Press Releases
10/18/2024
DEEP Requests Proposals for Grants for Aquatic Invasive Species Control on Lakes Ponds and Rivers
Applications Due by December 6, 2024
(HARTFORD, CT) –The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is now accepting proposals for the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Grant Program for 2025. Applications will be accepted through December 6, 2024. Please visit the DEEP AIS Grant Program website for details on how to apply for 2025 grants.
In 2019, the Connecticut General Assembly created dedicated funding to address AIS via Public Act 19-190, which established an AIS Stamp and associated fee that applies to all registered boats using Connecticut waters. Funds derived from the AIS stamp are distributed via a competitive AIS Grant Program, funding selected projects proposed by municipalities, state agencies, and non-profit organizations to address the impacts of AIS on inland waterbodies in Connecticut. DEEP has awarded approximately $1.5 million to 59 projects during the first four years of the AIS Grant Program.
Invasive species, such as hydrilla and zebra mussels, are a serious threat to freshwater ecosystems and outdoor recreation. Invasive species can negatively affect native plants and animals, and the dense mats formed by invasive aquatic plants can seriously hamper boating, fishing, and swimming. These species often are costly and challenging to eliminate once established, necessitating intensive control and education efforts to prevent further spread.
“Aquatic invasive species are a serious threat to Connecticut’s freshwater ecosystems and the state’s outdoor recreation economy, of which boating and fishing are the largest contributors,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “The funding provided by our AIS Grant Program will enable grant recipients to do the critical work of controlling and researching aquatic invasives, which in turn will help preserve the many benefits that the state’s waterways provide to our residents.”
DEEP urges all boaters to help prevent the spread of AIS by carefully inspecting their boat and trailer for aquatic vegetation before and after every launch. It’s Connecticut law that no person shall transport a vessel or any trailer used to transport such vessel in Connecticut without first inspecting such vessel for the presence of vegetation and aquatic invasive species and properly removing and disposing of any such vegetation and aquatic invasive species that are visible and identifiable. Any person who violates these provisions shall be fined up to $100 for each violation.
Important Changes to the AIS Stamp
Due to the passage of Public Act 23-154 by the Connecticut General Assembly in 2023, the AIS Stamp fee will no longer be collected by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) at the time of vessel registration but will instead be collected by DEEP. Effective October 1, 2024, Connecticut residents or non-residents operating a vessel on Connecticut’s inland waters must purchase a $7 Individual AIS Stamp or a $20 Vessel AIS Decal which must be permanently affixed to a vessel (AIS Decal may be subject to an additional processing fee). Both the Individual AIS Stamp and the Vessel AIS Decal can be purchased via the Online Sportsmen Licensing System and are valid until the end of the calendar year in which they are purchased. Individuals operating a vessel on Connecticut’s inland waters who do not possess an Individual AIS Stamp and are operating a vessel without a Vessel AIS Decal affixed are subject to a fine of $85. For more information on the changes to the AIS Stamp and instructions on how to purchase the Individual AIS Stamp or Vessel AIS Decal, please visit the DEEP AIS Stamp Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) website.- Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
- Facebook: DEEP on Facebook
Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110