Our connection
is personal
We have a long-standing history with the lake,
both residential and recreational. For 50 years, we’ve worked tirelessly to clean it up and keep it clean. We’re committed to continuing this work and engaging the surrounding communities in our ongoing effort to keep the lake healthy and clear.
OUR MISSION
Preservation is our priority
Our beautiful, healthy lake is a treasured resource, and our first priority is to protect it. Lake Waramaug Conservancy’s Board of Directors, staff, and team of scientific experts are dedicated to the organization’s mission to restore and preserve the water quality, clarity, and ecological health of Lake Waramaug. We are united in doing right by the lake so it can be safely used and enjoyed by residents, visitors, and the abundant nature surrounding it.
OUR HISTORY
A profound love of the lake has fueled our efforts for 50 years.
In 1975, a group of concerned lake residents created the Lake Waramaug Task Force. Through their dedicated efforts, the all-volunteer Task Force raised substantial funds from federal, state and private sources to support cutting-edge scientific research in limnology (the study of lakes). Robert W. Kortmann, Ph.D., a noted scientist, was retained in 1980 to assist the Task Force in its efforts to develop a program to arrest Lake Waramaug's eutrophication.
Our organization, now the Lake Waramaug Conservancy, has had a remarkable history of scientific research, groundbreaking innovation, and hard work—what the NYT’s has called “a study model for the rest of Connecticut.” Our efforts are ongoing: lakes are complex environmental organisms and, each year, new problems and opportunities arise. This is especially true today due to the substantially increased activity around the lake and within its watershed, as well as the ever-increasing threat from invasive aquatic species. We're hopeful that all in our community who live, love and use our lake, will join us to protect it and keep it healthy and clean for the next 50 years and beyond. We're proud of our work over the past 50 years and invite you to learn more about us.
Our Timeline
1950
The decline of Lake Waramaug begins to show.
1960
The lake's eutrophication (the gradual dying of a lake) significantly accelerates and algae blooms cause the lake to take on an ugly green color.
1968
The lake becomes so clouded and discolored that there is no visibility–froth on the lake delivers a negative clarity reading.
1975
To reverse the damage of what the NYT calls a "galloping case of eutrophication," The Lake Waramaug Task Force is founded by a group of concerned residents–led by the tireless efforts of Janet Bates–as a committee of the Northwestern Connecticut Regional Planning Agency.
1978
Substantial funds from federal, state, and private sources are raised to support cutting-edge scientific research in limnology (the study of lakes).
1980
Robert W. Kortmann, Ph. D. is retained to help arrest the eutrophication before Lake Waramaug is condemned to become a swamp.
1981
Hypolimnetic Withdrawal System designed by Kortmann is installed adjacent to East Shore Road. The southern tip of Arrow Point is purchased by the Task Force, ensuring the organization's financial security and enabling a second Hypolimnetic System at what became known as Site II. These are the first iterations of the aeration systems we know today.
1983
The committee is incorporated as the Lake Waramaug Task Force, Inc. and hires an executive director, Tom McGowan.
1987
The Task Force undertakes the first major comprehensive study of the lake's waters, which identifies phosphorous as a major problem. The group's focus is broadened beyond the lakefront to the entire Lake Waramaug watershed—more than 9,000 acres—and an all-out education effort to limit the use of phosphorous begins.
1989
Dr. Kortmann's award-winning first Layer Aeration System is installed. The groundbreaking benefits are immediately evident, and a second system is added.
2000
Thanks to funds provided by the United States and Connecticut Departments of Agriculture, and the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, The Tanner Farm Agreement is reached, establishing a new operation and management plan for the Farm and drastically reducing the amount of phosphorus entering Lake Waramaug.
2004
After arguing the negative effects of a large public boat launch, a smaller boat launch is established, limiting the risk of new boats introduced to the lake.
2006
Scattered sights of curly leaf pondweed mark an intensification of the battle against invasive species; Fanwort and Water Chestnut infestations are also soon discovered.
2010
Lake Waramaug enjoys record clarity readings of 15'.
2016
Thanks to the generosity of the Ellen Knowles Harcourt Foundation, the Marion and Alice Edwards Fund and The Connecticut Community Foundation, a Zooplankton Farm begins operation. Located in the repurposed concrete pools of the defunct hypolimnetic withdrawal systems on Arrow Point, the project seeks to re-establish balance in the lake's delicate ecosystem.
2019
Lake Waramaug breaks 2010 clarity readings, 19' for weeks during June and July.
2023
In an effort to mitigate the effects of climate change, one of our aeration towers is moved further south in the New Preston Bay.
2025
The organization celebrates 50 years of innovation and success. Looking forward to our ongoing work over the next 50 years, we updated our name to the Lake Waramaug Conservancy.
When we began in 1975, we thought we'd complete our work in just 3 years. As we now know, after 50 years, our work is vital and ongoing.
Our new name reflects our mission to protect the lake water quality, clarity and ecological health, now and in the future.
Our new logo symbolizes land, water and air, the core elements of the lake's ecosystem, in a color palette of blues and greens that evoke these harmonious elements as we see them in nature.
2026
A new and aggressive strain of hydrilla devastates more than two dozen Connecticut water bodies and threatens Lake Waramaug. The Conservancy builds decontamination trailers and supports the three lake towns in launching a boat decontamination program. These efforts make Lake Waramaug the first lake in Connecticut to implement an integrated aquatic invasive species (AIS) prevention program.
Board of Directors
Lee Vance
Chair
Randy Bernard
Vice Chair
Peary Stafford
Treasurer
Paul Herzan
Secretary