Beehive State News

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) has opened applications for the Invasive Species Mitigation (ISM) Weed Control Grant for the 2025-26 seasons. The initiative is designed to fund projects likely to succeed in managing invasive species across Utah. The department will accept applications until the end of the business day on May 2, 2025.

"Controlling invasive plant species is not only important for Utah’s agriculture producers, but for the good of Utah’s natural habitats as well," stated Kelly Pehrson, the UDAF Interim Commissioner. "We are proud of the work that has been done to protect Utah through this program and are excited to offer more opportunities to continue this important initiative."

Projects aimed at high-priority species and reduction of outlier populations are being sought. The maximum grant award for this funding opportunity is $75,000. Multi-year proposals are encouraged to come with a 3-5-year management plan, extensive monitoring, solid partnerships, and robust restoration strategies.

Eligible activities for the grant include early detection and rapid response, treating critical acres to protect broader land areas, monitoring and preventing the spread of new small populations, rehabilitating established infestations, and research related to invasive species.

Grant eligibility extends to universities, cooperative weed management areas (CWMA’s), county weed boards, federal or state government agencies, federal, state, tribal or private landowners, and conservation districts, nonprofits, and other political subdivisions.

Funding approved during the 2025-26 cycle will only apply for the current year, with the option for extension in subsequent years based on available funds. Projects are scheduled to commence July 1, 2025, and conclude on June 30, 2026.

For additional details on the grant requirements, interested parties can visit the ISM webpage or reach out to program manager Aaron Eagar at [email protected].