Invasive Mussel News

This message is being forwarded on behalf of the US Bureau of Reclamation:

The Bureau of Reclamation is pleased to announce the Call for Proposals for the Fiscal Year 2026 Mussels and Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Spend Plan. Please reach out to your BOR Regional Coordinator (see below) for the actual Spend Plan Proposal informational and guidance document.

This funding opportunity supports projects that address the prevention, containment, control, and management of aquatic nuisance species, with a primary focus on invasive mussels. Proposals targeting other AIS threats—such as crayfish and invasive aquatic vegetation—are also welcome.

Key Details

• Proposal Deadline: August 29, 2025
• Submission Format: Completed proposal with requested information
• Funding Range: No minimum or maximum threshold; proposals will be evaluated based on merit and alignment with program goals
• Multiple proposals may be submitted by an applicant
• Please work with your state coordinators to ensure projects align with state goals and coverage.

How to Submit

• Please submit your proposal to your Regional Coordinator.
• California-Great Basin Region: Melanie Lowe (mlowe@usbr.gov)
• Columbia Pacific Northwest Region: Cory Sandow (csandow@usbr.gov)
• Lower Colorado River Basin: Thomas Ashley (tcashley@usbr.gov)
• Missouri Basin /Arkansas-Rio Grande-Texas Gulf Region: Jason Gibbons (jgibbons@usbr.gov)
• Upper Colorado River Basin: Alex Walker (aewalker@usbr.gov)

Evaluation Process

All proposals will be reviewed by a bureau-wide evaluation committee. Funding decisions are expected to be announced by November or December 2025. A final determination of funding is contingent on appropriations.

We appreciate your continued partnership in protecting our water infrastructure and ecosystems from invasive species. Your contributions are vital to the success of this program.

Quick FAQs

• Q: Is there a Notice of Funding Opportunity link in GrandSolutions.gov?
  • A: No, this is an internal allocation of Bureau appropriations. Selected projects will be entered into GrantSolutions.gov after by our staff.
• Q: Can I submit a multiple year project?
  • A: Yes, but please ensure the proposal is clear. Is the proposal $100k for 3 years (year 1-$33k, year 2-$33k, etc) covering the life of the project? Or is the ask $100k for year one but the project is multiple years with funding needed each year? If it is the latter, subsequent year funding is NOT guaranteed. Your Regional Coordinator may set up your grant for up to 5 years to make it easier to modify an existing grant should additional year funds be approved. It is NOT a guarantee for funding.
• Q: I'm unsure if my project has a Reclamation nexus. Who should I talk to?
  • A: Reach out to your appropriate Regional Coordinator to assist in identifying the Reclamation project or nexus.