Recent reports warn about the spread of hydrilla, a fast-growing aquatic weed threatening rivers and lakes throughout the state, should concern anyone who enjoys water recreation and values the environment.

Connecticut's 2,000-plus lakes, ponds, and 6,000 miles of streams and rivers, are threatened by what U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., has called "the worst invasive aquatic species known to man.”

The hydrilla infestation in the Connecticut River will significantly impact our recreation and finances. The state must take urgent action to safeguard our lakes and rivers, ensuring their health for future generations.

While government agencies are researching the threat and testing mitigation methods, it is just as crucial to focus on preventing its spread rather than just dealing with the infestation afterward.

An article in The Day on Aug. 4 reported that the highly invasive aquatic weed hydrilla has wound up in Gardner Lake. Initially identified in the Connecticut River in Glastonbury in 2016, hydrilla has spread to cover over 70 miles and 800 acres, threatening water quality, native plant species and migratory fish habitat.

Hydrilla reproduces through fragmentation, making it easy for the plant to spread via boats and fishing equipment. Connecticut has a voluntary boat inspection program, but it has a fundamental flaw, according to Lantern Hill Valley Alliance (LHVA) members. LHVA, an all-volunteer organization, is eager to protect against the introduction of hydrilla in Long Pond and Bush Pond, which straddle the Ledyard-North Stonington border.

After the class, participants were surprised that they could only start checking boats with liability insurance, which was unaffordable for their small organization. They also faced challenges such as the need for volunteers, high costs and little support from the boating public. Without sufficient volunteers, funding and willing participants, hydrilla will continue to invade and damage Connecticut's waterways. Although Connecticut provides limited funding to assist organizations, only some groups qualify, and the funding is insufficient to support all the needs. More than voluntary boat monitoring programs is required.

Mandatory inspection programs must be implemented at the state’s 117 public and private boat launch sites to stop the further spread. Additionally, boat launch access to and from lakes and rivers that already have hydrilla must be closed off to prevent its further spread to other lakes and water bodies. It is also imperative to reinforce boat owners' understanding of the Clean, Drain, and Dry protocols for their vessels, trailers, and equipment to prevent the transportation of aquatic hitchhikers. More information about proper boat cleaning is available at portal.ct.gov/deep/fishing/general-information/aquatic-invasive-species.

Are you enjoying Connecticut waters? Check your equipment for hitchhikers and bring plant fragments from your motors, paddles and gear ashore to dry out and die off. Many states require vessels and equipment to be inspected before launching to prevent invasive species. Connecticut needs a robust plan to prevent hydrilla from invading our lakes.

Hydrilla has been discovered in seven Connecticut lakes and the Connecticut River, and in three lakes in southeastern Connecticut. The Office of Aquatic Invasive Species is in the process of inspecting all 117 public launches for the presence of hydrilla, and more invaded lakes will likely be identified. Currently, hydrilla has not been found at the Long Pond state boat launch, but without strong protection measures, it is only a matter of time before it is discovered there.

In 2023, Connecticut River hydrilla invaded East Twin Lake in Salisbury, resulting in four distinct hydrilla locations. President Boyle of Twin Lakes Authority plans to allocate $300,000 towards hydrilla management this year, increasing to $350,000 in 2025.

The Connecticut Legislature is responsible to the public to protect our invaluable water resources, including our treasured lakes and rivers. Proactive measures need to be implemented now to prevent the gradual deterioration of our lakes. Our organization and other environmental groups want to assist in protecting Connecticut’s water resources, but significantly more assistance is needed. With additional financial resources, environmental groups will eagerly step up to assist in preventing the spread of hydrilla within our state. As Benjamin Franklin said in 1736 to fire-threatened Philadelphia, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

The public is encouraged to urge state lawmakers to adopt legislation requiring boat inspections.

Betsy Graham, a Ledyard resident, is a board member of the Ledyard Conservation Commission who also holds leadership positions at the Alliance for the Mystic Watershed and the Lantern Hill Valley Alliance.