Our connecticut lakes and rivers need your support to protect them from being choked by Connecticut River Hydrilla
Our connecticut lakes and rivers need your support to protect them from being choked by Connecticut River Hydrilla
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Join the fight to stop the spread of the invasive aquatic plant CT River hydrilla!
Join the fight to stop the spread of the invasive aquatic plant CT River hydrilla!
The alarming spread of the invasive aquatic weed hydrilla underscores an urgent need for the state to take action now to protect Connecticut's 2,000-plus lakes, ponds and 6,000 miles of streams and rivers.
Because hydrilla is often spread by boats and trailers using the state's 115 public launches and private boat ramps, inspections at these launch sites, coupled with an expanded education program to teach boat owners the importance of adequately cleaning their vessels, must begin as soon as possible.
Please write or email your state representative urging them to authorize these measures and any other preventative steps.
Please write or email your state representative urging them to authorize these measures and any other preventative steps.
Here is some information that can help yo compose your letter or email:
Hydrilla was first found in the Connecticut River in 2016. Since the early 2020s it has been carried to at least 10 Connecticut lakes, including nearby Amos Lake in Preston, Pachaug Pond in Griswold, and Gardner Lake in Montville, Salem, and Bozrah.
The Connecticu River Conservancy warns that hydrilla can outcompete native species and, as a result, replace habitat for sensitive species, including migratory fish. In addition, some marinas and municipalities have reported that thick hydrilla mats have already made some boat slips and docks inaccessible.
Although paying for a state inspection program would be expensive, delaying action will be even more costly. After hydrilla was found in Salsbury's East Twin lake, officials recently decided to spend $300,000 this year and $350,000 in 2025 for a hydrilla management program.
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