welcome to summer on the lakes

​June 2020
  
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
 
We trust that you and your families are staying healthy and safe.  
Summer is here!  The water temperature is over 77 degrees and heading up.  
 
We want to bring you up to date on several items of interest to the Bolton Lakes community.
 
Spring Seminar
Due to the continuing Covid-19 crisis we did not have a spring seminar.  We hope that by the fall we will be able to have our usual meeting.  We will let you know as the date gets closer.
 
Cyanobacteria Bloom This May
This spring (starting around May 19th) the lakes had an unusually high amount of visible algae, including significant cyanobacteria.  Several submissions came in through the FBL Invasive Plant Reporting Tool (https://www.friendsofboltonlakes.org/report-a-suspicious-plant.html) reporting cyanobacteria blooms on both lakes. Some cyanobacteria can produce toxins that are harmful to pets and people.  Last year FBL got a grant from the Connecticut Federation of Lakes to purchase a Cyanoscope testing kit.  This spring Paul Weisser used the microscope and software to determine that the cyanobacteria in our lakes is primarily Dolichospermum.  These cyanobacteria do produce harmful toxins.  Other algae tests that FBL conducted showed the presence of Chlorella and Chlamydomonas; these are non-toxic green algae.  
 
A dog playing in Middle Bolton Lake became sick and, after a blood test by a local vet, it was determined the dog had microcystin toxins, the toxin produced by cyanobacteria.  The dog has recovered at home. The owner contacted the DEEP (Department of Energy and Environmental Protection) and the district health department.  The water was tested, and the level of cyanobacteria was below the level that the state uses to determine if public advisory signs are needed.  But, out of an abundance of caution, the state did post signs warning that people should be aware that there are cyanobacteria in the water, and they should not swim in ugly water.  After the posting of the signs, the water was tested over a two-week period and each time the level of cyanobacteria was significantly below the level that is considered harmful.  The signs were taken down.  
 
The bottom line is that cyanobacteria are always in the lake.  In the spring there is a combination of an increase in nutrients through over fertilizing, pollen and runoff from spring rains; the heating of the lake water causing a uniform water temperature distribution; high winds that cause the water in the lake to mix; and warmer weather.  These create good conditions for bacteria to grow and when they grow exponentially there is a bloom.  Don’t swim or let your pets play in water that looks green. 
 
Since this algae problem has subsided both lakes have shown a remarkable increase in clarity. Secchi depth (the deeper the clearer) has been in the 4-meter range on the lower lake and 3.5 meters on the middle lake. Several residents have reported easily seeing both bluegills and bass forming spawning pools in the shallows off their docks. The channel catfish are still around, but our older fish populations may be making a comeback. While we enjoy the clear water, we must remember that aquatic plants respond to the increased light and will grow well. These plants produce oxygen, which is essential for the lake, but we must remain vigilant for the invasive species that clog the water and force out the good plants. Of high concern among these problem plants is curly leaf pondweed with its lasagna noodle leaves. Please keep an eye out for this one (as well as other suspicious plants) and report them as soon as you see them. 
 
Semi-monthly Monitoring
FBL is once again doing semi-monthly monitoring of the lakes.  If you are interested in joining us on the water to do testing, drop an email to us at fbl@friendsofboltonlakes.org and we’ll include you on our mailing list.
 
Article in the Boston Globe Magazine
On May 28th the Boston Globe Magazine published a wonderful article titled “Escape to these hidden lakes of New England” that included our Bolton Lakes.  Jeff Harder’s article was well received; thank you to all the FBL members that provided information for the article.
Link to article
 
Membership Drive
Our membership drive is ongoing.  So far approximately 50% of our membership from 2019 has rejoined in 2020; we also have some new members who joined this year.  If you have rejoined, thank you.  If you have not yet rejoined, we encourage you to do so using either our online form or by downloading, printing and mailing a membership form.  Both options are available here: 
https://www.friendsofboltonlakes.org/become-an-fbl-member.html
 
Change of address
FBL changed its email address to fbl@friendsofboltonlakes.org .  If you have us in your contact list under the old email, please update the listing.
 
