Bolton Lakes Among Recipients of Sixth Annual DEEP Grant Round For Aquatic Invasive Species Control

VERNON, CT — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Wednesday announced that the Bolton Lakes corridor is among the recipients of the sixth round of funding through the Aquatic Invasive Species Grant Program.

A total of $450,000 has been awarded to area projects focused on reducing the impacts of aquatic invasive species in Connecticut's inland waters.

Aquatic invasive species, such as hydrilla and zebra mussels and water chestnuts, pose serious threats to freshwater ecosystems, DEEP officials said.

They can harm native plants and animals, are costly to control, and can interfere with boating and fishing, which are the largest contributors to the state’s outdoor recreation economy.

"Aquatic invasive species threaten both Connecticut's freshwater ecosystems and outdoor recreation economy," DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. "Through funding provided by anglers, boaters, and other outdoor recreation enthusiasts who purchased the AIS Stamp, DEEP is making meaningful investments in projects that will protect our state’s inland waterways from this threat."

Over the previous five years of the AIS Grant Program, DEEP awarded approximately $1.9 million to 71 projects. For the sixth round, DEEP received 33 proposals requesting nearly $1.4 million in funding.

Grant awards for the latest round range up to $75,000, and recipients are required to provide matching funds equal to or greater than 25 percent of the total project cost.

North central and eastern Connecticut projects funded in the latest round are:

• The Connecticut River Watershed Council, Inc. has been awarded $46,205 for water chestnut control and management efforts at Keeney Cove along the Connecticut River in Glastonbury.
• The Jonah Center, Inc. has been awarded $75,000 for the removal of water chestnut in the Mattabesset River, Pecausett Pond and the Connecticut River in Cromwell and Middletown.
• The Town of Coventry has been awarded $75,000 for hydrilla control and management efforts at Coventry Lake.
• The towns of Vernon and Bolton have been awarded $35,135 for general aquatic invasive plant management efforts in the Middle and Lower Bolton lakes in Vernon and Bolton.
• The Town of Windham has been awarded $48,320 for water chestnut control and management efforts at Mansfield Hollow and the Willimantic reservoirs in Mansfield and Windham.