Minnesota Lakes Groups Can Seek $1.06M for Weed Control

Local governments and lake associations may apply for reimbursement of permitted invasive plant work before December 9.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Botany

Weathered wooden dock over clear shallow lake water with dark green submerged aquatic plants swaying beneath the surface and pine-lined shore in the distance. — The Minnesota DNR is accepting applications until December 9 for up to $1.06 million to reimburse local groups managing invasive aquatic plants in state lakes. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should your local lakes receive more public money to control invasive plants?

The Minnesota DNR Invasive Species Program is now accepting grant applications for managing invasive aquatic plants, including curly-leaf pondweed, Eurasian watermilfoil, flowering rush, and starry stonewort. The program is an active funding opportunity, not a new technology; it reimburses local management projects already operating under state permits.

Why it matters

Invasive aquatic plants can crowd out native species and create recreational nuisance in lakes, and the DNR is channeling state money toward local control efforts. Starry stonewort, a newer threat, now receives priority funding when managed at public access points.

The funding is structured as reimbursement for expenses incurred during permitted local management projects, so grantees pay upfront and are repaid. The source does not report acreage treated, species-specific control outcomes, or per-project cost figures.

The players

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

The state agency whose Invasive Species Program administers the aquatic plant grants and sets the program's goal of minimizing harm from invasive plants while protecting natural resources.

The details

Invasive aquatic plants are non-native species that can spread through lakes and displace native vegetation. The DNR's program works through invasive aquatic plant management permits: a local entity such as a lake association, watershed district, city, county, or tribal government carries out control work under a permit, and the grant reimburses those costs. Small-scale grants cover curly-leaf pondweed, Eurasian watermilfoil, and flowering rush, while starry stonewort management at public access points receives higher selection priority.

Grant applications opened for submission on November 5, 2026.
The application deadline is Wednesday, December 9, at 4:30 p.m.

The Tech Race

The grants fund conventional permitted control work rather than a new detection or removal technology, so the source places the program within existing state management practice. Starry stonewort receives elevated priority, reflecting the DNR's focus on a species that is expanding its footprint among the state's lakes.

Lake associations, watershed districts, cities, counties, and tribal governments can apply now for reimbursement of permitted aquatic plant control work. Local entities planning starry stonewort removal at public access points should expect higher selection priority.

The takeaway

Local groups planning lake management should weigh the December 9 deadline against their permit timelines and prioritize starry stonewort work at public access points to qualify for higher selection priority. Watch for the DNR's grant award announcements to see how the $1,060,000 is distributed across projects.