Winter 2025
The PDF version of the newsletter can be found here.
President's Corner:
I hope this letter finds you well during what has been a cold and snowy winter. With the beauty of fresh snow blanketing our community, many of us have taken advantage of the season by enjoying activities like ice fishing and ice skating on the lakes. It’s wonderful to see so many residents making the most of the winter months, but I want to remind everyone to always use caution when venturing out onto the ice. Conditions can change quickly, and safety should always be the top priority. While winter has its own charm, I know many of us are eagerly looking forward to the arrival of warmer days. Before we know it, we’ll be enjoying sunshine, swimming, kayaking, and spending time on the water once again. The changing seasons are a reminder of how fortunate we are to have such a special place to enjoy year-round. As always, if you have any questions or concerns about the lakes, I encourage you to reach out to the FBL Board of Directors. Your input is invaluable as we continue working to protect and enhance the Bolton Lakes for everyone. Wishing you all a safe and enjoyable season,
Jason Seacat
President, Friends of Bolton Lakes
Membership:
FBL encourages all residents and visitors to the Bolton Lakes Region to join FBL. Membership in FBL provides you with periodic newsletters, email blasts of important information, forums with informative speakers, and strong advocacy with the towns and the Department of Energy and Environment Protection (DEEP). Also, your dues support the FBL’s continuing monitoring of the water quality of our lakes. Your membership dues are our main source of working capital. Memberships run from January through December each year, while the sign-up period runs from October through the end of the following September. So, if you joined in October 2024 or later, you are a 2025 member. Please renew or start your membership on our online membership page found here or by mailing in the membership form with your membership check. Thanks for your support!
Spring Forum:
We are still working to secure a speaker for the spring. Once we have determined a date, you will get an email.
Changes to AIS Boating Stamp:
Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are non-native plants and animals that disrupt ecosystems and economies by out-competing native species, reducing biodiversity, and damaging industries like fishing and tourism. Connecticut has taken measures to combat AIS through regulations, public awareness, and prevention methods such as the “clean, drain, dry” approach for boaters. A key change in 2025 involves the AIS Stamp, previously funded through boat registration fees. Under new regulations, boaters must purchase the AIS Stamp separately through the DEEP Sportsmen Licensing System. Two options are available:
• Individual AIS Stamp ($7 per person): Assigned to an individual and displayed on their Sportsmen Conservation License (no decal), or
• Vessel AIS Decal ($25 per boat): Covers all operators of a registered vessel and serves as an Individual AIS Stamp for the purchaser.
A decal must be affixed to the vessel. Both options are valid for the calendar year of purchase. The AIS Stamp helps fund conservation efforts, and its purchase is legally required for boaters on Connecticut’s inland waters. Our lakes have received grants funded by the AIS stamp.
Bolton Greater Together Community Fund Grant:
The Bolton Greater Together Community Fund has once again awarded FBL a grant. This $4,975 grant will be used to replace and upgrade equipment essential for monitoring the condition of Lower Bolton Lake. Two years ago, BGTCF funded the purchase of a cyanoscope, which FBL now utilizes to track harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the lake. Peter VanDine played a key role in securing both grants.
President's Corner:
I hope this letter finds you well during what has been a cold and snowy winter. With the beauty of fresh snow blanketing our community, many of us have taken advantage of the season by enjoying activities like ice fishing and ice skating on the lakes. It’s wonderful to see so many residents making the most of the winter months, but I want to remind everyone to always use caution when venturing out onto the ice. Conditions can change quickly, and safety should always be the top priority. While winter has its own charm, I know many of us are eagerly looking forward to the arrival of warmer days. Before we know it, we’ll be enjoying sunshine, swimming, kayaking, and spending time on the water once again. The changing seasons are a reminder of how fortunate we are to have such a special place to enjoy year-round. As always, if you have any questions or concerns about the lakes, I encourage you to reach out to the FBL Board of Directors. Your input is invaluable as we continue working to protect and enhance the Bolton Lakes for everyone. Wishing you all a safe and enjoyable season,
Jason Seacat
President, Friends of Bolton Lakes
Membership:
FBL encourages all residents and visitors to the Bolton Lakes Region to join FBL. Membership in FBL provides you with periodic newsletters, email blasts of important information, forums with informative speakers, and strong advocacy with the towns and the Department of Energy and Environment Protection (DEEP). Also, your dues support the FBL’s continuing monitoring of the water quality of our lakes. Your membership dues are our main source of working capital. Memberships run from January through December each year, while the sign-up period runs from October through the end of the following September. So, if you joined in October 2024 or later, you are a 2025 member. Please renew or start your membership on our online membership page found here or by mailing in the membership form with your membership check. Thanks for your support!
