On February 23, the California Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) announced the availability of grant funding to help prevent the spread of quagga and zebra mussels that threaten California’s waterways and cause negative impacts to recreational boating, fishing and the ecosystem. Funded by the California Mussel Fee Sticker (also known as the Quagga Sticker), the Quagga and Zebra (QZ) Mussel Infestation Prevention Grant Program expects to award up to $2 million across eligible applicants.
Applications open Monday, March 9, 2026, and must be received by Friday, April 17, 2026, by 5 p.m.
Who Can Apply
Grants are available to entities that own or manage any aspect of water in a reservoir that is open for public recreation and is mussel-free. If a reservoir is already covered by a two-year 2026 grant, that reservoir will not be considered during this application period. Funding is intended to augment local resources aimed at stopping the spread of these harmful invasive mussels. The funds must be used for prevention projects, such as planning, watercraft inspection stations and inspectors, launch monitors, watercraft decontamination units, educational signage and outreach.
Webinar
To learn more about the application process and program, DBW is hosting a webinar for potential applicants on Friday, March 13.
Visit dbw.parks.ca.gov/QZGrant for more information. DBW will review and score applications in partnership with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
DBW expects to notify applicants by July 2026, with grants starting in October 2026.
For more information about the program or to learn more about quagga and zebra mussels, visit the DBW website here.