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Invasive Plant Discovered in Coventry Lake by UConn Students

United States Geological Survey
/
Creative Commons
Hydrilla.

State officials said they're concerned about the discovery of a highly invasive aquatic plant in Coventry Lake in Coventry.

A University of Connecticut aquatic plant biology class found several plant fragments of Hydrilla, which is not native to the U.S. and was likely first introduced to the country in the 1950s.

It has become a major problem in southeastern states, and is beginning to spread into the northeast.

William Hyatt, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's chief of natural resources, called the discovery "troubling."

The plant has only been found to date in a few locations in Connecticut. Hyatt said finding it in a body of water that is used for recreational purposes is concerning.

Hyatt said DEEP is addressing the discovery, including inspecting boats and trailers at the lake's launch.

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