Spring Forum:
We are still working to secure a speaker for the spring. Once we have determined a date, you will get an email.
Changes to AIS Boating Stamp:
Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are non-native plants and animals that disrupt ecosystems and economies by out-competing native species, reducing biodiversity, and damaging industries like fishing and tourism. Connecticut has taken measures to combat AIS through regulations, public awareness, and prevention methods such as the “clean, drain, dry” approach for boaters. A key change in 2025 involves the AIS Stamp, previously funded through boat registration fees. Under new regulations, boaters must purchase the AIS Stamp separately through the DEEP Sportsmen Licensing System. Two options are available:
• Individual AIS Stamp ($7 per person): Assigned to an individual and displayed on their Sportsmen Conservation License (no decal), or
• Vessel AIS Decal ($25 per boat): Covers all operators of a registered vessel and serves as an Individual AIS Stamp for the purchaser.
A decal must be affixed to the vessel. Both options are valid for the calendar year of purchase. The AIS Stamp helps fund conservation efforts, and its purchase is legally required for boaters on Connecticut’s inland waters. Our lakes have received grants funded by the AIS stamp.
Bolton Greater Together Community Fund Grant:
The Bolton Greater Together Community Fund has once again awarded FBL a grant. This $4,975 grant will be used to replace and upgrade equipment essential for monitoring the condition of Lower Bolton Lake. Two years ago, BGTCF funded the purchase of a cyanoscope, which FBL now utilizes to track harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the lake. Peter VanDine played a key role in securing both grants.
SUMMER 2024
The PDF version of the newsletter can be found here.
End of Summer Social Event
The Friends of Bolton Lakes (FBL) is having a free social event to thank our current members and to encourage future membership from all of our lake neighbors. Please save the date and join us for a relaxing picnic with food, music, games, activities, and prizes. Our town and state legislators are invited; you will have an opportunity to connect with the FBL board, our local legislators, and your neighbors.
Details
Location: Indian Notch Park Pavilion, 60 Tolland Rd, Bolton
Date: Saturday, September 14, 2024
Time: 12:00PM - 4:00PM
With: free parking
Member Summer Updates
Did you know that you can renew your membership online? It’s easy and only takes a few minutes. And you won’t need a stamp, or an envelope, or a trip to the post office. Just go to the FBL website and “Click Here to Become a Member” then choose “click here to register and pay online". Fill out the form and you’re done! You can even make it an automatic annual donation, so you won’t need to remember every year. And please consider adding a small additional amount to cover the processing fee. It’s a great way to support the Friends of Bolton Lakes!
New Board Members
The FBL board unanimously elected two members this summer. The new board members are Emily Morris and John Sypek. Since they have a newborn, Ronan, they will be tag-teaming at monthly board meetings. Please welcome Emily and John to the board when you see them.
Hatch Hill Traffic
Two FBL members met with the new Vernon chief of police, Marc Petruzzi, in April to address the traffic at the Middle and Upper Lake boat launches. Chief Petruzzi got back to us, and he is instructing his officers to pay attention to the area and has asked the Vernon DPW (Department of Public Works) to renew the signage in the area.
Missing Lake Monitors
FBL paid to install light and temperature monitors on both Middle and Lower Bolton Lakes several years ago; they were attached to strings on buoys at one-meter intervals. The data from the sensors is collected to help with monitoring the health of the lakes. In May of this year the Lower Lake buoy disappeared and, about two weeks later, the Middle Lake buoy was found floating near the shore. The Bolton fire department dove to retrieve the Lower Lake monitors but, while they were out, they found the buoy and monitors about 200 feet away from where they had been anchored. The buoy and monitors were redeployed but three weeks later they disappeared again and have still not been found. Divers also tried to search for the Middle Lake monitors but were unsuccessful. If you have any information about the missing monitors, please contact FBL.
End of Summer Social Event
The Friends of Bolton Lakes (FBL) is having a free social event to thank our current members and to encourage future membership from all of our lake neighbors. Please save the date and join us for a relaxing picnic with food, music, games, activities, and prizes. Our town and state legislators are invited; you will have an opportunity to connect with the FBL board, our local legislators, and your neighbors.
