Invasive, non-native aquatic plants are a serious threat to the health of lakes, rivers, and streams in Washington. In 1991, the Legislature established the Freshwater Aquatic Invasive Plant Management Program to reduce the spread of freshwater aquatic invasive plants (AIP) and to manage the problems these invasive plants cause. Washington State Department of Ecology administers this program and provides financial and technical assistance to local and state government agencies, Tribal governments, and special purpose districts. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis for high priority water quality projects throughout Washington State.

This program provides pass-through grants for:

• Activities intended to prevent, remove, reduce, or manage excessive growth of AIP.
• Demonstration or pilot projects (applied research) to support prevention, removal,
  reduction, or management of AIP.
• Activities intended to eradicate Hydrilla verticillata in waters of the state.

This program also provides funds for the development of public education programs relating to preventing the propagation and spread of AIP and provides technical assistance to local governments and citizen groups.