Press release from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation recently announced $1 million in Partnership Matching Funds (PMF) Grants at two events to support maintenance efforts in DCR’s Borderland State Park in Easton and the removal and prevention of invasive species at state parks in Natick, Uxbridge, and Wayland.

“DCR has an on-going commitment to improving and enriching the natural, cultural and recreational opportunities available to state park users,” said Commissioner Ed Lambert. “The Partnerships Matching Funds Program recognizes the tremendous value of partnership for DCR. These projects enhance visitors’ park experiences and improve quality of life for Massachusetts residents.”

Natick received $27,000 to manage the invasive Eurasian Water Milfoil in Middle Pond at Cochituate State Park. The grant will fund the hiring of a Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting (DASH) boat company to remove the Milfoil from approximately 5 acres in the lake.

Milfoil is a widely distributed and highly invasive aquatic plant.

The Wayland Surface Water Quality Committee received $16,000 to hire a DASH boat, redeploy the milfoil barrier net at the entrance to North Pond, and spot-treat up to 15 acres of milfoil re-infestation with herbicides at North Pond in Cochituate State Park.

This is the seventh year of DCR’s successful Partnership Matching Funds Program, which helps improve the Commonwealth’s park and recreation resources. The goal of the program is to create new models of stewardship to protect and sustain the natural, cultural, historical and recreational public resources of the Commonwealth for future generations. Projects completed within this program have brought in more than $10 million in non-state funded improvements to DCR property. The program offers a 2-to-1 match on contributions up to $25,000, and a 1-to-1 match for contributions above $25,000.