Welcome To CFL

The Connecticut Federation of Lakes (CFL) is the Voice of Connecticut Lakes. Connecticut lakes need a voice to represent them at the local and state government levels, to educate the public, and to help create an environmental ethic for lakes so these important inland water bodies can become and/or remain the healthy, desirable natural resources our families and friends deserve.

Although lakes have not been neglected, they have suffered over the years just as have the Long Island Sound and our rivers. High-density populations around lakes, septic problems, stormwater runoff, erosion, nutrient loading, exotic species, and other causes of environmental degradation have damaged many of our lakes and ponds.

Our lakes are very fragile, but with public education, remedial programs, and political action they can be protected. The CFL was formed by those who wanted to help.

The CFL is a partner, a resource, a sounding board, a clearinghouse, and even an advocate in local, state, and national matters as they pertain to CT lakes. The CFL wants to help you in your efforts to protect your lake, pond, and/or watershed to be healthier now and in the future.

Contact Us

CT DEEP: Grants for the Control of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)

The CT DEEP has announces the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the 2025 AIS Grant

With the passage of Public Act 19-190, the Connecticut General Assembly established a dedicated funding source for the “Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation Account" and made it available to DEEP for (1) restoration and rehabilitation of lakes, rivers and ponds in the state; (2) programs of DEEP for the eradication of aquatic invasive species and cyanobacteria blooms; (3) education and public outreach programs to enhance the public's understanding of the need to protect and preserve the state's lakes, rivers and ponds; (4) allocation of grants to state and municipal agencies and not-for-profit organizations to conduct research and to provide public education and public awareness to enhance understanding and management of the natural resources of the state's lakes, rivers and ponds; and (5) provision of funds for all services that support the protection and conservation of the state's lakes, rivers and ponds. This RFP provides a vehicle for state agencies, municipalities, and not-for-profit organizations to access funds from the Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation Account through a competitive grant process.

Please review the the available RFP

Submit questions to CT DEEP as described in the RFP by November 4, 2024

Submit your application by December 6, 2024

2024 WCSU: Region Lake Symposium

WCSU Fall CT Lake Symposium is part of the Fall Science at Night seminar series for the public, students, and scientists interested in local lake conservation and management. Events are free and virtual. Registration is required! If you missed a past event check out the available past event recordings.  

November 18, 2024

Managing Aquatic Invasive Plants

Virtual - Link is sent by WCSU minutes before the event starts

October 21, 2024

Aquatic Invasive Species Grant in Connecticut

Past Virtual -  Recording not available yet

September 23, 2024

The March of Hydrilla in CT & Reclaiming the CT River from Hydrilla

Past Virtual - Recording Available

"Save Our Lakes" Specialty Plates are Available

CFL designed a specialty license plate to enhance public awareness of the need to preserve and protect the states lakes and ponds from aquatic invasive species and cyanobacteria blooms.

Connecticut’s lake community is encouraged to purchase one or more “Save Our Lakes'' special interest license plates for their cars, trucks, RVs, trailers and even motorcycles. Your purchase will demonstrate your passion and concern for Connecticut’s Lakes, rivers and ponds which are at great risk from invasive aquatic species, harmful algal blooms, polluted stormwater runoff, and other environmental pressures.

Every plate purchased provides a one-time tax-deductible donation to the Connecticut’s Lakes, Rivers & Ponds Preservation Fund to treat impaired waters and raise public awareness about the fragility of Connecticut’s fresh water resources. The funds from the Connecticut’s Lakes, Rivers & Ponds Preservation Fund are used to fund grants for the control of Aquatic Invasive Species through The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
 
Order yours today!

Order from CT DMV

Membership

Become A Member

Please keep CFL in mind and be sure to pay your 2024 membership donation.  Many of our members are now seeing the fruits of our efforts to create funding for the fight against invasive species. 

We all hope and expect that the lake season will be better for us all. Keeping your membership up will let us make 2024 our best year yet!

Join or Renew your Membership

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