Lake Cochituate Watershed Council Awarded $12,000 To Treat Invasive Aquatic Species

FRAMINGHAM – The Lake Cochituate Watershed Council was awarded $12,000 from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as part of the fiscal year 2020 Partnerships Matching Funds Program.

Seeking opportunities to improve the Massachusetts State Parks system, the Baker-Polito Administration last week announced $876,021 in funding to 29 projects proposed by municipalities, non-profit organizations, and other entities

“The Massachusetts State Parks System provides residents throughout the Commonwealth with opportunities to get outside and experience some of the state’s unique landscapes,” said Governor Charlie Baker, in a press release. “The Partnership Matching Funds Program serves as a great example of our efforts to enhance many of the natural, recreational and cultural resources contained within these parks for all to directly benefit from.”

“Local parks, trails, and key infrastructure not only build strong economies, but also strengthen community connections between the Commonwealth’s regions, cities, and towns,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, in a media release “Through the FY’20 Partnership Matching Funds Program, we are able to foster important public-private partnerships to support twenty-nine worthwhile projects for the public to enjoy.”

Proposed projects within the state parks system are carefully reviewed by agency staff and the Department of Conservation & Recreation Commissioner.

Once selected, the agency matches the private investment in the park.

All projects are managed by DCR to oversee the implementation of the project with in-depth consultation from contributing partners and other stakeholders.

“We are incredibly grateful for all of the organizations who submitted applications seeking to partner with the state to enhance the Commonwealth’s state parks system,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “Treating aquatic invasive species, enhancing tree canopies, and restoring shorelines are just some of the many projects that will improve the health of our open spaces and enhance our state parks.”

“The Department of Conservation and Recreation is fortunate to have a tremendous amount of support from environmental and recreational organizations, park advocacy groups, and community supporters,” said DCR Acting Commissioner Jim Montgomery. “The Baker-Polito Administration is pleased to partner with these entities in an effort that truly benefit the public for years to come.”

The Department of Conservation and Recreation matches partner contributions of up to and including $25,000 at 2:1, and 1:1 for contributions above $25,000.

In thoroughly reviewed circumstances, DCR will consider a 2:1 match for contributions above $25,000, for example multi-phase projects with the same partner.

Partner matches are donated to the Commonwealth’s Conservation Trust.

The Lake Cochituate Watershed Council requested the funding for a project to “treat invasive aquatic species including milfoil and water chestnut using non-toxic methods, such as hand-pulling and benthic matting.”

Work will be done in the City of Framingham, and the Town of Natick and Wayland.

“Congratulations are owed to the Lake Cochituate Watershed Council and the Baker-Polito administration for acting to clean up a great recreational resource in our community,” said State Representative Carmine Gentile (D-Sudbury). 

“Invasive species are an ongoing concern, which we need to address comprehensively, and this public-private partnership is poised to make great strides in addressing the issue,” said Rep. Gentile, who represents Precinct 3 in District 2 in the City of Framingham.

Framingham Source Editor Susan Petroni

Susan Petroni Framingham Source Editor Email: editor@FraminghamSource.com Phone: 508-315-7176

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