2019 membership drive
The 2019 membership drive has begun. We hope you will join us or renew your membership now. This year, for the first time, we are offering online renewal 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
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
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.
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.
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.
51st ANNUAL BOLTON LAKE SUNFISH REGATTA - 5/19
The Bolton Lake Sailing Club held their 51st annual sunfish regatta on Lower Bolton Lake Sunday, May 19th.
Link to more information.
Link to more information.
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.
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.
Bolton Meeting to review Lower Bolton Lake held 3/25
On Monday, March 25th at 7:00 PM at Bolton Town Hall the Town of Bolton held a public meeting focused on Lower Bolton Lake. Dr. George Knoecklein of Northeast Aquatic Research presented the results of last year’s studies and follow-on plans for 2019.
Summary of the meeting
Meeting presentation
Summary of the meeting
Meeting presentation
Map available showing locations of curly-leaf pondweed in lbl
Winter Newsletter available
Annual bolton lakes watershed community Forum - Monday, 10/22
The Friends of Bolton Lakes held their Fifth Annual Bolton Lakes Watershed Community Forum at Bolton Town Hall on Monday, October 22.
Forum speakers included:
The FBL annual member meeting was held prior to the forum. Agenda items included election of directors and the annual treasurer’s report. Two board members had their terms extended - Shelly Jewell and Leona Crosskey. The members elected two new board members - Jason Seacat and Paul Senk.
The forum was well attended. The speakers were informative and there were lively discussions about the presented topics. If anyone is interested in committing some of your time and talent to working with the FBL on behalf of the community and the lakes, there are occasionally short-term projects where we need volunteers. Currently those include working on the rain garden, fall and spring clean-up, and boat launch ambassadors. Boat launch ambassadors educate boaters about checking their boats for weeds as they come into the boat launch areas. If you are interested in helping the FBL or if you are on the fence and would like more information, we urge you to contact us.
Presentations:
FBL Forum 2018
LBL Aquatic Survey
CT DEEP - Hatch Hill Dam and other projects
Forum speakers included:
- Shelly Jewell, President FBL, who presented FBL activities, accomplishments, and plans;
- Greg Bugbee, Principal Investigator in the Agricultural Experiment Station’s Invasive Aquatic Plants Program reported the results of their 2018 Lower Bolton Lake aquatic plant survey;
- Ray Frigon, Supervising Environmental Analyst in DEEP’s Water Planning and Management Division provided an update on the planned Hatch Hill dam improvements as well as information on their role in dam projects throughout the state.
The FBL annual member meeting was held prior to the forum. Agenda items included election of directors and the annual treasurer’s report. Two board members had their terms extended - Shelly Jewell and Leona Crosskey. The members elected two new board members - Jason Seacat and Paul Senk.
The forum was well attended. The speakers were informative and there were lively discussions about the presented topics. If anyone is interested in committing some of your time and talent to working with the FBL on behalf of the community and the lakes, there are occasionally short-term projects where we need volunteers. Currently those include working on the rain garden, fall and spring clean-up, and boat launch ambassadors. Boat launch ambassadors educate boaters about checking their boats for weeds as they come into the boat launch areas. If you are interested in helping the FBL or if you are on the fence and would like more information, we urge you to contact us.
Presentations:
FBL Forum 2018
LBL Aquatic Survey
CT DEEP - Hatch Hill Dam and other projects
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:
Link to:
Connecticut’s Aquatic and Wetland Invasive Plant Identification Guide
Fanwort Identification Information
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:
- It's quick and easy.
- 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).
- The suspicious plant form enables you to enter all required information to help identify suspicious plants.
- 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.
Link to:
Connecticut’s Aquatic and Wetland Invasive Plant Identification Guide
Fanwort Identification Information
lower bolton lake health advisory lifted
Kim Welch, the Town of Bolton’s Lake Commissioner, has announced that the Eastern Highlands Health District has lifted the health advisory on Lower Bolton Lake. The lake is open for all uses.
hatch hill dam
There was no construction in 2018. Bids will be taken this summer, and construction is expected to begin in the fall of 2019.
Middle bolton lake - no health alert - LBl alert still in effect
You may have noticed signs at the Hatch Hill boat launch and Newhoca Park announcing a health alert for Middle Bolton Lake. These signs were put up in error. There is no health alert for Middle Bolton Lake. Unfortunately, the health alert for Lower Bolton Lake remains in effect. The erroneous health alert for Middle Bolton Lake was also reported in the Journal Inquirer.
On September 6th the North Central Health District corrected the signage at the access points to Middle Bolton Lake and issued an updated health alert that correctly reports that the current algae bloom is confined to Lower Bolton Lake. While we discourage portaging over the dam from Middle to Lower Bolton Lake, the signage at Middle Bolton serves to warn lake users who might cross into Lower Bolton Lake unaware of the algae bloom there.
On September 6th the North Central Health District corrected the signage at the access points to Middle Bolton Lake and issued an updated health alert that correctly reports that the current algae bloom is confined to Lower Bolton Lake. While we discourage portaging over the dam from Middle to Lower Bolton Lake, the signage at Middle Bolton serves to warn lake users who might cross into Lower Bolton Lake unaware of the algae bloom there.
notice regarding lower bolton lake algae bloom 9/5/18
Kim Welch, the town of Bolton’s Lake Commissioner, has reported that the current bloom in Lower Bolton Lake is blue-green algae. This type of algae poses health risks to people and pets.
The complete text of the alert issued by the Eastern Highlands Health District is included below. Please be attentive to the lake-use restrictions spelled out in the alert.
More information on blue-green algae blooms can be found here on Connecticut’s Department of Public Health’s website.
The complete text of the alert issued by the Eastern Highlands Health District is included below. Please be attentive to the lake-use restrictions spelled out in the alert.
More information on blue-green algae blooms can be found here on Connecticut’s Department of Public Health’s website.
spring seminar wednesday may 23, 2018 - 7:00 pm
The Spring Seminar was held on Wednesday, May 23rd at 7:00 PM at the Notch Road Municipal Center, located at 106 Notch Road in Bolton. The seminar featured a talk by Cynthia Stevens of the Ball Pond Advisory Committee in New Fairfield, Connecticut. Cynthia described their experience with introducing sterile grass carp to control Eurasian Water Milfoil and Southern Naiad in Ball Pond.
In addition, the meeting included an update on the status and plans for addressing the fanwort found in Middle Bolton Lake.
Link to fanwort presentation
In addition, the meeting included an update on the status and plans for addressing the fanwort found in Middle Bolton Lake.
Link to fanwort presentation
lower bolton lake informational meeting March 29, 2018 7:00 p.m.
There was a public informational meeting on Thursday, March 29th, 7:00 P.M. at the Bolton Town Hall (222 Bolton Center Rd, Bolton, CT) regarding the continued work at Lower Bolton Lake. Consultant George Knoecklein of Northeast Aquatic Research reviewed 2017 activities and findings and future follow-up.
Click here to see the 2017 Lower Bolton Lake Report.
Click here to see the 2017 Lower Bolton Lake presentation.
Click here to see the 2017 Lower Bolton Lake Report.
Click here to see the 2017 Lower Bolton Lake presentation.
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
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:
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.
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
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