Ann Arbor, Michigan — The Great Lakes Commission (GLC) today issued a request for proposals (RFP) to support in-person outreach to recreational boaters in coordination with the annual regional Great Lakes Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Landing Blitz. This funding is intended to expand access to water bodies and access points that have not historically been included as participants in previous Great Lakes AIS Landing Blitz events. 

 

The Landing Blitz is an annual event, coordinated by the GLC, that brings together Great Lakes stakeholders to amplify messaging about preventing the introduction and spread of AIS at boating access sites across the region. Units of government (Indigenous, state or local), lake associations, conservation groups, nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education are invited to apply for grants to support work during the 2026 Landing Blitz period of June 29 – July 12. Applicants should submit proposals for activities that provide in-person outreach to recreational boaters at boat launches.

 

A general informational webinar for the RFP will be held on February 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Eastern. Registration for the webinar is available here. The due date for grant applications is 5:00 p.m. Eastern on April 5. Applications will be reviewed by representatives from the eight Great Lakes states. Final decisions on funded projects are anticipated in late April. Project activities must occur sometime during the event period of June 29 – July 12. Additional projects outside of this event period are encouraged; the full project period for this funding opportunity is June 1 – August 31.

 

For more information, please contact GLC Project Manager Theresa Gruninger at [email protected] or 734-396-6073.