This bill establishes the Rhode Island Freshwater Lake Management Program, which aims to preserve, protect, and restore the state's freshwater lakes and ponds. The program includes field surveys and mapping to identify invasive species, providing guidance and technical assistance to lake associations and municipalities, coordinating lake management actions, overseeing policy and program development, and distributing financial assistance for lake management. The bill also establishes the Rhode Island Lake Management Fund, which will receive funds from appropriations, gifts, grants, and other sources to support the program.

This bill adds a new chapter to Title 46 of the General Laws entitled "Freshwater Lake Management Program." It defines key terms such as "aquatic invasive species," "coordination," "department," "invasive species," "lake" or "pond," and "lake association." The bill outlines the elements of the lake management program, including field surveys, guidance and technical assistance, coordination of lake management actions, oversight of policy and program development, distribution of financial assistance, and other activities consistent with the department's powers and duties. It also establishes eligibility criteria and procedures for the distribution of lake management grants. The bill establishes the Rhode Island Lake Management Fund as a restricted receipt account within the Department of Environmental Management, which will receive funds from appropriations, gifts, grants, and other sources to support the program.