
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection reminds boaters that the Aquatic Invasive Species Stamp is no longer included in their vessel registration and must be purchased separately.
Debra A. Aleksinas
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection reminds boaters that the Aquatic Invasive Species Stamp is no longer included in their vessel registration and must be purchased separately.
SALISBURY — Last January, the Twin Lakes Association submitted a grant request for $75,000 in matching funding to the Connecticut Departmnt of Energy & Environmental Protection’s Aquatic Invasive Species grant program to cover soaring lake management costs in its battle with invasive hydrilla.
That funding was awarded for the 2024 season using fees collected from boaters and deposited into a “Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation Account.”
The program distributes funds through a competitive grant process to state and municipal agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations, to conduct research, provide public education and enhance awareness about the threat from aquatic invasive species.
Since 2020, the program has been funded with fees paid through boat registrations for an annual Aquatic Invasive Species Stamp, also known as an “AIS Stamp.”
Last October, however, the fee was eliminated from registrations and now anyone operating a vessel on Connecticut’s inland waters must separately purchase one of two stamps or decals through DEEP’s Sportsmen Licensing System.
‘Important update’ from the state
Last week, the state environmental protection agency’s boating division issued an “Important update” asking lake, pond, river and environmental groups to share information about the recent AIS stamp changes heading into the 2025 boating season.
“These updates aim to strengthen the fight against the spread of invasive species, and we want to ensure that all boaters are informed and prepared,” said Gwendolyn Flynn, environmental analyst for DEEP’s bureau of Outdoor Recreation-Boating Division.
Referring to the updated law enacted last fall, “The U.S. Coast Guard informed us that the additional fee added to the vessel registration was in conflict with Federal law,” Flynn explained. “We are hopeful that this process generates similar or greater revenue for the AIS Stamp grant program.”
Grant Bogle, president of the Twin Lakes Association, noted that his lake group has been a recipient of several grants over the years and that it “greatly appreciates” the support of the state.
The program, he said, “is vital to support efforts on behalf of local lake associations and municipalities in the fight against invasive species.” He cautioned, however, that education of the boating public “is critical to ensure compliance.”
“We are unsure whether the funds collected by the state each year will increase or decrease, which will determine how much money they can award to support local lake management efforts.”
At Salisbury’s Lake Wononscopomuc, where a boat launch moratorium is in place to ward off hydrilla, Bill Littauer, president of that lake’s association, is spreading word of the stamp changes by sharing the update with members.
Referring to the state fund distributions, he noted that, so far, “We have not been approved for grants under current DEEP authorizations.”
Two options for boaters
According to state environmental officials, the Oct. 1, 2024, fee update modifies the requirement from vessel to operator and affects the way boaters obtain their “stamp” or vessel decal.
All power boats or personal watercraft are required to display a registration decal, whether from Connecticut or another state.
There are then two options to purchase the boating stamp. The first is an individual stamp, at $7 per person, assigned only to the individual purchasing the stamp. Proof of purchase is displayed on the individual’s Sportsmen Conservation License as a privilege, like a fishing or hunting license. No decal will be provided.
The second option is the purchase of a $25 Vessel AIS Decal, which must be affixed to the vessel and includes a $5 processing fee. Both can be purchased through the DEEP online sportsmen licensing system at portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Boating/FAQs/FAQ-AIS-Stamp. The decal will be mailed to the customer.
Both are valid for the calendar year in which they are purchased.
Environmental impact
Aquatic invasive species — otherwise known as AIS — are non-native plants and animals introduced to water environments which can wreak havoc on both the ecosystem and the economy, according to Peter B. Francis, DEEP’s boating division director.
“The disruption caused by AIS starts with effects upon native species,” he said. “Invasive species can outcompete native species for resources, leading to reduced biodiversity.”
Some invaders, like zebra mussels, filter vast amounts of plankton from water bodies, starving native fish and disrupting food chains. Others, Francis said, “like the invasive plant hydrilla, grow into large dense patches and significantly alter habitat and reduce oxygen levels.”
The economic toll, too, “can be staggering,” the boating division director said. “From clogged waterways that prevent boating access to costly mitigation efforts, industries like fishing, tourism and recreation all suffer.”
The United States spends billions annually on controlling invasive species and repairing environmental damage, Francis said.
Solutions and management
State environmental officials said addressing the problem requires a multifaceted approach, and public awareness and community involvement are crucial in reporting and managing invasive species sightings.
“Preventive measures include stringent controls on ballast water discharge from ships and regulations on the trade of aquatic organisms,” Francis said.
“Boaters can accidentally facilitate the spread of AIS and therefore must closely inspect their vessel, trailer and gear before leaving a boat launch to ensure that they do not unknowingly transport aquatic hitchhikers.”
In addition to the $75,000 grant received by the Twin Lakes Association for the 2024 season, other examples of how the stamp fees were used by municipalities, lake and river groups in 2023 include:
Education: The Candlewood Lake Authority’s lake steward program educates boaters on aquatic invasives threatening Candlewood Lake.
