2026 Aquatic Nuisance Control - Grant-In-Aid Program

The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (VTDEC) Lakes and Ponds Management and Protection Program (Lakes and Ponds Program) works to protect, maintain, enhance, and restore Vermont lakes and the public uses that healthy lake ecosystems provide. The Aquatic Invasive Species Program within the Lakes and Ponds Program coordinates management activities associated with both aquatic invasive and nuisance species; works with local, state, and federal partners to obtain and provide funds for control projects; and provides education and outreach to reduce the threat and spread of aquatic invasive species. 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. 10 V.S.A. § 1458 allows a municipality or agency of the State to apply to the Agency of Natural Resources for funding to assist with control of aquatic nuisances. The Aquatic Invasive Species Program administers the Aquatic Nuisance Control (ANC) Grant-in-Aid (GIA) Program to provide financial assistance for eligible projects. Aquatic nuisance species environmental stewardship projects fall into three categories: Greeter Projects, Management Projects, and Scientific Survey Projects