new year's newsletter
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
On behalf of the Board of The Friends of Bolton Lakes (FBL), I would like to wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous new year. As you will see in this newsletter, last year was a notably successful year for FBL and for our lakes. A number of long-term projects were completed and several new initiatives are now in the works. Our success last year was due, in large part, to the tireless efforts and advocacy of our outgoing President, David Forrest. I would like to personally thank David for all of his work advocating for the lakes. As the new President of FBL, I will strive to continue the progress of our organization and am firmly committed to the health and well-being of our lakes. The success of FBL requires the continued commitment and participation of our members and I would like to welcome you to become more involved. If you have an interest in becoming more involved, I would love to hear from you! Please send me an email at jasonseacat@friendsofboltonlakes.org.
As in years past, we would like to take this opportunity to review the activities of 2022 and present highlights of upcoming initiatives for the year to come.
Sincerely,
Jason Seacat, President FBL
2022
2022 AIS grant - The towns of Vernon and Bolton, along with the FBL, once again was awarded an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) grant in the amount of $25,456.50. This year the money went to help the towns pay for treatments to protect our lakes from invasive species.
Signage - Money from the 2021 AIS grant awarded to Vernon, Bolton, and the FBL was used to purchase several types of signs that will be beneficial to our lakes. First, in partnership with the four towns contained in the watershed (Bolton, Coventry, Tolland and Vernon), signs marking the edges of the watershed boundary were purchased and erected. Second, in collaboration with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), invasive species informational signs were erected in prominent locations at the boat launches for Middle and Lower Bolton Lakes. Finally, six sandwich-board signs were purchased to be used by FBL for promoting events as well as for rapid deployment to boat launches and public access points along the lakes to inform residents about conditions that may affect lake usage.
Algae Bloom - In late August/early September both Middle and Lower Bolton lakes experienced algae blooms. In the summer, the water in the lake is layered and cold water is trapped at the bottom of the lake. This layering inhibits algae movement. As we approach fall, temperatures in the water change and the layering goes away. At that point algae can be seen in the entire water column and the clarity decreases. As always, use caution if you suspect an algae bloom. Stay out of the water and keep pets away. Please use the reporting tool here on the FBL website to report suspected blooms.
Fall Members Forum - October’s Fall forum marked a return to in-person events and was a huge success! The forum was held at Newhoca lodge to a full audience. After a short business meeting where the board members who were up for re-election were confirmed, Hillary Kenyon from Northeast Aquatic Research (NEAR) gave an informative presentation on the state of the lakes. Going forward, we welcome your input and suggestions on forum content. Please feel free to send your forum suggestions to fbl@friendsofboltonlakes.org..
Libraries Love Lakes - In its commitment to public education about our lakes, the FBL sponsored inaugural educational programs at the Rockville Public Library and Bentley Memorial Library in Bolton. Dubbed the “Libraries Love Lakes” program, these sessions featured Limnologist Kendra Kilson from NEAR, who gave a presentation to attendees. The FBL also contributed to the libraries by donating several lake-related books to each of them. Looking forward, we hope to make this an annual event and welcome your input on possible topics and/or venues to promote the FBL educational mission.
Leadership - For the past five years, David Forrest has served as president of the FBL. During his time as president, David has worked tirelessly to ensure that many of the FBL’s long-term goals came to fruition. Most notably, David oversaw:
We thank David for all of his efforts collaborating with town and state governments to improve the conditions of our lakes and we are pleased that he will remain an active member of the board.
Replacing David as President of the FBL is Jason Seacat. Jason and his family are residents of Middle Bolton Lake and Jason has been a member of the Board since 2017. As a conservationist, educator, and a member of the Vernon Conservation Commission, Jason brings a strong passion for environmental issues and a deep concern for the health and well-being of our lakes. Jason welcomes input and questions from the community and can be reached at jasonseacat@friendsofboltonlakes.org
Looking Forward to 2023 and Beyond…
Bolton Greater Together Community Fund - The Town of Bolton has instituted an internet warning system concerning the safety of Lower Bolton Lake due to the possible presence of toxic algae blooms. A problem with this system is that it is dependent upon processes that take several days to complete and come at a significant expense to analyze the water samples. Recently developed technology can now be used to predict the level of toxicity due to harmful algae within a matter of minutes. FBL applied for and has been awarded a grant of $4,282 from the Bolton Greater Together Community Fund (here) established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving to purchase the required equipment and professional consultation to put this technology into use. Given the success with this project it will now be extended to Middle Bolton Lake.
