The Department of Environmental Protection (Department) is seeking applications for managing the removal of known aquatic invasive plant infestations as defined in this Request for Applications (RFA) document. This document provides instructions for submitting applications, the procedure and criteria by which the awarded Applicant(s) will be selected, and the contractual terms which will govern the relationship between the State of Maine (State) and the awarded Applicant(s). Grants will be awarded following DEP Invasive Aquatic Species Program’s priorities (Part I of the application): a. First-priority projects address incipient aquatic invasive plant infestations with potential for eradication or established infestations that present a high risk of spreading to otherwise un-infested areas of the state, and projects that take a regional or watershed approach to management. b. Second-priority projects aim to reduce spread of aquatic invasive plants within and between waterbodies, i.e., invasive plant removal near boat access points and in areas with high boat traffic. DEP uses boat inspection and vulnerability index data to assess risk of spread from specific waterbodies. c. Third-priority projects support annual removal to diminish extent of established infestations, with the goal of preventing further spread.
