§ 22-79a — Office of Aquatic Invasive Species. Established. Duties. Staffing.

There is established within the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station the Office of Aquatic Invasive Species. The office shall: (1) Coordinate research efforts throughout the state to reduce duplication of effort and costs associated with the control and eradication of aquatic invasive species, (2) serve as a repository for state-wide data on the health of rivers, lakes and ponds in relation to the presence of aquatic invasive species, (3) perform regular surveys on the health and ecological viability of waterways in the state in relation to the presence and threat of aquatic invasive species, (4) educate the public about aquatic invasive plants and efforts the public can take to reduce the impact of such invasive species, (5) advise municipalities on management of aquatic invasive species, (6) serve as a liaison among organizations and state agencies for issues pertaining to the eradication and control of aquatic invasive species, including organizations and agencies such as the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the Department of Agriculture, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the Connecticut Federation of Lakes and Ponds Associations, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, municipal inland wetlands commissions, the Connecticut River Conservancy and councils of governments, and (7) coordinate with the Invasive Plants Council, established in section 22a-381, when undertaking the efforts and responsibilities described in this section. The board of control for the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, as described in section 22-79, shall determine the staffing of the Office of Aquatic Invasive Species and hire a department head of such office not later than September 1, 2022. The office shall not have authority to issue any permit or fine.

Legislative History

(P.A. 22-118, S. 68.) History: P.A. 22-118 effective July 1, 2022.