We need your help to restore and expand federal funding so that Connecticut isn't left to battle hydrilla alone!!!
Hydrilla spreads a foot per day under ideal conditions; together, we can move even faster. Thank you for showing up - online, on the water, and in Hartford - to protect Connecticut's lakes!
What we’re asking you to do (it takes about five minutes):
Download the sample letter:
PDF Version
Word Version
Send it to your U.S. Senators and Representative:
Forward this email to at least three friends, neighbors, or lake-association members and ask them to act.
Post on social media. Use the hashtag #SaveCTLakes and tag your House member (@RepLarson, @RepJoeCourtney, @rosadelauro, @jahannahayes, @jahimes).
Why send your own letter? Form letters and petitions help, but individualized messages get flagged, logged, and summarized directly for policy staff. A surge of unique letters from lake stewards across Connecticut will highlight that hydrilla is not just a river issue—it is a statewide lake emergency.
Connecticut U.S. Congressman
Website Contact Page
Mailing Address (Washington D.C.)
Sen. Richard Blumenthal
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/contact
503 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510
Sen. Chris Murphy
https://www.murphy.senate.gov/contact
136 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510
Rep. John B. Larson (CT-1)
https://larson.house.gov/contact/offices
1501 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
Rep. Joe Courtney (CT-2)
https://courtney.house.gov/contact/offices/washington-dc-office
2449 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
Rep. Rosa DeLauro (CT-3)
https://delauro.house.gov/contact/offices/washington-dc-office
2413 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
Rep. Jim Himes (CT-4)
https://himes.house.gov/contact-me
2137 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
Rep. Jahana Hayes (CT-5)
https://hayes.house.gov/contact
2049 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
What we’re asking you to do (it takes about five minutes):
Download the sample letter:
PDF Version
Word Version
- Replace some sections with one or two sentences about your own lake (property values, volunteer time, fishing memories, etc.).
- Sign with your name, town, and the lake you represent.
Send it to your U.S. Senators and Representative:
- Email: Copy the text into the contact form on each official’s website (links below).
- Mail: Print and mail a hard copy--postal mail still commands attention on Capitol Hill.
Forward this email to at least three friends, neighbors, or lake-association members and ask them to act.
Post on social media. Use the hashtag #SaveCTLakes and tag your House member (@RepLarson, @RepJoeCourtney, @rosadelauro, @jahannahayes, @jahimes).
Why send your own letter? Form letters and petitions help, but individualized messages get flagged, logged, and summarized directly for policy staff. A surge of unique letters from lake stewards across Connecticut will highlight that hydrilla is not just a river issue—it is a statewide lake emergency.
Connecticut U.S. Congressman
Website Contact Page
Mailing Address (Washington D.C.)
Sen. Richard Blumenthal
https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/contact
503 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510
Sen. Chris Murphy
https://www.murphy.senate.gov/contact
136 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510
Rep. John B. Larson (CT-1)
https://larson.house.gov/contact/offices
1501 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
Rep. Joe Courtney (CT-2)
https://courtney.house.gov/contact/offices/washington-dc-office
2449 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
Rep. Rosa DeLauro (CT-3)
https://delauro.house.gov/contact/offices/washington-dc-office
2413 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
Rep. Jim Himes (CT-4)
https://himes.house.gov/contact-me
2137 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
Rep. Jahana Hayes (CT-5)
https://hayes.house.gov/contact
2049 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
Spring Forum May 5th - newhoca lodge - 7:00 pm
The FBL Spring Forum was held on May 5th at Newhoca Lodge at 7 pm. The main speaker was Andrew Bade from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's fishery department, who spoke about the bass action plan for the state. Here are his thoughts on this topic:
"At Lower Bolton Lake, we stopped detecting adult Smallmouth Bass after 2009 but did observe a juvenile in 2016 and received a credible report of another one in 2022. So, they may or may not be truly extirpated. But at the very least their abundance has been dramatically reduced with no direct observations of a stock size Smallmouth Bass since 2009 despite six electrofishing samples. We are using side scan sonar to map habitat in the Bolton Lakes to see if that could be part of the cause for decline and, if so, to develop a habitat enhancement proposal. We have yet to analyze those data, but I would be happy to share the resulting habitat maps and any management recommendations once that is complete. We also plan to assess the zooplankton and forage fish community at Lower Bolton Lake. Lower Bolton Lake is among the waterbodies where we believe a reintroduction of Smallmouth Bass could be successful and are actively investigating that possibility."
