DEEP Urges Boaters to Stop Spread of Invasive Plant

Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is reminding boaters to take steps to prevent a newly discovered, highly invasive aquatic plant from spreading further.

DEEP officials say they've found the plant, called hydrilla, in the main stem of the Connecticut River in Glastonbury. DEEP staff recently spotted several patches of hydrilla growing near Glastonbury's Riverfront Park and Boathouse.

The plant was previously identified in a portion of Keeney Cove in East Hartford.

William Hyatt, DEEP's chief of natural resources, says managing the infestation "exceedingly difficult" because the Connecticut River traverses the length of the state.

Boaters are being urged to clean all visible plant material, fish, mud and other debris before leaving a launch and to drain all water.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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