A small section of Lake Superior shoreline is pictured. (AP photo)

LANSING — The Great Lakes Commission is accepting proposals to support in-person outreach and voluntary watercraft inspections in coordination with this year’s regional Great Lakes Aquatic Invasive Species Landing Blitz.

The commission anticipates up to $85,000 in Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding will be available for 2023 AIS Landing Blitz support, with individual grant amounts ranging from $4,000 to $10,000.

This year’s request for proposals targets events at boating access points or bodies of water that have not been previously represented in the Great Lakes Landing Blitz.

Tribal or U.S.-based local units of government, lake associations, watershed protection groups, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, universities, colleges and conservation groups are eligible to apply for the grants.

The annual Great Lakes AIS Landing Blitz brings together state agencies and local volunteer partners to amplify prevention messaging at public and private boating access sites.

Outreach, boat cleaning assistance and voluntary watercraft inspections help to limit the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species from the movement of watercraft and equipment between bodies of water.

The Great Lakes Commission coordinates the Landing Blitz in partnership with state and provincial agencies and Michigan Sea Grant.

This season’s applications are due April 21, with project activities expected to take place in conjunction with the Great Lakes AIS Landing Blitz, set for June 30-July 9.

For more information, contact Ceci Weibert at cweibert@glc.org.