Details
Location: Indian Notch Park Pavilion, 60 Tolland Rd, Bolton
Date: Saturday, September 14, 2024
Time: 12:00PM - 4:00PM
With: free parking
Member Summer Updates
Did you know that you can renew your membership online? It’s easy and only takes a few minutes. And you won’t need a stamp, or an envelope, or a trip to the post office. Just go to the FBL website and “Click Here to Become a Member” then choose “click here to register and pay online". Fill out the form and you’re done! You can even make it an automatic annual donation, so you won’t need to remember every year. And please consider adding a small additional amount to cover the processing fee. It’s a great way to support the Friends of Bolton Lakes!
New Board Members
The FBL board unanimously elected two members this summer. The new board members are Emily Morris and John Sypek. Since they have a newborn, Ronan, they will be tag-teaming at monthly board meetings. Please welcome Emily and John to the board when you see them.
Hatch Hill Traffic
Two FBL members met with the new Vernon chief of police, Marc Petruzzi, in April to address the traffic at the Middle and Upper Lake boat launches. Chief Petruzzi got back to us, and he is instructing his officers to pay attention to the area and has asked the Vernon DPW (Department of Public Works) to renew the signage in the area.
Missing Lake Monitors
FBL paid to install light and temperature monitors on both Middle and Lower Bolton Lakes several years ago; they were attached to strings on buoys at one-meter intervals. The data from the sensors is collected to help with monitoring the health of the lakes. In May of this year the Lower Lake buoy disappeared and, about two weeks later, the Middle Lake buoy was found floating near the shore. The Bolton fire department dove to retrieve the Lower Lake monitors but, while they were out, they found the buoy and monitors about 200 feet away from where they had been anchored. The buoy and monitors were redeployed but three weeks later they disappeared again and have still not been found. Divers also tried to search for the Middle Lake monitors but were unsuccessful. If you have any information about the missing monitors, please contact FBL.
SPRING 2024
The PDF version of the newsletter can be found here.
2023 was a good year for the lakes. We had some of our clearest water in years. That did lead to increased plant growth and the clarity did not last. Below are a few items we are looking to address in 2024.
Fluoroscopy Project
Last year FBL received a grant from the Bolton Greater Together Fund to learn how to use fluoroscopy to determine levels of cyanobacteria in Lower Bolton Lake. The idea is that by shining a certain frequency of light through a water sample we can approximate the cyanobacteria population. That approximation is specific to a particular lake. Last summer we took samples and had them checked by a limnologist to determine the settings for Lower Bolton Lake. The grant paid for the equipment, the cell counts and for a consultant to help us with processing and analysis. This coming summer we should be able to use the device to get instantaneous readings that we can use to notify the health department of cyanobacteria bloom events on Lower Bolton Lake. In addition, we are seeking funds to extend this monitoring to Middle Bolton Lake. We will again take up to ten samples and find the correlation in this lake. It should be about the same but as we have seen with invasive aquatic species of plants, the two lakes are not identical.
Spring Forum
Save the date, April 17th. FBL will host their annual forum at Newhoca Lodge at 6:30 PM. The speaker for this spring will be Bob Kortmann, from GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc., who will be speaking about the fluoroscopy project and the Connecticut River Hydrilla that has been found in Middle Lake. Light refreshments will be served.
Membership
FBL encourages all residents and visitors to the Bolton Lakes Region to join FBL. Membership in FBL provides you with periodic newsletters, email blasts of important information, forums with informative speakers, and strong advocacy with the towns and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). Also, your dues support the FBL’s continuing monitoring of the water quality of our lakes. Your membership dues are our main source of working capital. Memberships run from January through December each year, while the sign-up period runs from October through the end of September. So, if you joined in October 2023 or later, you are a 2024 member. Please renew or start your membership on our online membership page found here or by mailing in the membership form.
Hydrilla
Hydrilla is an invasive aquatic plant that is choking the Connecticut River. A task force that consists of the Army Corps of Engineers, the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, the Department of Environmental and Energy Protection, the University of Connecticut, and numerous stakeholders is working on stopping the further spread of hydrilla throughout the state. The strain of hydrilla in the river has been confirmed to be located in six lakes in the state so far. Middle Bolton Lake was the fourth lake in the state to be confirmed. Hydrilla is spread by fragmentation. So, boats that are exposed to hydrilla in the river, not sufficiently cleaned and then are launched into our lakes can spread it. All three of our lakes have public boat launches with lots of water activity in the summer. The state only has about 20 seasonal boat monitors for their 120+ public boat launches.
