The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has awarded the inaugural round of grant funding through the Aquatic Invasive Species Grant Program.  $360,000 is going to 21 projects to reduce impacts of aquatic invasive species on inland waters in Connecticut.   

The Aquatic Invasive Species Grant Program was made possible in 2019 when the Connecticut General Assembly established an Aquatic Invasive Species Stamp fee applied to all registered boats using Connecticut waters, to provide a dedicated funding source for the “Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation Account." This account funds programs to protect the state’s lakes, ponds and rivers by addressing aquatic invasive species and cyanobacteria blooms.   

The Candlewood Lake Authority will receive more than $26,000 to put toward a new Lake Steward Program, offering voluntary invasive species boat inspections to boaters launching on Candlewood Lake.  J. Neil Stalter, Director of Ecology and Environmental Education for the Candlewood Lake Authority says CLA Lake Stewards will be posted at some of the public launches around Candlewood Lake on peak boating days during the summer of 2021, offering invasive species education, a few informative keepsakes, and inspections to help demonstrate to users how to look for invasive species on their own.

A West Conn professor, Dr. Edwin M. Wong, will use $ 3,200 on Beseck Lake, Candlewood Lake, and Lake Zoar to identify and quantify toxin genes from Cyanobacteria.  Ball Pond Advisory Committee in New Fairfield will use $2,900 for identification and monitoring of Cyanobacteria using plankton tows and fluorometry.

Friends of the Lake  will use $4,600 at Housatonic River Cove and Mouth of Still River in New Milford to remove Tapa Natans, Water Chestnut.  Housatonic Valley Association  will remove water chestnut from Lake Kenosia through the help of more than $25,000. Southbury Training School will eradicate Water Chestnut in Lake Stibbs in Southbury using a $4,000 grant.

"During my first year in the Connecticut General Assembly, I pushed hard for this legislation," said Representative Gucker. "Today, I am proud to celebrate the impact of this bill, particularly in our community. This grant program is a victory for my colleagues who supported this bill in its journey throughout the legislative process. Because of Public Act 19-190, the state now has the funds to help preserve and maintain the beauty of aquatic locations throughout Connecticut for future generations."

"Western Connecticut, dotted with lakes and ponds, is beautiful and attractive,” State Rep. Bob Godfrey said. “So it is our responsibility to keep its waters free from invasive species. I am grateful DEEP Commissioner Dykes has chosen Lake Kenosia, Lake Candlewood, and Ball Pond as part of Connecticut's Aquatic Invasive Species grant program."

Rep. Arconti said, "I am pleased to see this program working for its intended purpose and to see some of our local lakes benefiting from it. Keeping our lakes safe and free from invasive species is a top priority and I will continue to support efforts to keep these waterways clean."

“Lake Kenosia is one of the nicest places in my district to live near and visit. It is also one of Danbury’s most important natural resources. I am delighted that DEEP has included Lake Kenosia in the inaugural round of funding through the Aquatic Invasive Species Grant Program. Too many aquatic weeds clog swim areas, making the lake less desirable. I am confident this first step will help to protect the lake for future generations and I commend the Lake Kenosia Commission for their wise stewardship efforts over the years," said State Rep. Raghib Allie-Brennan

"As the ranking member of the Environment committee I have been proud to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advocate for our local lakes,” Rep. Harding said. “This funding is a critical step in addressing preservation needs for this important resource in our community and I will continue to advocate for funding to support Lakes Candlewood and Lillinonah and the important pieces of legislation impacting these lakes."