We are seeking project proposals for funding from the Midwest Glacial Lakes Partnership (MGLP) 2027 Lake Conservation Grant. The MGLP is one of twenty partnerships that span the nation under the umbrella of the National Fish Habitat Partnership (NFHP). The MGLP area of focus is glacial lakes and their watersheds (see figure). Nine Midwestern states, numerous federal agencies, tribal governments, and private natural resource entities have been integral partners in the development and operation of the MGLP.
We support conservation projects that work toward meeting the goals and objectives set forth in the MGLP Strategic Plan. Projects should benefit glacial lake fish habitats, which include the chemical, physical, and biological components of the habitats that fishes found in glacial lakes use throughout their lives. We have directed funding toward a wide range of aquatic conservation projects that benefit imperiled, endangered, and recreational fish species and their habitats. We typically fund 3-5 projects annually between $30,000 and $100,000, but larger projects will be considered for funding up to a maximum of the approximately $300,000 expected for distribution. Previous projects have been successfully implemented because the contributions and capabilities of many partners have enabled accomplishment of project goals that none of the partnering entities could complete on their own. More details on past projects can be found by searching for Midwest Glacial Lakes Partnership projects on the National Fish Habitat Partnership’s Project Dashboard.
Projects considered for funding must align with the goals and objectives of the MGLP and can range in scale from single-site projects to multiple sites to entire glacial lake watersheds. Projects should address the processes that cause fish habitat impairments as opposed to managing or treating the symptoms of those causes. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- projects that implement or demonstrate new approaches;
- watershed-level nutrient control projects;
- water quality and erosion control measures;
- native vegetation or wetland rehabilitation;
- natural riparian or in-lake habitat restoration and protection;
- barrier removal for improved native fish passage;
- fish population or watershed assessments needed for project evaluation;
- habitat assessment, prioritization and planning for future habitat projects;
- evaluating current and future habitat conditions;
- projects addressing climate change adaptation or mitigation through fish habitat;
- projects training biologists and managers on inland lake fish habitat management tools and approaches; and
- community outreach and education on the importance of and how to better conserve glacial lake fish habitat.
In addition to conducting independent outreach and/or education, successful applicants will be expected to work with the MGLP to coordinate media and public outreach to raise the profile of MGLP-funded projects.
The MGLP Lake Conservation Grant allocates federal funding provided through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in support of the National Fish Habitat Partnership. Successful grant applicants identified by the MGLP will work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to develop and implement grant agreements in accordance with relevant federal financial and administrative rules.
If you have a lake conservation project aligned with the goals and objectives of the MGLP and need financial assistance, we encourage you to submit a proposal for project funding. Application materials can requested by emailing Joe Nohner at nohnerj@michigan.gov. Applications are due by midnight, October 9, 2026. To learn more about this grant, tune in to the MGLP Lake Conservation Webinar discussing the Lake Conservation Grant, held on September 8th from 1-2 PM Central. Register for the webinar on the MGLP’s Lake Conservation Webinar page. If you have any questions, please contact Joe Nohner by email or by calling 517-599-6825.