Information about Connecticut's Bass Action Plan
At the meeting there was also a discussion of the conditions of the lakes and plans for the rest of the year.
FBL has a new FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/18iGKkmfJT/
The water levels of both the Middle and Lower lakes have risen to normal non-winter levels.
Materials shared at the Spring Forum are linked below:
Presentation_FBL Spring Forum 2025.pdf
Lower Bolton Lake 2005
Lower Bolton Lake 2011
Lower Bolton Lake 2018
Lake and Pond Book
Biennial Reports of the State Board of Fisheries and Game from 1930-1959
"At Lower Bolton Lake, we stopped detecting adult Smallmouth Bass after 2009 but did observe a juvenile in 2016 and received a credible report of another one in 2022. So, they may or may not be truly extirpated. But at the very least their abundance has been dramatically reduced with no direct observations of a stock size Smallmouth Bass since 2009 despite six electrofishing samples. We are using side scan sonar to map habitat in the Bolton Lakes to see if that could be part of the cause for decline and, if so, to develop a habitat enhancement proposal. We have yet to analyze those data, but I would be happy to share the resulting habitat maps and any management recommendations once that is complete. We also plan to assess the zooplankton and forage fish community at Lower Bolton Lake. Lower Bolton Lake is among the waterbodies where we believe a reintroduction of Smallmouth Bass could be successful and are actively investigating that possibility."
Information about Connecticut's Bass Action Plan
At the meeting there was also a discussion of the conditions of the lakes and plans for the rest of the year.
FBL has a new FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/18iGKkmfJT/
The water levels of both the Middle and Lower lakes have risen to normal non-winter levels.
Materials shared at the Spring Forum are linked below:
Presentation_FBL Spring Forum 2025.pdf
Lower Bolton Lake 2005
Lower Bolton Lake 2011
Lower Bolton Lake 2018
Lake and Pond Book
Biennial Reports of the State Board of Fisheries and Game from 1930-1959
Fanwort and hydrilla in middle bolton lake
Thursday, 8/31, limnologists from Northeast Aquatic Research mapped the location of fanwort on Middle Bolton Lake. They found 32 locations on the lake and are making a map for treatment. They also found milfoil that was not eliminated with the first treatment. The town has contacted the company that does the treatment of the lake, Solitude. All permits are in place and as soon as NEAR and Solitude work up a treatment plan, the lake will be treated.
Unfortunately, they found a few pieces of Hydrilla at the boat launch; they notified the state about the Hydrilla. Hydrilla is a very bad invasive, worse than fanwort and milfoil, that is currently in the Connecticut River. Please be on the lookout for any signs of it on our lakes. There is a picture of Hydrilla below. FBL and the town of Vernon will be focused on eliminating the Hydrilla.
Further information will be provided when we know the date of the treatment.
Unfortunately, they found a few pieces of Hydrilla at the boat launch; they notified the state about the Hydrilla. Hydrilla is a very bad invasive, worse than fanwort and milfoil, that is currently in the Connecticut River. Please be on the lookout for any signs of it on our lakes. There is a picture of Hydrilla below. FBL and the town of Vernon will be focused on eliminating the Hydrilla.
Further information will be provided when we know the date of the treatment.
fanwort in middle bolton lake
Fanwort is in almost every part of Middle Bolton Lake and is growing each day. About two weeks ago one of the FBL board members discovered several large patches of fanwort, some very near the spillway, and let the town of Vernon and our limnologist at Northeast Aquatic Research know. We were told the limnologist would be on the lake "ASAP" and would develop a treatment plan. As far as we know, as of today no mapping of the fanwort has been created and no plan of action exists. We are still pushing for this to start.