Welcome Brochure
We have updated the welcome brochure that we leave with the towns.  It can also be found on our website.  There is information about the lakes and how to be a good watershed citizen; it is informative reading even for long time lake residents.  The link to the brochure is:
https://www.friendsofboltonlakes.org/uploads/3/0/0/0/30007939/welcome_brochure_2020_fbl.pdf
 
Monthly Board Meeting
Again, the FBL board urges each and every member to join the conversation at a monthly board meeting, held at 6:30 PM on the third Wednesday of each month.  Currently we are convening the meeting online using ZOOM until the COVID19 crisis passes.  Please let us know your interest and we will send you an invitation to the meeting.
 
Thank you,
 
The Friends of Bolton Lakes

cyanobacteria warning lifted - lakes are fine 6/6/20

Both lakes were tested again this week for cyanobacteria and both lakes came back clean.  The health departments that govern the lakes lifted the warning about letting children and pets swim in the lakes.  The warning signs at the launches and other access points have been removed.

We will have a more complete discussion of what happened in the summer newsletter.

Algae Blooms MBL and lBL - not a current problem

Alert (5/29/20) from Kim Welch, Bolton Lake Commissioner:

Unfortunately both Lower Bolton and Middle Bolton Lakes have documented cyanobacteria algae blooms based on last week's water testing samples. As a result, the CT Eastern Highland and North Central Health Districts have recommended a health notice be posted. The CT DEEP has issued and posted the signs. The image shown below reflects the actual signs used for this purpose.

The lakes remain open for recreational activity but such activities should not occur where algae is visible. Keep dogs out of the water.

Cyanobacteria conditions can change rapidly, therefore weekly water testing will continue while algae is visible. This algae can produce toxins that could pose a health risk to people and dogs when they are exposed to excessive algae. While these algal conditions exist, please be alert and avoid areas with visible cyanobacteria or algae concentrations and/or scums in the water as well as on the shore and keep dogs out of the water. Please be aware that dogs tend to be more susceptible to cyanotoxins than humans because they often drink lake water and may lick their fur after swimming through a dense cyanobacteria accumulation, which concentrates cells in their bodies potentially resulting in a sick dog.

Regards
Kim Welch
Bolton Lake Commissioner
lake@boltonct.org

​Here is a link to the Department of Health and DEEP guidance statement on cyanobacteria:
https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Departments-and-Agencies/DPH/dph/environmental_health/BEACH/Blue-Green-AlgaeBlooms_June2019_FINAL.pdf?la=en
 
FBL will send out more information next week once another round of testing has been completed.
 
Stay safe, stay lake vigilant and stay healthy.

covid-19 

FBL reached out to both Vernon and Bolton leadership to ask if there is anything FBL can do at this time. Vernon was appreciative of the offer. Bolton asked us to pass along some information.

From Sandy Pierog, First Selectman, Town of Bolton:

"Thanks for the offer.   Helping us reach as many residents as possible would be of great assistance right now.

You can ask your members to be sure they:
Stay safe, everyone.
​The Friends of Bolton Lakes

2020 membership drive

The 2020 membership drive has begun. We hope you will join us or renew your membership now. We continue to offer an online renewal option - you can renew by credit card or PayPal as an alternative to filling out and mailing a registration form. You can access these options with the "Join or Renew" link below.

We have tried to anticipate some of your questions in our Membership FAQs page at the link below (and in the menu). Because FBL is a registered public charity, many employers will match your membership dues and other contributions. We encourage you to apply for a matching gift if your employer offers one.

​Join or Renew
​
Membership Frequently Asked Questions

Friends of Bolton Lakes available on amazon smile

What is Amazon Smile? AmazonSmile is a website operated by Amazon with the same products, prices, and shopping features as Amazon.com. The difference is that when you shop on AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization of your choice.

You get to AmazonSmile by going to smile.amazon.com. The first time you go to the site, you can select a charity to donate to - in this case, Friends of Bolton Lakes. This does not change any of your other Amazon settings. You can bookmark smile.amazon.com to make sure you are using the smile website. You will see Amazon Smile in the upper left-hand side of the browser window. There is also a separate Amazon Smile app if you shop at Amazon from your phone.

Thank you. If you have any questions, please use the Contact Us menu selection.

sixth annual bolton lakes watershed community forum and member meeting at newhoca lodge - 10/22

The Sixth Annual Bolton Lakes Watershed Community Forum for the towns of Bolton, Coventry, Tolland and Vernon took place on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at Newhoca Lodge, 195 Grier Road, Vernon, CT.  The forum was well-attended. The FBL Board appreciates the interest of the community.

