Grant awarded to develop plan for early detection of invasive species

July 29, 2024| Environment

By: Donna Macalle-Holly

We are thrilled to announce that we have received a generous grant to develop an Early Detection Aquatic Invasive Species Plan for Lake Hopatcong. This funding will enable us to evaluate current and emerging technologies for their applicability and cost-effectiveness in detecting aquatic invasive species in our lake.

Aquatic invasive species pose a significant threat to the health and biodiversity of Lake Hopatcong, making early detection crucial for managing their impact. Through this capacity-building grant, our long-time environmental consulting partner, Princeton Hydro, will develop a comprehensive plan to:

• Assess various technologies and methods for early detection of aquatic invasive species.
• Determine the cost-effectiveness and practicality of these technologies in addressing the unique features of our lake.
• Evaluate the most effective detection strategies.

Funding for the project is provided by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. It is coordinated by the New Jersey Audubon Watershed Restoration and Community Empowerment Program. This grant program is designed to support projects throughout the Delaware River watershed.

At the Lake Hopatcong Foundation, we are dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of New Jersey's largest lake. With this grant, we are poised to make significant strides in the early detection and management of aquatic invasive species. Together, we can ensure that Lake Hopatcong continues to thrive for generations to come.