Control: The Connecticut River Watershed Council’s project titled “Water Chestnut management the Connecticut River Watershed.”
Research: The City of Middletown’s blue-green algae mitigation research project.
Francis said the battle against aquatic invasive species is “ongoing, demanding constant vigilance and adaptive strategies.”
Cornwall Consolidated School seventh graders Skylar Brown, Izabella Coppola, Halley Villa, Willow Berry, Claire Barbosa, Willa Lesch, Vivianne DiRocco and Franco Aburto presented a group research project on the life of Naomi Freeman Wednesday, April 23. In attendance were U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes, D-Conn., John Mills, president of Alex Breanne Corporation, Cornwall First Selectman Gordon Ridgway, Cornwall Selectman Jennifer Markow and CCS social studies teacher Will Vincent.
CORNWALL — “In Cornwall you have made the decision that everyone here matters and everyone’s story is important,” said U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes, D-Waterbury, to the seventh grade class at Cornwall Consolidated School April 23.
Hayes was in attendance to celebrate history on Wednesday as the CCS students presented their group research project on the life of Naomi Cain Freeman, the first Black female landowner in Cornwall.
To memorialize Freeman, the seventh graders petitioned the town selectmen to rename Great Hollow Road where the Freemans once lived. New street signs for Naomi Freeman Historic Road were created with some help from the town highway department.
“No one in this community, or the state for that matter, will ever forget that this happened here,” said Hayes.
Cornwall Highway Department helped the students create new signs to install on Great Hollow Road.Photo by Riley Klein
Per Cornwall Historical Society records, Freeman’s story began in 1794 when she was born in Vermont. John Sedgwick and his wife Abigail, of Cornwall, adopted her in 1801: an act that protected her from slavery, which was still legal in Connecticut at the time.
Sedgwick included Naomi in his will and she received a dowry after his death in 1820.
Naomi later married Obadiah “Obed” Freeman, a man who had been enslaved in Cornwall. She purchased an acre in Cornwall, becoming the town’s first African American woman to own land, and the two settled on Great Hollow Road in 1828.
Nearly 200 years later, the street itself bears her name.
“We are really proud of the work we’ve done and that Naomi Freeman will continue to be an impactful presence in our town,” said CCS student Vivianne DiRocco.
DiRocco and her classmates Skylar Brown, Izabella Coppola, Halley Villa, Willa Lesch, Willow Berry, and Claire Barbosa discovered Freeman’s story earlier this year while conducting research into important women in Cornwall’s history. The full project will be presented at Troutbeck Symposium May 1.
“One of the archaeologists who excavated the Freemans’ home told us about a gap in Connecticut’s history concerning the everyday life for free African Americans. We hope that we filled that gap a little bit,” said Lesch.
There are no known photographs or portraits of Freeman. The students utilized artificial intelligence to create images of what she might have looked like during her life in Cornwall.
The students created artwork to show what Naomi Freeman, her husband Obed and daughter Sarah might have looked like living in Cornwall.Photo by Riley Klein
“What an incredible example of what happens when young people are given the tools, the encouragement and the space to lead,” said CCS Principal Leanne Maguire. “Thank you for showing us what is possible when curiosity meets courage.”
John Mills, president of the Alex Breanne Corporation in West Hartford, was consulted by the students to help unearth census data and track down living descendants of Freeman. His company researches formerly enslaved people and brings their stories to light.
Mills said he was surprised to see the extensive research that was conducted by the students by the time he was contacted. His company sometimes helps render images for individuals lost to history, but the students had even taken that on themselves.
“I’m incredibly impressed with what you’ve done here,” said Mills to the students. “Now you’re a part of the celebration and civic engagement.”
Town of Salisbury
Board of Finance
Notice of Public Hearing Hybrid Meeting
Wednesday,
April 30th, 2025
7:30pm
A public hearing called by the Board of Finance will be held in-person and via Zoom at 7:30pm on Wednesday, April 30th, 2025 at Salisbury Town Hall, 27 Main Street, Salisbury, CT 06068 with the following agenda:
1. To receive public comment on the proposed Board of Education budget as presented.
2. To receive public comment on the proposed Board of Selectmen, town government budget as presented.
Note: Copies of the proposed budgets are available at Town Hall.
Board of Finance Meeting Immediately following the Public Hearing
1. Final Budget Review; Discussion and possible vote to present the Board of Education and Board of Selectmen, Town Government Budget to the Annual Town Budget meeting, which will take place on Wednesday, May 14th, 2025 at 7:30pm
Please Note: The Annual Town Budget Meeting date has been changed to Wednesday, May 14th, 2025 at 7:30pm.