For the sixth year, the Friends of Bolton Lakes (FBL) brought together residents, town representatives and non-profit organizations to become better informed about and discuss the activities that improve and preserve the Bolton Lakes and its surrounding watershed.  

The forum followed immediately after the Friends of Bolton Lakes annual members' business meeting, which began at 6:30 p.m.. All FBL members were invited to attend from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m..  A by-law change was recently approved unanimously by the FBL Board.  The change provides a more effective means to govern as Directors of FBL when scheduling conflicts arise.  This change was approved by the FBL members in attendance. In addition, current directors seeking re-election and a new board member were approved.

The forum included the following: 
  • A brief update on the FBL activities during 2019;
  • A presentation on techniques and processes to identify the aquatic plant population in the lakes;
  • Briefings on the Friends of Bolton Lakes and the Bolton Lakes Watershed Conservation Alliance activities;
  • Time for public discussion on lakes and watershed concerns; 
  • Light refreshments and social time to spend with your neighbors.

If you have questions or comments, please use the Contact Us menu selection.

FBL Presentation
Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station presentation

Friends of bolton lakes has a new email address

Please be advised the the email address for Friends of Bolton Lakes has changed to fbl@friendsofboltonlakes.org. Because of this change, notifications from FBL may end up in your junk or spam mail. Please add this address to your contacts to ensure you don't miss any lake updates. Thank you.

Update on Aquatic plants in lower and middle bolton lakes

Aquatic plants are a necessary and natural part of the lake ecosystem. Many plants co-exist peacefully with other species and with the people that enjoy the lakes. Some, however, are invasive. While any aquatic plant has the potential to become a nuisance, invasive species are far more likely to do so. They out-compete native plants and can proliferate explosively to disrupt the ecology and recreational use of the lakes.

The attachment provides updated information on the aquatic plants in the Bolton Lakes with a focus on the invasive species found in the lakes. We also discuss two potential invaders, hydrilla and water chestnut. While they are not yet in the Bolton Lakes, they are present in nearby lakes and ponds and pose the risk of turning up here. We ask everyone to be on the lookout for them and report any sightings promptly.

Hydrilla is perhaps the most worrisome invasive plant. According to the Centre for Agriculture and Bio-Sciences International: “[Hydrilla] is one of the most troublesome aquatic weeds in the world.” Hydrilla has been found in the Connecticut river and in nearby Coventry Lake where it was discovered in 2015. 

According to New York’s Invasive Species Information website, “[Water chestnut] can form nearly impenetrable floating mats of vegetation … [that] can severely limit light penetration into the water and reduce or eliminate the growth of native aquatic plants beneath the canopy.”

Water chestnut has been found in Vernon in Tankerhoosen, Dobsonville and Talcottville ponds. Because those ponds are so close, the risk of it finding its way to the Bolton Lakes is high. It is unrelated to the water chestnuts commonly used in cooking.

The document linked below has important information that should be of interest to all residents and lake users. It provides more detail on hydrilla and water chestnut and information on the other plants, currently of concern in the lakes. These include curly-leaf pondweed and mudmat in Lower Bolton Lake, and fanwort and variable-leaf milfoil in Middle Bolton Lake. It includes links to authoritative online information and tells how to report any invasive or suspicious plants you see.

Thank you for your interest in the Bolton Lakes and for any monitoring assistance you can provide.

Link to document containing updated information on aquatic plants in MBL and LBL

the american red cross has issued the following safety tips for a heat wave

  • ​NEVER LEAVE CHILDREN OR PETS ALONE IN ENCLOSED VEHICLES.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
  • Avoid extreme temperature changes.
  • Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
  • Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
  • Postpone outdoor games and activities.
  • Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat. Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
  • Check on those who do not have air conditioning, or who spend time alone.
  • Check on animals frequently, and make sure they have plenty of cool water.
  • Discuss heat safety precautions with members of your household.
  • Those without air conditioning should seek relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day at places such as libraries, theaters, and shopping malls.

