MARQUETTE — The state of Michigan announced that 35 projects will share $3.6 million in grants through the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program.

The program – cooperatively implemented by the Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Natural Resources – addresses prevention, detection, eradication and control of aquatic (water-based) and terrestrial (land-based) invasive species in Michigan.

Two projects are in Marquette County.

The Upper Peninsula Resource Conservation and Development Council was awarded $194,200 for expansion of efforts targeting Himalayan balsam through targeted outreach, survey and management on public and private lands in Marquette, Alger, Luce, Chippewa, Mackinac, Schoolcraft and Delta counties.

Michigan Technological University was awarded $159,100 to evaluate timing between host phenology, vectors and climate to better understand potential of oak wilt spread. Marquette, Iron, Mackinac and Houghton counties are the targeted areas.

The Marquette County Conservation District was awarded $81,800 to support essential functions of the Lake to Lake Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area for Marquette, Alger, Delta and Schoolcraft counties.