Recent Legislation Destined to Protect Candlewood & Other Waters

Some four months ago I wrote of a coming opportunity for residents to voice support for Statewide legislation aimed at generating funds to blunt the advance of aquatic invasive species (AIS) and remediate resulting damage. That time has since arrived and your efforts and those of other lake advocates and legislators are soon to start paying dividends.

What was then Proposed Bill #6637 has since become reality with passage last week by the CT Legislature, contingent on approval by Governor Lamont. Pursued and refined by a range of lake and environmental proponents, this Bill is designed to directly address the advancing AIS threat as well as that of cyanobacteria blooms throughout CT’s waters. It provides for a separate and sustainable funding mechanism termed the ‘Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation account’ to be used for restoration, AIS eradication, research, education and outreach, waters protection and conservation.

This Preservation account is to be funded by a modest, annual boat registration surcharge of $5 for CT boat owners and a $20 fee for out-of-state owners -- fees to be paid for the purchase of an Invasive Species Stamp, plus provision to accept private donations as well. Projected to generate some $500,000 annually, and while certainly not the complete solution to our collective AIS/cyanobacteria needs, this new source of funding can aid in supporting local initiatives like carp impact assessment and replenishment, increased ramp inspections, potential decontamination capabilities, etc.

So, on behalf of all who value the critical importance of protecting our precious water resources, our thanks to those who have taken this opportunity to express their support and help craft this enabling legislation, and to those who have pursued its passage in the halls of the CT Legislature. No easy tasks, but essential ones to protect and promote CT’s environmental future. Without such energized, dedicated and successful pursuit, our waters’ destiny would be murky at best.