Fall 2024 Lake Symposium #2-“Aquatic Invasive Species Grants in Connecticut”

“Aquatic Invasive Species Grants in Connecticut”

Specific Presenters include:

1. Matt Goclowski, CT DEEP Fisheries Division, AIS Grant Coordinator 

Title: Aquatic Invasive Species Grants in Connecticut 

1. Grant Bogle, Twin Lakes Association Board Member

Title: Use of CT AIS Grant Funds for Hydrilla Management at the Twin Lakes... and Lessons Learned!

1. Paige Vichiola, Farmington River Watershed, Water Quality Manager

Use of CT AIS Grant Funds for Investigation of Cyanobacteria Blooms in Rainbow Reservoir (Farmington River) Windsor, CT

1. Neil Stalter, Candlewood Lake Authority, Director of Ecology & Environmental Education

Use of CT AIS Grant Funds for a Lake Steward (Boat Ramp Monitoring and Education) Program at Candlewood Lake

The meeting discussed the Connecticut Aquatic Invasive Species Grant Program, including funding, project details, and successful prevention efforts.

• The meeting is a presentation on the Connecticut Aquatic Invasive Species Grant Program.
• The program is funded through the Connecticut Lakes Rivers and Ponds preservation account.
• The grants are available to municipalities, state agencies, and non-profit organizations for projects related to aquatic invasive species control, research, and education.
• RFP released last week, with a question submission period and answers to be released by 11 November.
• Proposals due on 6 December, with selection and contract preparation to begin in mid-January.
• Application instructions emphasize clear project details, including location, work plan, and timeline.
• Twin Lakes formed a coalition with various organizations to address hydra management.
• Hydra was discovered in the northeast corner of East Twin and has since expanded.
• The Twin Lakes Association applied for and received a grant for hydra management efforts.
• The 2024 treatment plan started with the identification of hydrilla in the marina and other locations.
• Sonar was used as a treatment method, but it required low concentrations and a long contact time.
• Treating hydrilla in shallow water is manageable, but treating it in deeper water poses challenges.
• Twin Lakes has received state funds for managing the lakes, including grants for aquatic plant surveys.
• The cost of managing Twin Lakes has increased due to the discovery of milfoil and hydra.
• FRWA received AI grants to study sinobacteria blooms in Rainbow Reservoir, including purchasing new equipment and conducting research.
• Excess nutrient input from the watershed, specifically phosphorus, combined with reservoir conditions, is causing sino bacteria blooms.
• The group of seasonal employees stationed at Candlewood Lake educates voters about invasive species and inspects boats.
• The program has successfully prevented the spread of new invasives, with stewards catching potential new species on five boats.
• The stewards have reached approximately 1500 voters with education on invasive species prevention.
• Three out of five boats did not undergo inspection but the stewards removed invasive plants.
• Next month's discussion will focus on rapid response planning for aquatic invasive species.