It’s the middle of winter, and you’re probably not thinking now about  invasive species. Then again, it’s hard to forget clearing thickets of Japanese barberry or treating hemlocks for wooly adelgid, if you’ve ever had to do these tasks. Either way, a recent announcement by the State of New York is worth noting for municipalities and other groups.

In a January 9 press release, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced that $3 million is available in the first round of the state’s newly consolidated Invasive Species Grant Program. DEC has combined several of the previous funding opportunities into a single grant program, and will be accepting applications for the grants through February 15.

“New York is an international center for trade and tourism, making the state vulnerable to invasive species,” the release reads. “Once established, species such as hydrilla, emerald ash borer and Japanese knotweed spread rapidly, causing harm to the environment, the economy and human health. The invasive species grants announced today increase our ability to reduce the impacts of these invasive pests through control, removal, research and prevention.”

Municipalities, academic institutions and not-for-profits may submit applications for funding for eligible projects in up to two of the following categories: aquatic invasive species spread prevention, terrestrial and aquatic invasive species rapid response and control, terrestrial and aquatic invasive species research and lake management plans.

The grant applications are due by 3 p.m. on February 15. All grant applicants must register in the NYS Grants Gateway System before applying. Not-for-profit applicants are required to prequalify in the Grants Gateway system, so DEC recommends that applicants start the process in advance of the grant application due date. The Grants Gateway System can be found at https://grantsmanagement.ny.gov/.