Research and Development for European Frogbit Herbicide Control

Background
The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) through its Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is issuing a funding opportunity for the management of European frogbit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae), an invasive aquatic plant that poses significant ecological threats.

The goal of this grant is to develop effective management strategies to control European frogbit infestations, which can impede water traffic, reduce water flow, and degrade recreational activities. This funding opportunity aims to address the urgent need for updated research on chemical control methods for this invasive species.

Grant Details
The cooperative agreement will encompass three unique, stand-alone projects over a period of three years. The specific objectives include:

1) Collaborating with ERDC researchers to develop laboratory or mesocosm protocols and conducting experiments to determine herbicide efficacy for operational chemical management of European frogbit, ensuring all necessary permits are obtained prior to experimentation.

2) Collecting mesocosm and field data on chemical control efficacy within managed versus non-managed European frogbit sites, focusing on metrics such as percent change in plant abundance, biomass production, and turion production.

3) Developing herbicide management guidance based on the latest research on frogbit management. All findings will be compiled into a report formatted for peer review, with status updates and draft reports submitted quarterly for ERDC review.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants must be non-federal partners of the Great Lakes-Northern Forest Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit (CESU). Applicants must disclose any current or pending support that may affect eligibility for funding. Religious organizations may compete equally with secular organizations.

Period of Performance
The anticipated period of performance for the cooperative agreement is three years.

Grant Value
The total estimated funding available through this announcement is $300,000, with an estimated award ceiling of $100,000 per year for three years.

Place of Performance
The specific geographic locations for project implementation are implied to be within areas affected by European frogbit infestations in the United States.