Nineteen organizations applied for the grants. The fact that more local governments are applying for the grants is good news. It s good news because controlling weeds that are non-native aquatic weeds will help make our lakes and rivers healthy for the natural habitat and recreational and other uses, said Mike Llewelyn, manager of Ecology s water quality program. Applications for the grants are judged on the following criteria. The body of water proposed for controlling weeds must have a public boat 2.
First priority is given to weeds that are noxious, non-native.
The applicant must have an integrated aquatic plant management plan completed that will determine how the weed will be controlled or destroyed and removed. I work directly with most of the grant recipients. It is very rewarding when the local government knows it has a problem and we can work together to get rid of the unwanted non-native weeds, said Kathy Hamel, Ecology s aquatic weeds specialist. Washington state citizens began funding the aquatic weed management grants with the boat trailer tax that started four years ago. One of the grants will be used to work on a statewide weed problem.