 250 feet of a lake’s mean water level (also known as the Protected Shoreland Area), such as any new development, redevelopment, or vegetation removal, may require a permit.Shoreland Permits are issued under 10 V.S.A Chapter 49A, §1441–1449 et seq.
Pesticide General Permit - Discharges from the application of pesticides towaters of the state for the following pesticide use patterns require coverage under Vermont's Pesticide General Permit:
(1) mosquito and other flying insect pest control;(2) weed and algae control;(3) animal pest control; and(4) forest canopy pest control.
Special Use Permit for Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife Access Areas
A permit is required before stationing a Greeter Program at a public access if the access is State-owned. The Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife Department (VTDFW) requires a Special Use Permit (SUP) for VermontFish and Wildlife AccessAreas every season at least thirty-days in advance of the implementation of such a program. SUPs can be applied for at Contact Mike Wichrowski, VTDFW Facility and Lands Manager, at or (802) 917-1347 with questions.
Additional VT Agency of Natural Resources Permits
Knowing all the permits required before you begin your project can help prevent delays. You may wish to consult with a regional permit specialist to help determine if your project may require any other permits (e.g. wetlands, wastewater). Vermont Agency of Natural Resources permit specialists can assist with the identification of needed permits
Aquatic Nuisance Control Grant in Aid Information
The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation Lakes and Ponds Aquatic Invasive Species Program administers theAquatic Nuisance Control Grant-in-Aid Program.These grants provide financial assistance to municipalities and agencies of the State for aquatic nuisance species management projects.Funding for the Grant-in-aid Program comes from a portion of annual revenues from motorboat registration fees, and often is supplemented by federal funds.Anticipated grant funds available in 2018 are estimated at $400,000.
An “aquatic nuisance” is an undesirable or excessive substance or population that interferes with the recreational potential or aquatic habitat of a waterbody, and includes plants, animals, and algal populations.Applications are reviewed to determine whether the proposed project is suitable to control or to minimize the effect an aquatic nuisance has on water quality and water use.For more information about the Aquatic Nuisance Control Program and the Vermont State Statues please visit
Eligibility
The applicant must be a municipality or an agency of the State.If the waterbody where the project takes place is in more than one municipality, the municipalities may file a joint application.However, a joint application is not required.All funds will be granted directly to the Applicant.Local interest groups such as lake associations must apply through the municipality in which the waterbody is located.
Funding Priorities
Grant awards are made to priority projects to the extent funds are available.Priority is given to projects designed to manage new infestations of aquatic nuisances, or to develop novel spread prevention programs.Second priority is to projects to prevent or control the further spread of aquatic nuisancespecies.Third priority is to recurring maintenance projects.
In establishing priorities for individual projects, the following criteria are considered:public accessibility and recreational uses; importance to commercial, agricultural or other interests;the degree of local interest; local efforts to control aquatic nuisances;other considerations affecting feasibility, probability of achieving long-term control, and necessity or advantage of the proposed work; andthe extent to which the control project is a developmental rather than a maintenance program.
Additional criteria considered in approving requests and determining the amount of any grant include:the use of the waters by persons outside the municipality in which the waters are located;the long-range effect of the control project;the recreational use of the waters; andthe effectiveness of municipal shore land zoning and other controls in minimizing or preventing existing or new development from having any adverse effects on the waters subject to the control program.
General Information
A grant for 75% or less of the total estimated project cost may be awarded. Grant recipients must contribute at least 25% of the final eligible project cost through in-kind labor (unpaid personnel), in-kind services and/or actual cash expenditures (all from non-state sources). If federal funds are awarded, the match requirement may be greater than 25%. Only in-kind match accrued in the grant project year is eligible. Individual grant awards will not be more than 10% of available annual grant funds.
If a Grant is Awarded
Grant recipients will be required to issue a news announcement to local media informing readership of the receipt of the funded grant along with details on the project’s purpose, actions and anticipated timeline. A copy of the news announcement will be required as part of the grant deliverables. Depending on the project, grant recipients may be obligated to fulfill additional requirements (e.g., attend a Department offered public access greeter training, submit relevant data to Department staff).
Project Types
Below is a summary of some of the projects the Aquatic Nuisance Control Grant-in-Aid has funded since its inception. For additional information or questions regarding the types pf projects that may be considered for funding, please contact Josh Mulhollem at r (802) 490-6121; or Kim Jensen at or (802) 490-6120.
Aquatic Nuisance Species Survey
Applicant conducts a survey of the waterbody for aquatic plant species, including nuisance species.The results will assist in informing the municipality and the State of the diversity and abundance of all aquatic species present including native, non-native, and invasive species, and the extent of the nuisance species.This provides base-line data for any future or potential aquatic nuisance or invasive infestations. Surveys are often subcontracted to private lake management specialists.
Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan
Applicant hires a reliable subcontractor to survey and mapthe entire waterbody for the known aquatic nuisance species.The final Management Report will assist in informing the Municipality and the State of the extent of the nuisance species, and recommendations to potentially manage the species.This provides options for the Municipality, and informs its citizens on potential techniques for managing local aquatic nuisance or invasive species infestations. The development of these plans is often subcontracted to private lake management specialists.
Invasive Species Education & Outreach Program
Whether invasive species are a threat or have been found, the Applicant can develop an education and outreach program to build the capacity to limit the spread of the species within a waterbody or to other waterbodies. The Applicant may request funds to develop and distribute reference, outreach, or marketing materials and supplies. Complimentary additional assistance and technical expertise may also be available from AIS staff.
Implementation of a Greeter Program or Expansion of a Greeter Program
Applicant develops or maintains a Public Access Greeter Program at a public access on a local waterbody. Grant funds can be used for greeter salaries, physical materials needed on-site (i.e. a greeter shelter), and other associated costs. To receive funding, a person associated with the program must attend a public training offered by the State once every other year.
Guidance on Application Sections
I.CoverPage
Project Information
1.ProjectTitle- A satisfactory project title includes specific information on the project type and location. Examples provide here:
- Green Lake Aquatic Plant Survey
- Square Pond Eurasian watermilfoil Management Plan
- Initiating a Clear Bay Stomp-out-invasivesOutreach Program
- Cardinal Lake Greeter Program
- Mutton Pond Water-chestnutHarvesting Program
2.Waterbody- Indicate the waterbody where the project is located. If the project spans multiple waterbodies, please specify both or all. If an outreach project, indicate the targeted area.
- Townand County - Indicate the town(s) and county where the project(s) will take place. Include whether the project is located at a public access area and which entity owns and manages the area.
Application Information
- Applicant Name(Municipality or Agency of the State) andMailing Addressof the organization applying for funding and the responsible party for executing terms and conditions of the grant agreement.
5.Contact Name-Primary contact information for the person who will oversee the grant.This person will submit deliverables, as specified in the grant agreement, to the DEC Grant Manager.
- Project Contact Name- If different from above, provide the Project Contact information for the person who will oversee the project, and may submit deliverables to the Primary Contact as specified in the grant agreement.
- Employer Identification Number
a.State of Vermont ID #- Provide the Vermont Employer Identification Number.
b.Federal ID #-Provide the Federal (FEIN).
- Project Costs
a.Total Project Cost - Anticipated costs for the project that includes all costs including estimated labor, sub-contract fees, supplies, etc. and matching and/or in-kind services provided by all persons involved with the project.
b.Funding Request– Amount of funds requested to complete the project (total project cost minus estimated match).
c.Estimated Match – Anticipated amountof matching funds in the form of monies and/or in-kind services provided from the municipalities, partners, and private citizen to complete the project.
- Municipal Zoning(for Municipal Applicants)– Indicate whether the municipality has adopted bylaws to regulate and protect shorelands, and river corridors and buffer (as defined in 10 V.S.A . § 1422 and 1427).
(a) Shorelands.(i) A municipality may adopt bylaws to regulate shorelands as defined in 10 V.S.A § 1422 to prevent and control water pollution; preserve and protect wetlands and other terrestrial and aquatic wildlife habitat; conserve the scenic beauty of shorelands; minimize shoreline erosion; reserve public access to public waters; and achieve other municipal, regional, or State shoreland conservation and development objectives.(ii) Shoreland bylaws may regulate the design and maintenance of sanitary facilities; regulate filling of and other adverse alterations to wetlands and other wildlife habitat areas; control building location; require the provision and maintenance of vegetation; require provisions for access to public waters for all residents and owners of the development; and impose other requirements authorized by this chapter.
(b) River corridors and buffers. In accordance with section 4424 of this title, a municipality may adopt bylaws to protect river corridors and buffers, as those terms are defined in 10 V.S.A. §§ 1422 and 1427, in order to protect public safety; prevent and control water pollution; prevent and control stormwater runoff; preserve and protect wetlands and waterways; maintain and protect natural channel, streambank, and floodplain stability; minimize fluvial erosion and damage to property and transportation infrastructure; preserve and protect the habitat of terrestrial and aquatic wildlife; promote open space and aesthetics; and achieve other municipal, regional, or State conservation and development objectives for river corridors and buffers. River corridor and buffer bylaws may regulate the design and location of development; control the location of buildings; require the provision and maintenance or reestablishment of vegetation, including no net loss of vegetation; require screening of development or use from waters; reserve existing public access to public waters; and impose other requirements authorized by this chapter.