The DCR Partner Program Grant

A small group from the FPWA have applied to the DCR's partner program to help fund treatment of Field Pond in 2011. DCR has granted FPWA a maximum of $16,000 on a 2:1 match basis, which requires FPWA to raise $8,000. The contribution from the FPWA must be given to the state by 2/28/11. It is expected that it would cost about $24,000 for another treatment.

FPWA must raise its contribution immediately, or the state's contribution will not be available. In addition, the project must be finished by 6/30/11 to be eligible for payment by the state, so this is a 'use it fast or lose it' deal. In order to take advantage of this program, we would need to initiate another survey of the pond, apply for a permit from the conservation commission and MA, and arrange to have the treatment performed by one of three licensed vendors. In order for the treatment to be done in June, the survey and permitting process would have to start by April. This is an ambitious schedule.

Attached below is a scan from a few pages of the DCR booklet: "A Guide to Selected Invasive Non-native Aquatic Species in Massachusetts", which gives a brief overview of milfoil and fanwort.