LANSING — Since its inception in 2014, the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program has allocated over $18.5 million in grants to universities, non-profits and units of government to prevent, detect and manage invasive species in Michigan.

Now, you can see all 112 grant-funded projects in one place with the MISGP story map, a digital multimedia tool that allows you to explore efforts in your area and across the state to protect our forests, waters and open spaces from the effects of invasive species. You can access the story map on the MISGP website at Michigan.gov/MISGP.

What’s in the story map?

The story map tracks MISGP progress through program metrics and includes an interactive funding dashboard that allows users to cross-reference grant funding by project category, recipient type and grant-to-match ratio.

Through MISGP funding, Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas now provide technical assistance to public and private landowners in every county of the state. CISMAs are groups of non-profit and government agencies, businesses and volunteers working together to tackle invasive species in their regions. The story map is an easy way for users to explore local CISMA projects and access CISMA services.

Summaries of grant-supported studies on managing invasive species including Eurasian watermilfoil, phragmites and oak wilt are available on the story map, with links to final project reports. Local and statewide prevention and outreach efforts also are featured, with easy access to project results.

What is the MISGP?

The Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program is a joint effort of the Michigan departments of Natural Resources; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Agriculture and Rural Development. Total program funding is set by the Legislature and the governor during the annual budget cycle.

Local, state, federal and tribal units of government, nonprofit organizations and universities may apply for funding through the MISGP to support invasive species projects conducted in Michigan. The 2019 request for proposals can be found at Michigan.gov/MISGP. Full project proposals are due by Sept. 3.