Hi Lake Paran supporters,

Please review the following statement from the Federation of Vermont Lakes and Ponds President, Pat Suozzi, detailing the significant cuts to aquatic invasive species funding by the State of Vermont. This not only affects our capacity to reverse the trajectory of Lake Paran from turning into a swamp, but puts all of Vermont's invaluable lakes and ponds at risk especially as the climate warms. Your action is needed!

"Dear Friends of Vermont Lakes,

I am writing today to ask for your help in convincing the House Environment and Energy Committee (formerly known as the House Natural Resources, Fish and Wildlife Committee) to hold hearings on H.51 (An act relating to establishing the Aquatic Nuisance Prevention Pass for use of State waters) and on the issue of decreased funding for aquatic invasive species (AIS) in general.

H. 51, introduced by Rep. Katherine “Kari” Dolan and co-sponsored by Rep. Sarah "Sarita" Austin, Rep. Seth Bongartz, Rep. Carol Ode and Rep. Katherine Sims, isn't perfect but it is our opportunity in 2023 to get the critical issue of a lack of state funds for AIS prevention and control on the table and discussed on the legislative level.

Sufficient and sustainable funding for protecting and conserving the long-term health of Vermont's water bodies and the continued enjoyment of these resources lie at the heart of existing Vermont statutes and many state programs.

Rep. Dolan has been an important supporter of protecting Vermont lakes and of AIS management. She and the co-sponsors of this bill recognize the critical need for adequate funds for both prevention and management of AIS. By introducing H.51, she's giving FOVLAP and Vermont lake associations and municipalities the opportunity to raise this issue on a broad level.  

H.51 is modeled on AIS prevention programs in many states (see attached list). While we are unanimous in agreeing on the need for more funding for AIS prevention and management, and many support the concept of a prevention pass as outlined in this bill, there is hesitancy about supporting a fee on in-state boaters.  There is also concern about the Department of Fish and Wildlife as the collection agent. However, by convincing the committee to hold hearings on this bill, it would allow us to offer modifications on this bill, as well as to discuss additional ways to solve this funding problem, including recommending an annual appropriation from the general fund.  

Please help FOVLAP and all our lake associations bring this critical discussion forward. Contact the members of the House Environment and Energy Committee and urge them to take up H.51 and hold hearings on the critical need for AIS funding.  

I have attached this additional background information:

·       The FOVLAP Statement Concerning the Reduction of Resources for the Control of Aquatic Invasive Species (also on our website here).

·       An information sheet on the AIS funding problem

·       A list of states with similar programs,

·       The list of the House Environment and Energy Committee members with their contact information.  

These links may also be helpful

·       The full text of H.51 can be found here.  

·       More detailed information on the AIS funding problem on the FOVLAP website here.

Please share this letter and the attached information widely.  With your help, we can make our voices heard. I urge you to call or email House Environment and Energy Committee members today.  Also, please consider contacting your area legislators and urge them to work for more AIS funding.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me: pasuozzi@gmail.com.

Thank-you

Pat Suozzi

President

Federation of Vermont Lakes and Ponds"