​2019 REQUEST FOR CHANNEL CATFISH LAKE MONITORING ASSISTANCE

​The Friends of Bolton Lakes (FBL) is asking for your help in monitoring Channel Catfish in Lower Bolton Lake. The vigilance of FBL members and fishermen who reported smaller, possibly juvenile Channel Catfish in Lower Bolton Lake enabled us to alert the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to the possibility that Channel Catfish might be spawning in Lower Bolton Lake. Some Columbia Lake residents have reported that Channel Catfish might be spawning in nearby Columbia Lake.
DEEP suspended Channel Catfish stocking in Lower Bolton Lake after the severe algae bloom in 2012. Between 2007 and 2012, DEEP stocked over 17,000 yearling Channel catfish, a non-native species, into the lake. DEEP netted small Channel Catfish in Lower Bolton Lake during its September 2017 survey. DEEP testing to determine the age of the fish found that the fish they caught were spawned before 2012, the last year of stocking. Although DEEP agreed not to stock Channel Catfish into Lower Bolton Lake in 2019, DEEP wants to resume stocking next year in the spring of 2020. Last October, DEEP indicated that, if stocking is resumed, 700 adult fish might be stocked every 2 years, but nothing has been finalized.
Yearling Channel Catfish between 9 and 12 inches long were stocked into the lake from 2007 to 2012. The fish should grow at a rate of roughly 2 inches per year, but the growth rate has been less than this. Given that the most recent stocking took place in 2012, any Channel Catfish caught in Lower Bolton Lake less than 16 inches in length could have been spawned in our lake.
We are asking you to please forward any evidence you have of Channel Catfish spawning in Lower Bolton Lake.
1. If you observe any nesting sites of the Channel Catfish, please notify us and provide the location.
2. If you catch Channel Catfish less than 16 inches long, please take a photo and measurements to share with FBL, wrap the fish in aluminum foil, put it in your freezer, and contact FBL so we can have the channel catfish tested to determine its age. The smaller the fish, the more likely it was spawned in Lower Bolton Lake.
3. If you have observed a reduction of bass, pickerel or other fish populations in Lower Bolton Lake following the introduction of channel catfish, please email us and share your observations.
4. We are interested in feedback regarding your thoughts on the issue of resuming Channel Catfish stocking in Lower Bolton. Please send your photos, observations, and comments to FBL, friendsofboltonlakes@comcast.net.
You might find the illustrations below helpful in identifying Channel Catfish. Note that unlike Brown and Yellow Bullheads, Channel Catfish have a distinctly forked tail.
 
Thank you.

Report on the Sediments Nearby the Atlantic White Cedars in Upper Bolton Lake - wednesday, may 22 - 7:00 p.m.

Given the north-to-south waterflow among the Bolton lakes, the health of the upper lake affects both the lower lakes. At 7:00 PM on Wednesday, May 22nd, 2019, at the Notch Road Municipal Center, 106 Notch Road, Bolton, recent UConn graduate Connor Mitchel and his faculty advisor, Will Ouimet, presented the results of their investigations into the sediments in the northern reaches of Upper Bolton Lake. The team made three visits to the lake. Following a reconnaissance visit in fall 2018, the team made two over ice-trips to collect through-ice cores and ground-penetrating-radar measurements.

The project was proposed to the Bolton Lakes Watershed Conservation Alliance (BLWCA) by Debbie Surabian of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. BLWCA, which facilitated the work, contacted Dr. Robert Thorson who arranged for UConn's participation.
​
The presentation was well attended. Additional information will be posted as available.
Connor Mitchel, his UConn advisor Will Ouimet, and Peter Van Dine of FBL.

volunteers received lake monitoring training

​FBL has had an active, ongoing, water-quality monitoring program for the Bolton Lakes since 2014. Now Northeast Aquatic Research (NEAR) has asked for our help in collecting additional data from Middle Bolton Lake. In turn, we requested volunteers to attend lake monitoring training in order to participate in our ongoing three-lake monitoring program.
 
The work involves taking measurements and collecting water samples in shallow water near the boat launch and spillway, and in deeper water. The intent is to learn more about the flow of nutrients between the lakes.
 
The Town of Vernon, understanding the importance of this work, sponsored a training session by NEAR for the volunteers. The training was held April 17th. Thank you to those who volunteered and attended the training. 

find a suspicious aquatic plant? it is now easier to report it.

