Aquatic Weed Control Program Grant

The Aquatic Weed Control Program in North Carolina aims to assist local governments and residents in managing noxious aquatic weed infestations. By promoting education and partnerships, the program seeks to mitigate economic and environmental impacts from these invasive species. It offers resources for both public and private lands, including technical assistance and financial support for effective management strategies. Through these efforts, the program strives to enhance the health of North Carolina's waterways.

NOTE: A telephone call, letter or email may serve as the initial communication. Be prepared to describe the problem in detail. Program staff will need to conduct a site visit in most circumstances.
Purpose
The purpose of the Aquatic Weed Control Program is to provide units of local government and residents of North Carolina with resources that will promote the prevention and management of noxious aquatic weed infestations. The philosophy is that by offering assistance and developing partnerships, aquatic weeds will be more efficiently managed across the state.
The two primary objectives are:

• Respond to localized infestations to mitigate the long-term economic and environmental impacts that noxious aquatic weeds impose.
• Reduce the frequency of aquatic weed introductions through education and public awareness.

The philosophy of the program applies to aquatic weed infestations of all sizes. Large-scale projects can be complex and challenging. They may span jurisdictions and require the development of partnerships. Aquatic weed control projects may involve federal, state and local governments as well as non-government organizations and private landowners. The program often serves as a major contributor of funding and provides leadership on large-scale projects. Benefits are realized by offering assistance for small-scale projects as well.

Eligibility

This program is well equipped and able to provide management and eradication operations, infestation surveys, and site assessments. Staff are available to provide recommendations and offer a free consultation.For Public Lands this program can provide:Financial Assistance
Aquatic Plant Identification
Treatment RecommendationsFinancial assistance and operational support are in the form of cost-share arrangements and are available to Counties, Municipalities, Soil & Water Districts, Drainage Districts, Public Utilities, and other government agencies.  For Private Lands this program can provide:Technical Assistance
Aquatic Plant Identification
Recommend TreatmentsPrivate landowners can also contact their county offices of the Agricultural Extension Service for further assistance.The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality has designated specific plants as "Noxious Aquatic Weeds". The list was populated by first adopting all the plants that are Federally listed noxious aquatic weeds and then built on that by including other exotic plants that express invasive behavior in North Carolina.