Topic: Public Hearing on Budgets immediately followed by Board of Finance
Time: Apr 30, 2025 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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04-24-25
Legal Notice
The Planning & Zoning Commission of the Town of Salisbury will hold a Public Hearing on Special Permit Application #2025-0280 by owner Richard Cantele for Structures Located less than Fifty (50) feet from a Waterbody or Watercourse at 204 Between the Lakes Road, Salisbury, Map 58, Lot 03 per Section 404 of the Salisbury Zoning Regulations. The hearing will be held on Monday, May 5, 2025 at 6:45 PM. There is no physical location for this meeting. This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom where interested persons can listen to & speak on the matter. The application, agenda and meeting instructions will be listed at www.salisburyct.us/agendas/. Written comments may be submitted to the Land Use Office, Salisbury Town Hall, 27 Main Street, P.O. Box 548, Salisbury, CT or via email to landuse@salisburyct.us. Paper copies may be reviewed Monday through Thursday between the hours of 8:00 AM and 3:30 PM.
Salisbury Planning & Zoning Commission
Martin Whalen, Secretary
04-24-25
05-01-25
Notice of Decision
Town of Salisbury
Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission
Notice is hereby given that the following action was taken by the Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission of the Town of Salisbury, Connecticut on April 14, 2025:
Approved - Application 2025-IW-050 by Engineer Pat Hackett to install a new septic system. The property is shown on Salisbury Assessor’s map 59 as lot 09 and is known as 36 South Shore Road, Salisbury. The owner of the property is Noelle G Becker, Trustee.
Any aggrieved person may appeal this decision to the Connecticut Superior Court in accordance with the provisions of Connecticut General Statutes §22a-43(a) & §8-8.
04-24-25
TAX COLLECTOR TOWN OF
SALISBURY CT
LEGAL NOTICE
Pursuant to Sec. 12-145 of the Connecticut State Statutes, the taxpayers of the Town of Salisbury are hereby notified that the fourth installment on the Grand List of October 1, 2023 is due and payable on April l, 2025. Payments must be received or postmarked by May 1, 2025. If said Real Estate and Personal Property taxes are not paid on or before May 1, 2025, interest at the rate of one and one half percent (18% per year) will be added for each month or a fraction thereof which elapses from the time when such tax becomes due and payable until the same is paid. Minimum interest charge is $2.00.
Pursuant to Section 12-173 of the Connecticut State Statutes, unpaid Real Estate tax on the Grand List of October 1, 2023 will be LIENED on JUNE 6, 2025. Payment must be received by 12:00 p.m. on June 6, 2025 to avoid a Lien. Tax Office is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9am- 4pm. Closed 12:30pm- 1 :30 pm.
Taxes can be paid by mail addressed to: Tax Collector, P.O. Box 338, 27 Main Street, Salisbury, CT 06068, There is a drop box in the vestibule of the Town Hall which is available 9am-4pm, Monday-Friday as well as a 24-hour drop slot at the rear of the building adjacent to the parking area. The Town is urging taxpayers to mail checks or use the option of paying by credit card or E-Check. Please see the Town website salisburyct.us for additional information. Dated at Town of Salisbury, CT this 15TH day of March 2025.
Jean F. Bell, CCMC
Tax Collector
Salisbury CT 06068
03-20-25
04-03-25
04-24-25
Experienced horse equestrian: to train three-year-old white Persian Mare for trail riding. 860-67-0499.
Help wanted: Small Angus Farm seeks reliable help for cattle and horses. Duties include feeding, fence repair, machine repair. Will train the right person. 860-671-0499.
The Town of Cornwall has several job openings for the Town Beach: Beach Director, Water Safety Instructor, and Certified Lifeguards. For more details and to apply, contact First Selectman’s office 860-672-4959.
Hector Pacay Service: House Remodeling, Landscaping, Lawn mowing, Garden mulch, Painting, Gutters, Pruning, Stump Grinding, Chipping, Tree work, Brush removal, Fence, Patio, Carpenter/decks, Masonry. Spring and Fall Cleanup. Commercial & Residential. Fully insured. 845-636-3212.
Hay For Sale: Round Bales. First Cutting covered hay, round bales. First cut hay covered with plastic. $25 for bale loaded. 860-671-0499.
PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: Equal Housing Opportunity. All real estate advertised in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1966 revised March 12, 1989 which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color religion, sex, handicap or familial status or national origin or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All residential property advertised in the State of Connecticut General Statutes 46a-64c which prohibit the making, printing or publishing or causing to be made, printed or published any notice, statement or advertisement with respect to the sale or rental of a dwelling that indicates any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, age, lawful source of income, familial status, physical or mental disability or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.
3b/3b home in Sharon:fully furnished, lake access, 3.84 acres. $5000 per month. 860-309-4482.
MT RIGA Two Bedroom LAKEFRONT: Log cabin. Private beach, canoes and kayaks. $1350/Week. 585-355-5245.
Seasonal rental: Very private and comfortable 4B/3B home set back from the road. 6/15-9/15. sun rm/dr, upper and lower decks, ping pong and knock hockey, den, FP, W/D, fully equipped. 15K seas. 917-887-8885.
Sharon Rentals: 1b/1b home on a private lake. Avail 4/1/25. Yearly. $2750/Furnished, weekly house--keeping, garbage, water, ground maint. included. utilities addtl. 860-309-4482.