Amos Lake Association asks Preston for $6,400 match after Hydrilla spreads to 8 acres

The Preston Conservation and Agricultural Commission on March 9 heard a budget request from the Amos Lake Association seeking $6,400 in town funds to match a grant for Hydrilla control.

Pat Monahan of the Amos Lake Association told commissioners that a few strands of Hydrilla have expanded to roughly eight acres over an 18-month period. The association received a vendor estimate of about $72,000 to treat the infestation and said it can contribute $10,000–$12,000 from its annual fundraisers. Monahan described two projects the association would like to pursue — placing inspectors at the boat launch during the season and installing solar-powered boat-wash vacuum stations — each costing on the order of $32,000, with ongoing maintenance of about $2,000 a year.

Monahan asked the commission to approve a $6,400 town contribution to match grant funds. Commissioners discussed how to cover the match; Chair Gary Piszczek proposed removing an annual Open Space Fund contribution from the commission’s recommended budget to free money for the request, while Lynwood Crary cautioned that the Open Space Fund has specified uses and should not be repurposed without clearer authority.

Commissioners asked for additional budget discussion with town finance staff. Matthew Snurkowski suggested the commission request $10,000 from the town instead of the smaller match to focus funds on an inspector, but the body did not take a final vote on the appropriation at the March 9 meeting.

"No one understands the impact until there is no lake anymore," Monahan said, urging prompt action and a clear funding path.

The commission agreed to have Chair Piszczek and Monahan meet with the finance director to explain the need and to return with a recommendation. No appropriation was approved at the meeting; next steps are follow-up with town finance and possible inclusion in the commission’s budget recommendations.