State Grants $98K for Restoration Work at Lake Claire

A volunteer group cleaning up Lake Claire recently received a windfall of support from the state—$98,000 in grants.

A total of $98,414 is being donated to the Friends of Lake Claire through their partnership with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. The grant funding comes from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources' Stream Restoration Challenge.

The founder of the Friends of Lake Claire, Jennifer Vaccaro, said the funds will go a long way toward clearing out invasive vegetation hindering the lake. The group has worked since last year to clear Lake Claire of invasive phragmites—tall, brittle reeds—and are now working to clear out similar vegetation in the forested ravines leading to the lake.

VIDEO: Watch Eco-Goats chew through invasive vegetation around Lake Claire.

"It feels very empowering, like we're really getting some traction and finally starting to make a big difference," Vaccaro said. "This is a start of things for us. There's still a lot more work to be done, but having this kind of support and validation is going to help us secure funding for projects down the road."

Vaccaro thanked Al Todd, executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Alliance, who is also a fellow Caper. His support was instrumental to netting the grant, she said.

The group plans to use the funds to extend the work Eco-Goats began in April, purchase trees to plant in the ravines, and paying for buses to get students from area schools to help participate in the restoration efforts. The money will also pay for a professional to help with the work at Lake Claire, she said.

The volunteer group meets once a month to organize cleanups. If you are interested in pitching in, visit their Facebook group for more information.