Connecticut Federation of Lakes
By Tom McGowan
The Legislature's Appropriations Committee has budgeted $350,000 in the proposed State budget to create Connecticut's first invasive plant prevention and control program. This accomplishment is due to the hard work of the CFL and the many other non profit organizations and individuals throughout the State who are concerned about the rapid spread of land and water invasive plants in Connecticut.
While we are pleased the Appropriations Committee has included these funds in the budget there is no guarantee that it will stay there. Everyone who is concerned about his or her lake needs to continue to urge your legislator to support retaining this minimum amount in the State budget.
If the legislature approves this budget and it is accepted by the Governor we will also have the opportunity to seek federal match funds specifically for work in aquatic invasive plants.
The State recently sent the final Aquatic Nuisance Species Plan to the Governor for her approval.
Once she approves this plan it will be forwarded for acceptance by federal officials. We have every reason to believe that this plan will receive federal approval and when it does Connecticut will also be eligible for an undetermined amount of federal matching funds.
Lesgislative Update
