Grant for Invasive Species Management Available

The Venango Conservation District announces funding opportunity for landowners in Venango County to manage invasive species through new pilot program.
 
The Venango Conservation District, in cooperation with local partners, established an invasive species management cost-share program to manage invasive species throughout Venango County. Known as the Venango County Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM), the grant program seeks to fund projects that manage terrestrial and/or aquatic invasive species in Venango County.
 
Species of plants, animals, insects, and pathogens that do not naturally occur in a defined area and cause harm to the economy, the environment, or human health are considered invasive. Examples include Multiflora Rose, Spotted Lanternfly, and Zebra Mussels. After becoming established in an area, invasive species outcompete native species for food and space and can cause property or agricultural damage.
 
Any landowner including private individuals, municipalities, non-profits, and educational institutions with property located in Venango County are eligible to apply for up to $7,000 per project. A 50:50 match is required (either cash or in-kind). Applications are currently being accepted by the Venango Conservation District until September 30, 2024.
 
The Venango County PRISM program is part of a larger pilot program created by the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts (PACD) and partners from the PA Governor’s Invasive Species Council. After receiving a $210,000 grant from the USDA Forest Service, PACD offered the PRISM pilot program to 13 counties in northwest Pennsylvania. The program will “address the critical need to manage invasive species that threaten Pennsylvania’s economy, environment, and human and animal health by developing strong, diverse stakeholder partnerships,” according to PACD.
 
Interested applicants can find more information including the application form on the Venango Conservation District’s website. For questions or to discuss a potential project, please contact Bailey Kozalla of the Venango Conservation District by calling 814-676-2832 or emailing [email protected].
 
Financial and other support for the PRISM Pilot Program in NW Pennsylvania is provided by the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. through a Landscape Scale Restoration Grant with the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

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