DEEP Seeking Proposals for Grants for Aquatic Invasive Species Control on Lakes, Ponds, and Rivers
Press Releases
10/20/2026
Applications Due December 10
(HARTFORD) –The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is now accepting proposals for the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Grant Program for the 2026-2027 grant cycle. Applications will be accepted through December 10, 2026. Please visit the DEEP AIS Grant Program website for details on how to apply for grants.
Invasive species are a serious threat to freshwater ecosystems and outdoor recreation. They can negatively affect native plants and animals, and the dense mats formed by invasive aquatic plants can seriously disrupt outdoor recreation such as boating, fishing, and swimming. These species often are costly and challenging to eliminate once established, necessitating intensive control and education efforts to prevent further spread. The rapid spread of northern hydrilla, an aggressive invasive aquatic plant first discovered in the Connecticut River in 2016, provides a clear example of the risks and challenges posed by invasive species. In just 10 years, hydrilla has rapidly spread within the river from Agawam, Massachusetts, downstream to within a few miles of Long Island Sound, as well as to 12 other waterbodies. Hydrilla spreads easily through fragmentation, with plant fragments transported by currents, watercraft, and waterfowl to new areas, where the plant can become widely established in just one or two growing seasons. Once established, hydrilla is extremely difficult and costly to manage, often requiring multi-year herbicide treatment programs with annual costs commonly reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars.
In 2019, the Connecticut General Assembly created dedicated funding to address AIS via Public Act 19-190, which established an AIS Stamp and associated fee that applies to all registered boats using Connecticut inland waters. Funds derived from the AIS Stamp are distributed via a competitive AIS Grant Program, funding selected projects proposed by municipalities, state agencies, and non-profit organizations to address the impacts of AIS on inland waterbodies in Connecticut. DEEP has awarded approximately $2.4 million to 80 projects during the first six years of the AIS Grant Program. During the 2025-2026 grant cycle, DEEP received 33 proposals requesting nearly $1.4 million in aggregate, and was able to award $450,000 in aggregate to support 10 projects.
“Aquatic invasive species pose a serious threat to the health of our freshwater ecosystems and create an economic burden for the communities and organizations working to manage them,” said DEEP Acting Commissioner Emma Cimino. “Funding for the AIS Grant Program comes from boaters, anglers, and other outdoor enthusiasts who purchase AIS stamps, demonstrating how Connecticut’s robust outdoor recreation economy directly supports the protection of our natural resources. These grants will support critical work to control and research aquatic invasive species, helping to protect our waterways and preserve the many ecological, recreational, and economic benefits they provide to residents, visitors, and local communities.”
DEEP urges all boaters to practice the Clean-Drain-Dry approach to help prevent the spread of AIS. This requires boaters to remove vegetation, thoroughly drain all water, and allowing he vessel and equipment to dry before launching in a new waterbody. Carefully inspecting boats and trailers for AIS before and after every launch significantly reduces the chances for spreading AIS. It’s Connecticut law that no person shall transport a vessel or any trailer used to transport such vessel in Connecticut without first inspecting such vessel for the presence of vegetation and aquatic invasive species and properly removing and disposing of any such vegetation and aquatic invasive species that are visible and identifiable. Any person who violates these provisions shall be fined up to $100 for each violation.
DEEP reminds boaters that due to the Connecticut General Assembly’s 2023 passage of Public Act 23-154, the AIS Stamp fee no longer is collected by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) at the time of vessel registration but instead is collected by DEEP via the Online Sportsmen Licensing System. Effective October 1, 2024, Connecticut residents or non-residents operating a vessel on Connecticut’s inland waters must purchase a $7 Individual AIS Stamp or a $20 Vessel AIS Decal which must be permanently affixed to a vessel (AIS Decal may be subject to an additional processing fee).
Both the Individual AIS Stamp and the Vessel AIS Decal can be purchased via the Online Sportsmen Licensing System and are valid until the end of the calendar year in which they are purchased. Individuals operating a vessel on Connecticut’s inland waters without a stamp or decal are subject to a fine of $85.
For more information on the changes to the AIS Stamp and instructions on how to purchase the Individual AIS Stamp or Vessel AIS Decal, please visit the DEEP AIS Stamp Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) website.
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Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.Communications@ct.gov
860-424-4100
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