A proposal requiring an invasive species stamp for the operation of a motorboat on state waters has cleared the General Assembly's Environment Committee and was placed on the House calendar for further consideration. 

 A user-fee-based approach would enable municipalities and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to prevent and respond to infestations of aquatic invasive species.

The bill was co-sponsored by Danbury Representatives David Arconti and Ken Gucker, along with state Senator Julie Kushner.  They say invasives can negatively impact water quality, recreational use, environmental health and property values.  

Among the people offering testimony on the bill was Larry Marsicano, former Executive Director of the Candlewood Lake Authority.  He talked about previous years funding for programs to deal with invasives, but noted that it was one time funding. 

There are 13 invasives species and plants in Connecticut waters.  Money from the stickers would go toward prevention to slow the spread of invasive species.  Marsicano says there's some support from the fishing community for the effort because they are aware of the problem.  He says there would likely be pushback from the boating industry. 

There is a similar program in place for Lake George in New York.