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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 13, 2016
Contact: Kristy Monier
Phone Number: 985.447.0868
Email: kristy@btnep.org

BTNEP NOW ACCEPTING PROPOSALS FOR INVASIVE SPECIES MINI-GRANTS


THIBODAUX, LA, - The Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP) is pleased to announce that is it now accepting proposals for its 2016 Invasive Species Mini-Grant Program.

The Mini-Grants Program was created in 2005 to support community-based restoration, outreach and education projects, which serve to help BTNEP implement targeted Action Plans. Through the program, it is hoped that citizens will gain a greater awareness and understanding of the issues facing the Barataria-Terrebonne Estuary System (BTES) and will join in creating effective solutions. This year, the BTNEP Mini-Grants Program is targeted strictly at invasive species projects.

Invasive species are exotic plants and animals whose introduction into our estuary causes or threatens damage to the ecology, economy, or human health. “Water hyacinth, nutria, and apple snails are wellknown invaders, but there are scores of other problematic species,” said Michael Massimi, BTNEP Invasive Species Coordinator. Project proposals should aim to reduce the impacts from invasive species through management or removal of invasives, educational outreach, or promotion of native plant species in the landscape as alternatives to common exotics. “What’s great about BTNEP’s Mini-Grant program is that it creates community networks between residents and resource managers, and promotes cooperation at all levels in the fight against exotic invasive species,” said Massimi.

According to past Mini-Grant recipient, Katie Brasted of the Woodlands Conservancy, funding from the BTNEP Mini-grant program made it possible for the Conservancy to launch a pilot invasive species removal project at Woodlands Trail. “That initial project served as the foundation to leverage additional funding resulting in 20 acres being treated four times for invasive species removal and subsequent reforestation,” said Brasted.

BTNEP has $20,000 available in 2016 for eligible Mini-Grant Program projects, with a minimum of $2,500 and a maximum of $7,500 for any one proposal. Any individual, organization, non-profit, governmental office, school, or other community group may apply for funding. Projects must take place within the boundaries of the BTES, which is a 4.2 million acre area that lies between the Mississippi and Atchafalaya Rivers.

“We’re happy to be able to provide these funds for anyone willing to take up the fight against invasive species,” said Massimi. “The entire estuary is our battlefield.”

An information packet and copies of the application are available on BTNEP’s website at http://invasive.btnep.org/grants. The deadline for submitting project proposal applications is 4:00 PM on Friday, July 29, 2016. Proposals can be mailed to or dropped off at the BTNEP office in Thibodaux.

BTNEP is one of the 28 national estuary programs in the United States. All or parts of sixteen Louisiana parishes are located in the Barataria-Terrebonne Estuary system. The organization was established under the EPA Clean Water Act to protect coastal resources. BTNEP is a partnership of government, businesses, scientists, conservation organizations, agricultural interests and individuals for the preservation, protection, and restoration for the Barataria Terrebonne National Estuary in southeast Louisiana. For more information on BTNEP, visit our website page at www.btnep.org or like us on Facebook.


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