We have a new method for finding out what the plant is:
It is very difficult to completely eliminate invasive aquatic plants once they become established. As a result it is crucial that residents, fishermen, and boaters remain vigilant as they enjoy the Bolton Lakes on a daily basis.
If you spot an aquatic plant you suspect is non-native or invasive in Lower, Middle or Upper Bolton Lake, including Cedar Swamp, use our new Suspicious Plant page to report it.
Benefits of the new method:
  1. It's quick and easy.
  2. You can report a suspicious plant with your phone when you see the plant (take a photo and fill out the form on the FBL site) or by using your computer (upload a photo to the form on the FBL site).
  3. The suspicious plant form enables you to enter all required information to help identify suspicious plants.
  4. You should still gather the sample and refrigerate it in a ziploc bag with enough water to keep it moist in case follow-up is needed.
You will be notified when the plant has been identified. If further examination is needed, you will be asked to deliver the refrigerated sample to Kim Welch at 51 Vernon Rd, Bolton, CT.

​Link to:
Connecticut’s Aquatic and Wetland Invasive Plant Identification Guide
​Fanwort Identification Information

Tick populations on the rise - know what to do

As predicted, the tick population has increased. be aware of what to look for and what to do it you find a tick. The Connecticut Agriculture Experiment Station provided an informative document.
CAES Tick Repellent Fact Sheetcaes_tick_repellent_fact_sheet.pdf

AQUATIC pLANT sURVEY

The Friends of Bolton Lakes conducted their annual aquatic plant surveys of Lower and Middle Bolton Lakes on 7/20-21/2016. The surveys were performed from pontoon boats circumnavigating the lakes and following up on guidance from lake residents. The great majority of responses to our request for input came from Middle Bolton Lake residents whose concerns included the proliferation of milfoil, pondweed, lily pads, cattails, and phragmites.
 
The top-level finding is that at the time of the survey Lower Bolton Lake was generally clear of obstructive plants but Middle Bolton Lake has experienced prolific growth of both native and non-native aquatic plants.
 
The key changes noted in the Middle Lake are:
  • A significant increase in water clarity well above historical norms;
  • widely distributed rapid growth of pondweed and re-growth of variable leaf milfoil;
  • obstruction of some waterfront properties by phragmites/cattail beds and lily pads.
 
We submitted samples of the most prevalent pondweed in Middle Bolton Lake to both Northeast Aquatic Research (NEAR) and the CT Ag Station. Both identified the weed as Potamogetan Bicupulatus, also known as “snailseed pondweed.” Unlike milfoil this plant is not likely to spread through fragmentation but it is a prolific seed-producer. A link to a photo looking into one of its beds, taken by a lake resident, is below.
 
We forwarded our report to Joyce Stille and Kim Welch at the Town of Bolton, John Ward and Steve Krajewski at the Town of Vernon, and Dr. George Knoecklein and his team at NEAR.
 
Further, we requested that the Town of Vernon ask Dr. Knoecklein to look into the current Middle Lake situation as soon as possible to determine what may have caused the dramatic change in the conditions there and what might be done to address it.
 
The documentation of our surveys is attached. In the report you will find maps showing the routes taken on Lower and Middle Bolton lakes and tables of the plants spotted at each observation point.
 
Thanks to all who provided input to help focus our survey and for your continued support.
Link to 2016 Plant Survey
Link to photo of snailseed pondweed
Picture
As a concerned group of citizens, FBL is dedicated to preserving our lakes (Lower, Middle and Upper Bolton Lakes) and watershed through research, education and public awareness. These lake ecosystems are major natural resources for the Towns of Bolton, Vernon, Coventry and Tolland. Sustaining their environmental quality is the joint responsibility of FBL, these Towns and the State of Connecticut.




Lake Emergency Contacts

To report boating accidents or illegal activity on DEEP property (Boat Launch) call the DEEP at 
860-424-3333.

To report trespassing, illegal activity on Town property (beach at Indian Notch) call State Police Resident Trooper at 860-643-6060.

​Sewer Emergency Contact info - BLRWPCA  (Bolton Lakes Regional Water Pollution Control Authority)
 Emergency number during Bolton Town Hall business hours: 860-649-8066 x6111
 Emergency number off-hours: 860-375-0112
 Routine questions or problems: 860--649-8066 x6111