Thank you to all of the members who have reported fanwort both rooted in spots on the lake and washed up on their beaches. There is so much fanwort it is almost impossible for boats with propellers to avoid cutting it up and distributing the fanwort to other parts of the lake. If you can avoid boating through patches that would help. If you pick up fanwort floating on the lake or on your beach, remove it from the lake. If you see fanwort on the lake, use the invasive species reporting tool on the FBL website to let us know. We want to emphasize that there is a lot of fanwort just before the spillway into Lower Bolton and that the water has been flowing between the lakes all summer. So far no one has reported fanwort in Lower Bolton but stay vigilant.
Here is a link to more about fanwort.
Here is the link to our reporting tool.
Thank you to all of the members who have reported fanwort both rooted in spots on the lake and washed up on their beaches. There is so much fanwort it is almost impossible for boats with propellers to avoid cutting it up and distributing the fanwort to other parts of the lake. If you can avoid boating through patches that would help. If you pick up fanwort floating on the lake or on your beach, remove it from the lake. If you see fanwort on the lake, use the invasive species reporting tool on the FBL website to let us know. We want to emphasize that there is a lot of fanwort just before the spillway into Lower Bolton and that the water has been flowing between the lakes all summer. So far no one has reported fanwort in Lower Bolton but stay vigilant.
Here is a link to more about fanwort.
Here is the link to our reporting tool.
Spring fish kill information
Several people have recently emailed FBL noting the presence of dead fish in the water and on the shores of our lakes. While the presence of these dead fish may raise concerns about the quality of our water or some other issue, this phenomenon is actually fairly common in colder climates. Known as a "fish kill", this phenomenon occurs because of low oxygen levels in the cold lake water- especially when the water freezes over for a period of time during winter. The low oxygen water is due, in part, to the decay of underwater plants and the fact that there are fewer green plants producing oxygen. Smaller and/or weaker fish may be more susceptible to this low-oxygen water, which is why we are mostly seeing Bluegills that have died. Below is a link to the CT DEEP Division of Inland Fisheries fact sheet on winter fish kills.
As always, the board members of FBL thank all residents for their vigilance and careful monitoring our lakes.
Link to Fish Kill info
As always, the board members of FBL thank all residents for their vigilance and careful monitoring our lakes.
Link to Fish Kill info
survey on aquatic invasive species
Jason Seacat, FBL president, has approached FBL for assistance with a study that he and his students are conducting. The study is being done in the Department of Psychology at Western New England University. The aim of this study is to better understand lake residents' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) in Connecticut's freshwater lakes and ponds.
The benefits are two-fold; first, this study will raise awareness about aquatic invasive species - especially the ones that most plague our lakes in Connecticut by asking a number of survey questions and then synthesizing the responses. FBL "friends" will develop a heightened awareness. Secondly, Jason is offering a free informational forum for the membership about the results of the survey. From these findings, Jason was hoping to build upon the out-reach mission of FBL and expand our efforts to educate our membership about AIS issues that continue to be of growing concern.
Thank you in advance for your participation.
Please select the link below to take the 10-minute survey.
Link to survey
The benefits are two-fold; first, this study will raise awareness about aquatic invasive species - especially the ones that most plague our lakes in Connecticut by asking a number of survey questions and then synthesizing the responses. FBL "friends" will develop a heightened awareness. Secondly, Jason is offering a free informational forum for the membership about the results of the survey. From these findings, Jason was hoping to build upon the out-reach mission of FBL and expand our efforts to educate our membership about AIS issues that continue to be of growing concern.
Thank you in advance for your participation.
Please select the link below to take the 10-minute survey.
Link to survey
libraries love lakes - Rockville memorial library
Learn how scientists study lakes and what we can do to protect these valuable resources. Two presentations were made in fall 2022 at the Rockville and Bolton libraries. As part of this national program, FBL purchased children’s books on lake ecology and sponsored the presentations by a limnologist at each library.