How You Can Help
Become a Hydrilla Detective: Learn to identify the plant (consult the resources below) and report any suspected sightings on the FBL website immediately.
Clean Your Boat and Gear: Meticulously remove all plant material and water before launching and after leaving the lake. This simple step can prevent accidental spread.
Stay Informed: Follow FBL and partner organizations for updates on the latest developments and ways to get involved.
Together, we can make a difference! By understanding the unique challenges posed by the Connecticut River strain of hydrilla and actively participating in control efforts, we can safeguard the health and beauty of our cherished lakes for generations to come.
Additional Resources:
CT DEEP Invasive Aquatic Plants Program
US Army Corp of Engineers Program
On behalf of the FBL Directors, thank you!
2023 was a good year for the lakes. We had some of our clearest water in years. That did lead to increased plant growth and the clarity did not last. Below are a few items we are looking to address in 2024.
Fluoroscopy Project
Last year FBL received a grant from the Bolton Greater Together Fund to learn how to use fluoroscopy to determine levels of cyanobacteria in Lower Bolton Lake. The idea is that by shining a certain frequency of light through a water sample we can approximate the cyanobacteria population. That approximation is specific to a particular lake. Last summer we took samples and had them checked by a limnologist to determine the settings for Lower Bolton Lake. The grant paid for the equipment, the cell counts and for a consultant to help us with processing and analysis. This coming summer we should be able to use the device to get instantaneous readings that we can use to notify the health department of cyanobacteria bloom events on Lower Bolton Lake. In addition, we are seeking funds to extend this monitoring to Middle Bolton Lake. We will again take up to ten samples and find the correlation in this lake. It should be about the same but as we have seen with invasive aquatic species of plants, the two lakes are not identical.
Spring Forum
Save the date, April 17th. FBL will host their annual forum at Newhoca Lodge at 6:30 PM. The speaker for this spring will be Bob Kortmann, from GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc., who will be speaking about the fluoroscopy project and the Connecticut River Hydrilla that has been found in Middle Lake. Light refreshments will be served.
Membership
FBL encourages all residents and visitors to the Bolton Lakes Region to join FBL. Membership in FBL provides you with periodic newsletters, email blasts of important information, forums with informative speakers, and strong advocacy with the towns and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). Also, your dues support the FBL’s continuing monitoring of the water quality of our lakes. Your membership dues are our main source of working capital. Memberships run from January through December each year, while the sign-up period runs from October through the end of September. So, if you joined in October 2023 or later, you are a 2024 member. Please renew or start your membership on our online membership page found here or by mailing in the membership form.
Hydrilla
Hydrilla is an invasive aquatic plant that is choking the Connecticut River. A task force that consists of the Army Corps of Engineers, the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, the Department of Environmental and Energy Protection, the University of Connecticut, and numerous stakeholders is working on stopping the further spread of hydrilla throughout the state. The strain of hydrilla in the river has been confirmed to be located in six lakes in the state so far. Middle Bolton Lake was the fourth lake in the state to be confirmed. Hydrilla is spread by fragmentation. So, boats that are exposed to hydrilla in the river, not sufficiently cleaned and then are launched into our lakes can spread it. All three of our lakes have public boat launches with lots of water activity in the summer. The state only has about 20 seasonal boat monitors for their 120+ public boat launches.
How You Can Help
Become a Hydrilla Detective: Learn to identify the plant (consult the resources below) and report any suspected sightings on the FBL website immediately.
Clean Your Boat and Gear: Meticulously remove all plant material and water before launching and after leaving the lake. This simple step can prevent accidental spread.
Stay Informed: Follow FBL and partner organizations for updates on the latest developments and ways to get involved.
Together, we can make a difference! By understanding the unique challenges posed by the Connecticut River strain of hydrilla and actively participating in control efforts, we can safeguard the health and beauty of our cherished lakes for generations to come.
Additional Resources:
CT DEEP Invasive Aquatic Plants Program
US Army Corp of Engineers Program
On behalf of the FBL Directors, thank you!