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Coventry secures $75,000 DEEP grant for 2026 hydrilla treatment at Coventry Lake
Summary
The Town received a $75,000 CT DEEP AIS grant to fund pre‑treatment surveys and an anticipated late‑June/early‑July herbicide application to control hydrilla in Coventry Lake; sampling and signage plans were also discussed.
The Coventry Lake Advisory & Monitoring Committee on May 11 confirmed that the Town received a $75,000 Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection aquatic invasive‑species (AIS) grant to support a 2026 hydrilla treatment program.
DPW reported the grant award and said pre‑treatment surveys are expected to begin in June, with the first herbicide application anticipated in late June or early July. DPW also reported that the lake level measured 92 feet 3 inches, short of the seasonal target of 93 feet.
Committee members discussed related monitoring and outreach: Scott Gallo and Debby Zeppa will accompany environmental consultant staff from GZA for cooperative sampling, and Secretary Rich Pearson will follow up with Beutler to ensure Secchi depth readings are uploaded to the DEEP database. Chair Charlie Brown Jr. said he will post notice of related volunteer events to the CLAM Facebook group.
The committee also reviewed guidance from the Connecticut Federation of Lakes about hydrilla signage and boat‑launch monitoring as part of treatment and prevention efforts. Members noted that signage and launch monitoring are recommended complements to mechanical or chemical control to reduce reintroduction via boat traffic.
Next steps outlined at the meeting included completing pre‑treatment surveys, coordinating with CT DEEP on application timing and signage, and continuing lake monitoring through the summer season.
