This Week's Updates:

• Invasive Species Funding Available
• Honeoye and Conesus Lake TMDLs
• Hudson River Estuary Access Grants
• Great Lakes Funding Available

Invasive Species Grant Program

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos has announced that $3 million is available in the first round of the state's newly consolidated Invasive Species Grant Program. To support projects that target both aquatic and terrestrial invasive species across the state, DEC combined previous funding opportunities, including the Aquatic Invasive Species Spread Prevention and the Aquatic and Terrestrial Invasive Species Early Detection/Rapid Response grants, into a single grant program. DEC is accepting applications for these grants through February 15, 2019.

Honeoye Lake and Conesus Lake Total Maximum Daily Load Public Comment Periods

Draft Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) documents for Honeoye Lake and Conesus Lake are available for public comment through February 19, 2019.

A public meeting regarding the Honeoye Lake TMDL will be held on February 4, 2019 at the Honeoye Central School Auditorium, 8528 Main Street, Honeoye, starting at 7:00 PM.

A public meeting regarding the Conesus Lake TMDL will be held on February 5, 2019 at the Livonia Central School District Connell Building Auditorium, 40 Spring Street, Livonia, starting at 7:00 PM.

For more information, including where to submit comments, view the January 16 Environmental Notice Bulletin. Both TMDLs can be viewed on DEC’s Clean Water Plan webpage.

Hudson River Estuary Access Grants

Approximately $750,000 of Natural Resource Damages funding is available for River Access grants through the Hudson River Estuary Program. This competitive grant opportunity will help communities within the general vicinity of the villages of Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown implement priorities outlined in the Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda, specifically to improve access to the tidal waters of the Hudson for boating, swimming, fishing and enjoyment of nature or wildlife-related recreation, or educational interpretation of the estuary for a range of people. Applications must be submitted in the NYS Grants Gateway by 3:00 PM on March 20, 2019.

Availability of Grants for Great Lakes Basin Projects Announced

The Sustain Our Great Lakes program has announced that grants are available to restore and enhance stream and riparian habitat, restore and enhance coastal wetland habitat, expand green stormwater infrastructure, and maintain and enhance benefits of habitat restoration through invasive species control. Pre-proposals are due February 12, 2019.

Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with partners, and use decision-making tools and resources supported by the New York State Great Lakes Action Agenda. To share your ideas and learn more about the agenda, email greatlakes@dec.ny.gov.