NRCS is assisting with the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative by focusing technical and financial assistance on priority watersheds. Private landowners and tribes within these watersheds are encouraged to utilize this assistance to implement conservation activities that will benefit the Great Lakes ecosystem.
Through GLRI, financial assistance is available from existing NRCS programs. A working group including NRCS-Michigan staff and conservation partners developed a plan that identified priority watersheds and conservation practices to most effectively address resource concerns affecting the Great Lakes. The resource concerns identified include non-point source pollution from agricultural activities, degradation of wildlife and aquatic habitats, and terrestrial invasive species. High priority watersheds were determined using existing watershed assessments and priorities determined by the Environmental Protection Agency.
2021 Sign-Up
The first cut-off date for applications is Jan. 22, 2022. Applications received by Jan. 22, will be ranked and considered for funding. Additional cut-off dates will be announced if funding is available.
A sign-up is underway for conservation financial assistance available through GLRI for designated watersheds in Michigan. The 2021 sign-up includes two priority areas: 1.) nearshore health priority watersheds and 2.) invasive species watersheds (see priority area maps below). Some watersheds are included in more than one priority area.
Financial assistance for GLRI is provided through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.
Eligibility Area Maps & Screening Tool
Map of Nearshore Health Priority Area
Nearshore Screening Tool
Map of Invasive Species Priority Area
Ranking Tools
Nearshore Ranking Tool
Invasive Species Ranking Tool