Bench for Karl Prewo - Working with DEEP and the town of Vernon, the FBL will purchase a bench in memory of Karl Prewo. Karl was a founding member of the FBL and a champion for our lakes. Sadly, Karl passed away in 2022. The bench will be located on the dam between the Middle and Lower lakes and should be installed this spring. Once the bench is in place, FBL will have a dedication ceremony for Karl’s family. Be on the lookout for a notice this spring.
Milfoil Treatment - Currently the town of Vernon is planning on treating the milfoil in Middle Lake this year with a new chemical, ProcellaCOR. This treatment requires less chemical herbicide and is supposed to keep milfoil at bay longer than traditional treatments.
Membership - Your annual membership dues are our main source of working capital. Memberships run from January through December each year. The sign-up period runs from October through the end of September. So, if you joined in October 2022 or later, you are a 2023 member.
We ended 2022 with a membership total of 105. That’s down from a high of 129 in 2020 but compares well with a total of 103 for 2021. Welcome to the 28 new members who joined in 2022!
Membership is a bargain! There have been no increases in membership dues since 2013! Membership in FBL provides you with periodic newsletters, email blasts of important information, forums with informative speakers, and strong advocacy with the towns and DEEP. Your dues also support the FBL’s continuing monitoring of the water quality of our lakes. We seek to increase our membership even more in 2023 and gladly welcome all new members (and their friends) to our community. Thank you for your support!
Have a healthy and prosperous New Year.
The FBL Board of Directors
On behalf of the Board of The Friends of Bolton Lakes (FBL), I would like to wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous new year. As you will see in this newsletter, last year was a notably successful year for FBL and for our lakes. A number of long-term projects were completed and several new initiatives are now in the works. Our success last year was due, in large part, to the tireless efforts and advocacy of our outgoing President, David Forrest. I would like to personally thank David for all of his work advocating for the lakes. As the new President of FBL, I will strive to continue the progress of our organization and am firmly committed to the health and well-being of our lakes. The success of FBL requires the continued commitment and participation of our members and I would like to welcome you to become more involved. If you have an interest in becoming more involved, I would love to hear from you! Please send me an email at jasonseacat@friendsofboltonlakes.org.
As in years past, we would like to take this opportunity to review the activities of 2022 and present highlights of upcoming initiatives for the year to come.
Sincerely,
Jason Seacat, President FBL
2022
2022 AIS grant - The towns of Vernon and Bolton, along with the FBL, once again was awarded an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) grant in the amount of $25,456.50. This year the money went to help the towns pay for treatments to protect our lakes from invasive species.
Signage - Money from the 2021 AIS grant awarded to Vernon, Bolton, and the FBL was used to purchase several types of signs that will be beneficial to our lakes. First, in partnership with the four towns contained in the watershed (Bolton, Coventry, Tolland and Vernon), signs marking the edges of the watershed boundary were purchased and erected. Second, in collaboration with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), invasive species informational signs were erected in prominent locations at the boat launches for Middle and Lower Bolton Lakes. Finally, six sandwich-board signs were purchased to be used by FBL for promoting events as well as for rapid deployment to boat launches and public access points along the lakes to inform residents about conditions that may affect lake usage.
Algae Bloom - In late August/early September both Middle and Lower Bolton lakes experienced algae blooms. In the summer, the water in the lake is layered and cold water is trapped at the bottom of the lake. This layering inhibits algae movement. As we approach fall, temperatures in the water change and the layering goes away. At that point algae can be seen in the entire water column and the clarity decreases. As always, use caution if you suspect an algae bloom. Stay out of the water and keep pets away. Please use the reporting tool here on the FBL website to report suspected blooms.
Fall Members Forum - October’s Fall forum marked a return to in-person events and was a huge success! The forum was held at Newhoca lodge to a full audience. After a short business meeting where the board members who were up for re-election were confirmed, Hillary Kenyon from Northeast Aquatic Research (NEAR) gave an informative presentation on the state of the lakes. Going forward, we welcome your input and suggestions on forum content. Please feel free to send your forum suggestions to fbl@friendsofboltonlakes.org..