DRAFT BOLTON LAKES & WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN - UPDATE 4/7/22
This is the final version submitted to DEEP. It incorporates most of the public comments and suggestions made by residents. It may take some time before hearing a response from DEEP. Thank you for your contributions.
Link to submitted version of plan
Link to submitted version of plan
caring for our lakes
Bolton Lakes current conditions include invasive plants - 6/8
Fanwort treated - watch for and report sightings
September 2020
Recently, a small patch of fanwort and a larger patch of milfoil were treated on the southwest side of Middle Bolton Lake. That treatment appears successful. This weekend four strands of fanwort were found near the boat launch on Hatch Hill. On advice from the lake limnologist, we are asking everyone on the lake for two things. First, if you see some plant you don't know or you do know but know it should not be in the lake, use the FBL "Report Suspicious Plants" menu item.
Second, avoid fishing in the area right in front of the boat launch and ask others to avoid fishing there too. Fanwort spreads through fragmentation which can be caused by fishing. Treating invasive species works through vigilance and identifying issues before they become big problems. Your help is essential. We've included a picture of fanwort below.
Thank you,
Friends of Bolton Lakes
Recently, a small patch of fanwort and a larger patch of milfoil were treated on the southwest side of Middle Bolton Lake. That treatment appears successful. This weekend four strands of fanwort were found near the boat launch on Hatch Hill. On advice from the lake limnologist, we are asking everyone on the lake for two things. First, if you see some plant you don't know or you do know but know it should not be in the lake, use the FBL "Report Suspicious Plants" menu item.
Second, avoid fishing in the area right in front of the boat launch and ask others to avoid fishing there too. Fanwort spreads through fragmentation which can be caused by fishing. Treating invasive species works through vigilance and identifying issues before they become big problems. Your help is essential. We've included a picture of fanwort below.
Thank you,
Friends of Bolton Lakes
koigate on middle bolton lake
A large orange and white koi [carp-like fish] was spotted in Middle Lake near the boat launch. In May, two were spotted together on the southeast side of the lake in shallow water. Although it is an illegal act to use the lakes for disposal the initial feedback from the authorities was ‘not to worry’ until they had a chance to complete their research and convey their findings to FBL. See the picture below.
Since then, the fish have been spotted several times in various places around the lake. Chris McDowell, from the DEEP Fisheries Division, provided the following information: “Dumping Koi or any other fish in the lake is illegal. But the koi are harmless to the environs of the lakes and DEEP has no record of a sustained population of koi or goldfish in a Connecticut lake. Therefore, DEEP is not going to take any action to eradicate the fish. That said, if the eagles do not take advantage of an easy prey, feel free to take them out of the lake.” Similar to most carp, they will bite on a hook hidden in a ball of bread. If you do catch the koi or find their bodies, please take good pictures and send them to FBL at [email protected]. We will forward them to DEEP so that they can document having them in the lake.
Since then, the fish have been spotted several times in various places around the lake. Chris McDowell, from the DEEP Fisheries Division, provided the following information: “Dumping Koi or any other fish in the lake is illegal. But the koi are harmless to the environs of the lakes and DEEP has no record of a sustained population of koi or goldfish in a Connecticut lake. Therefore, DEEP is not going to take any action to eradicate the fish. That said, if the eagles do not take advantage of an easy prey, feel free to take them out of the lake.” Similar to most carp, they will bite on a hook hidden in a ball of bread. If you do catch the koi or find their bodies, please take good pictures and send them to FBL at [email protected]. We will forward them to DEEP so that they can document having them in the lake.
Membership
Thanks to all who have renewed their membership! Your interest and financial support keep the Friends of Bolton Lakes a viable advocate for the continued health of our lakes and enables us to assist the State and towns with their management. If you haven't found time to join/renew yet, please use the membership link provided in the menu.
Thanks to all who have renewed their membership! Your interest and financial support keep the Friends of Bolton Lakes a viable advocate for the continued health of our lakes and enables us to assist the State and towns with their management. If you haven't found time to join/renew yet, please use the membership link provided in the menu.
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 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
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, [email protected].
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.
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, [email protected].
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
