Research and Outreach Grants Related to Invasive Plant Management in Florida

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission provides annual funding through the Invasive Plant Management Section to support research and outreach projects aimed at managing invasive plant species. Eligible projects can include studies on herbicide efficacy, seed bank viability, and the development of biological control methods. Collaboration with other agencies is encouraged, and funding typically ranges from $20,000 to $40,000, with a maximum administrative overhead of 10%. This initiative is crucial for maintaining Florida's ecosystems.

Call for Research and Outreach Proposals
Effective management of invasive non-native plants on Florida’s public lands and waterways requires science-based policy and methodology. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Invasive Plant Management Section (FWC-IPMS) annually provides funding to scientific researchers in support of the Section’s aquatic and upland plant management programs. Funded projects may vary from basic life-history studies of invasive species to improving invasive plant control methodologies. Specific outreach projects are also funded in order to educate the public, policy-makers, and the media about why invasive plant management is important in Florida. Funded projects in outreach may range from public surveys, economic impacts, and educational programs.
Areas of Current Interest
Proposals are welcome across the full range of projects listed below. Within this list, the “Highest Priority Projects” represent our most immediate research and management needs. Proposals addressing other aspects of invasive plant management beyond this list will also be considered.
Highest Priority Projects
Evaluating restoration techniques (e.g., revegetation) as management strategies to prevent regrowth and reinvasion of invasive plantsAdvancing innovative biological control techniques Evaluating the use of sUAVs and boats for herbicide application and plant surveysResearching and developing biological control agents for the following species (in order of priority):Caesarweed (Urena lobata)West Indian Marsh Grass (Hymenachne amplexicaulis) Guineagrass (Urochloa maxima)Wright’s Nutrush (Scleria lacustris)Cuban bulrush (Cyperus blepharoleptos)Hydrilla verticillataPara grass (Urochloa mutica)Torpedo grass (Panicum repens)Wild taro (Colocasia esculenta)Determining the most effective treatment techniques and timing for the following species (in order of priority):Scleria lacustris and Scleria microcarpaLudwigia grandiflora / hexapetala Cuban bulrush (Cyperus blepharoleptos)Skunk vine (Paederia foetida)
Wildlife and Habitat
Examining the impacts of invasive plants on ecosystem food webs
Detection, Monitoring, and Early Intervention
Using eDNA for early detection of invasive speciesAssessing seed bank viability of water hyacinth and water lettuce on Lake Okeechobee using core sampling to determine seed distribution across sediment layersCreating time-lapse imagery to compare the amount of organic material shed by uncontrolled invasive plants versus treated plants
Restoration and Habitat Enhancement
Evaluating sediment and seed/tuber/turion limitations on SAV recovery in Lake OkeechobeeAssessing the feasibility of mussel propagation and filtration rates to enhance planting projectsExploring methods to improve native submerged aquatic plant populations (e.g., revegetation, genetic diversity)Investigating the role of benthic conditions (infauna, chemistry) in SAV survival and successEvaluating and improving operational procedures and efficiency at the Richloam Florida Bass Conservation Center eelgrass facility (e.g., eelgrass production efficiency, nutrient contributions from fish in the system)
Management Techniques
Evaluating potential fungal pathogens in Hydrilla suppressionDeveloping effective and selective control methods within long-term management strategies for natural areas, which may include large-scale restoration, targeting:Arrowleaf elephant’s ear (Xanthosoma sagittifolium)Torpedograss (Panicum repens)Screening agricultural herbicides as alternative treatments for grasses and other speciesImplementing innovative technologies for the management of invasive plants in upland and aquatic ecosystems
Public Engagement and Education
Developing innovative strategies to engage and educate the public about invasive plant management (e.g., education initiatives for preventing spread during recreational activities, plant/animal disposal initiatives, aquarium trade education and outreach)Developing permitting or policy strategies to prevent the spread of invasive plant species

Eligibility

Only government agencies and public and accredited universities/colleges are eligible for receiving FWC-IPM Section research/outreach funds.
A typical maximum funding for a year of university-research ranges from $20,000 to $40,000.University administrative overhead is limited to 10%.

Ineligibility

The Section does not fund capital outlay expenses (computers, vehicles, etc.), tuition fees, or faculty salaries.