Libraries Love Lakes - In its commitment to public education about our lakes, the FBL sponsored inaugural educational programs at the Rockville Public Library and Bentley Memorial Library in Bolton. Dubbed the “Libraries Love Lakes” program, these sessions featured Limnologist Kendra Kilson from NEAR, who gave a presentation to attendees. The FBL also contributed to the libraries by donating several lake-related books to each of them. Looking forward, we hope to make this an annual event and welcome your input on possible topics and/or venues to promote the FBL educational mission.
Leadership - For the past five years, David Forrest has served as president of the FBL. During his time as president, David has worked tirelessly to ensure that many of the FBL’s long-term goals came to fruition. Most notably, David oversaw:
- A watershed plan for the Bolton Lakes created and submitted to the DEEP for approval.
- A new dam at Hatch Hill between Upper and Middle lakes
- A joint application from the towns of Vernon and Bolton for the annual lowering of the lakes in the fall
We thank David for all of his efforts collaborating with town and state governments to improve the conditions of our lakes and we are pleased that he will remain an active member of the board.
Replacing David as President of the FBL is Jason Seacat. Jason and his family are residents of Middle Bolton Lake and Jason has been a member of the Board since 2017. As a conservationist, educator, and a member of the Vernon Conservation Commission, Jason brings a strong passion for environmental issues and a deep concern for the health and well-being of our lakes. Jason welcomes input and questions from the community and can be reached at jasonseacat@friendsofboltonlakes.org
Looking Forward to 2023 and Beyond…
Bolton Greater Together Community Fund - The Town of Bolton has instituted an internet warning system concerning the safety of Lower Bolton Lake due to the possible presence of toxic algae blooms. A problem with this system is that it is dependent upon processes that take several days to complete and come at a significant expense to analyze the water samples. Recently developed technology can now be used to predict the level of toxicity due to harmful algae within a matter of minutes. FBL applied for and has been awarded a grant of $4,282 from the Bolton Greater Together Community Fund (here) established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving to purchase the required equipment and professional consultation to put this technology into use. Given the success with this project it will now be extended to Middle Bolton Lake.
Bench for Karl Prewo - Working with DEEP and the town of Vernon, the FBL will purchase a bench in memory of Karl Prewo. Karl was a founding member of the FBL and a champion for our lakes. Sadly, Karl passed away in 2022. The bench will be located on the dam between the Middle and Lower lakes and should be installed this spring. Once the bench is in place, FBL will have a dedication ceremony for Karl’s family. Be on the lookout for a notice this spring.
Milfoil Treatment - Currently the town of Vernon is planning on treating the milfoil in Middle Lake this year with a new chemical, ProcellaCOR. This treatment requires less chemical herbicide and is supposed to keep milfoil at bay longer than traditional treatments.
Membership - Your annual membership dues are our main source of working capital. Memberships run from January through December each year. The sign-up period runs from October through the end of September. So, if you joined in October 2022 or later, you are a 2023 member.
We ended 2022 with a membership total of 105. That’s down from a high of 129 in 2020 but compares well with a total of 103 for 2021. Welcome to the 28 new members who joined in 2022!
Membership is a bargain! There have been no increases in membership dues since 2013! Membership in FBL provides you with periodic newsletters, email blasts of important information, forums with informative speakers, and strong advocacy with the towns and DEEP. Your dues also support the FBL’s continuing monitoring of the water quality of our lakes. We seek to increase our membership even more in 2023 and gladly welcome all new members (and their friends) to our community. Thank you for your support!
Have a healthy and prosperous New Year.
The FBL Board of Directors
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 fbl@friendsofboltonlakes.org. 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 fbl@friendsofboltonlakes.org. 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.
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.
You can ask your members to be sure they:
Stay safe, everyone.
The Friends of Bolton Lakes
You can ask your members to be sure they:
- Sign up for CT alerts from the state at: www.ctalerts.gov.
- Sign up for the e-mailed Bolton Bulletin at https://bolton.govoffice.com/index.asp?SEC={76FAA039-AE70-4EDF-B2F4-3CA467479711}&Type=QUICKFORM.
- Watch for info on how to participate in public meetings from home on our web page bolton.govoffice.com .
- Check out our guide to doing business with the town during the health crisis- https://bolton.govoffice.com/vertical/Sites/%7B30EEBA3C-BE1C-42AE-911F-0E304A672785%7D/uploads/COVID19_Bolton_Operations_Manual_3.20.2020_12-00pm(1).pdf ."
Stay safe, everyone.
The Friends of Bolton Lakes
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 Plants 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 Plants 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
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