Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Hydrilla Management topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves purchase order for Wharton's Pond boat‑washing station as staff warns hydrilla infestation is widespread
Summary
South Kingstown accepted a DEM subaward and approved issuing a purchase order for a self‑contained boat‑washing station at Wharton's Pond to limit the spread of hydrilla. Staff said preliminary surveys show extensive hydrilla and emphasized the need for follow‑up education and potential larger treatment grants.
Town staff and Natural Resources representatives described an urgent need to control the invasive aquatic plant hydrilla at Wharton’s Pond and requested authority to issue a purchase order that fulfills DEM grant timing requirements.
The council approved the purchase order so the town could accept a $35,000 DEM subaward to acquire a self‑contained, solar‑capable boat wash unit to be installed at the Wharton’s Pond boat ramp. Staff said the unit, combined with town match and in‑kind labor, is intended to reduce the likelihood of aquatic invasive species spread by recreational boats. Natural resources staff explained that preliminary surveys indicate a larger infestation than initially thought; early treatment and public education were described as critical to limiting future costs.
Council discussion focused on outreach and education for boat ramp users, whether the town should pursue additional grant opportunities for broader treatment, and whether volunteer or university intern programs could augment staff capacity for public education. Staff said the watershed already has a management plan that made the grant application eligible, and they plan follow‑up grant and educational actions once the station is installed.
The council approved the action to meet the grant’s purchase‑order deadline and directed staff to pursue education, monitoring and additional funding to address the hydrilla problem more comprehensively.
