Aquatic Invasive Species

Hydrilla

Hydrilla can form very dense stands that can limit foraging habitat for predatory species such as Largemouth Bass.

Hydrilla, an emerging new threat to Connecticut’s aquatic resources.

Until recently, hydrilla was found at only a few isolated locations in CT. This invasive aquatic plant can spread aggressively (it can grow up to a foot a day), form dense mats of vegetation, easily outcompetes and displaces native plants, alters aquatic habitats, and interferes with recreational activities. Hydrilla is very difficult to control once established. It typically sprouts later in the growing season, making it difficult to identify until the summer, can sprout in deeper water and/or from fast growing runners, can sometimes fragment easily, and will maintain robust growth through the end of the growing season. Not native to the United States, hydrilla was likely first introduced to this country in the 1950’s. It has since become a major problem in southeastern states and has spread into the northeast, and has now been found in two publicly accessible waterbodies: Coventry Lake. In the fall of 2015, hydrilla was first identified in Coventry Lake. Since then, in collaboration with the Town of Coventry, DEEP has been supporting active management of this population of hydrilla, including plant surveys and herbicide treatments. Results have been good since treatment of the lake with the herbicide fluridone began in 2018. Connecticut River. Hydrilla was first found in the river in 2016, in a back portion of Keeney Cove (East Hartford) and later that year growing in the river at Glastonbury’s Riverfront Park and Boathouse. The observed growth pattern suggested that hydrilla had been in the river for a couple of years. In 2017 hydrilla was found in several new locations including Wethersfield Cove, Crow Point Cove, and scattered along the west shore of the mainstem from the Massachusetts border down to Thompsonville. Since then hydrilla has unfortunately spread widely throughout the river. The presence of hydrilla near the Massachusetts border and a population upstream in Massachusetts suggests the source population was upstream of Connecticut. At this time it is unclear as to what control is possible in a large river system such as the Connecticut River, so it is imperative that boaters and other users practice “Clean, Drain & Dry” methods to help prevent its spread to other waterbodies. See the next page to learn more on “CLEAN, DRAIN & DRY” procedures.

New For 2020 - Aquatic Invasive Species Stamp Fee For Vessels

One of the accomplishments of the 2019 Connecticut legislative session was Public Act 19-190, which established a dedicated funding source for the Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation account to combat aquatic invasive species (AIS) in Connecticut. Effective January 1, 2020 this account is funded by an Aquatic Invasive Species fee. For vessels registered in Connecticut: this fee ($5.00) will be automatically included on the boat registration renewal fee (the vessel registration decal will serve as confirmation of the AIS fee payment). For vessels registered in other states: the fee ($20.00) must be paid prior to operating the vessel on inland waters in Connecticut. The non-resident vessel AIS fee can be paid in the same way that Connecticut fishing and hunting licenses are obtained, online at www.ct.gov/deep/getmyfishinglicense, or in person at one of DEEP’s offices, a town hall that has opted to sell sportsmen’s licenses, or at a number of other vendors that sell fishing equipment. View complete list of vendors on the DEEP website or call DEEP Licensing and Revenue (860-424-3105) for the vendor list. There is no physical decal or stamp; when the AIS fee is paid, a line noting that you have paid the fee will added to your CT sportsmen (fishing, hunting, etc.) license document that can be printed or downloaded to an electronic device (phone, tablet, laptop, etc.). While on inland waters you’ll need to have this document (hard copy or electronically) available on the vessel. Note that this is an annual fee and is good for the calendar year. All of your AIS fees will go into the Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation account and will be used for projects involving the restoration and rehabilitation of the state’s lakes, ponds and rivers; programs for the control and eradication of AIS and cyanobacteria; and education and outreach programs to promote AIS awareness and understanding.

Some of the Other Invasives Found in Connecticut

Many boaters and anglers are familiar with freshwater invasive plants, in Connecticut these include:

Eurasian water milfoil was first found in Connecticut in 1979 and has been documented in a number of locations in Connecticut as well as the Connecticut River. Variable Leaf Milfoil was first discovered in Connecticut in 1936 and can now be found in a number of locations throughout Connecticut. Fanwort was first observed in Connecticut in 1937 and is now widely distributed throughout the state. Water chestnut was first discovered in Connecticut in 1999 and can be found in a number of locations throughout the state including scattered sites along the Connecticut River, several tributaries and connected. Water chestnut appears to be expanding its distribution in Connecticut. Annual plant that spreads via sharp, spiny fruits. More information on invasive species in Connecticut can be found online at: https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Invasive-Species/Invasive-Species.

Please prevent new introductions of invasive plants and animals; CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY your boat and gear.