Local parks, townships and nonprofits in New Albany and Gahanna can apply for state grants of up to $15,000 to fight the invasive spotted lanternfly before a Sept. 30 deadline.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture opened a second round of grants on Sept. 4, targeting organizations that work to control the pest and its primary host, the invasive tree of heaven, Spectrum News 1 reported. Each grant requires a 10% in-kind match from the recipient.

State and local government agencies, park systems and nonprofit organizations are eligible. Universities and extension offices are excluded.

The money can fund tree of heaven removal, herbicide treatments to prevent regrowth, targeted insecticide applications, egg mass identification and removal, and community outreach to help residents control the pest.

ODA Director Brian Baldridge said the state is working directly with local communities. "Whether it's removing the invasive host, tree of heaven, engaging residents, or applying targeted treatments, these resources can be used to suppress SLF populations across Ohio," Baldridge said in the ODA's grant announcement.

Baldridge told NBC4 on Sept. 3 that spotted lanternfly sightings in 2026 are at "status quo" or slightly higher than in past years.

The pest, native to Asia, was first detected in Ohio in 2020 and has spread statewide since. ODA issued a statewide quarantine effective Feb. 17 to slow its movement. The spotted lanternfly threatens grapes, hops and stone fruits. Ohio's grape and wine industry alone contributes more than $6 billion in economic activity a year, according to the Ohio Country Journal.

The City of New Albany lists tree of heaven as one of the five most problematic invasive plants in the community. New Albany's Invasive Species Trade-In Program, run with the city's Sustainability Advisory Board and Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District, already offers residents up to $500 to remove invasive plants and replace them with native species.

No local parks department or nonprofit has publicly announced plans to apply for the ODA grant. Applications are due Wednesday, Sept. 30 through the ODA's Division of Plant Health.