The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will accept applications for the first round of the Fiscal Year 2020 Noxious Weed and Invasive Plant Grant. Counties, municipalities, tribal governments and weed management entities — including weed management areas — may apply for grants to address noxious weeds around the state.

Grants for fiscal year 2020 will be funded at two levels. Level 1 grants will be up to $10,000 awards to be spent in one year and are intended to support local activity.

Level 2 grants will be between $10,001 and $50,000 to be spent over two years and are intended to promote collaboration with entities within and outside their jurisdictions. Cities, counties, townships, conservation districts and tribal nations are encouraged to apply for both grant levels.

For the fiscal year 2018-19 biennium, the MDA received $600,000 to fund projects like purchasing equipment and supplies, conducting mapping and outreach activities and hiring private applicators to manage noxious weeds.

According to a press release, 64 municipalities were awarded grants averaging $10,000. Of those 64 municipalities, 60 were counties, three were townships and two were cities.

To apply, read through the request for proposals on the MDA website at www.mda.state.mn.us/weedgrant.

Applications are due no later than 4 p.m. Nov. 26. Contact Emilie Justen at emilie.justen@state.mn.us with any questions about the application.

The MDA anticipates awarding another round of grants in fiscal year 2021.