Dear Friends of Lake Waramaug,
As we approach our fiftieth anniversary in 2025, we have much to celebrate: Lake Waramaug was rescued from the brink of eutrophic death and is now recognized as one of the most beautiful and iconic locations in Connecticut. What an achievement for those who gathered in 1975 and those who accepted the mission in the years since!
From the beginning, we studied the lake, recorded clarity data, water temperatures, bacteria levels, and vegetation growth and we continue to do so. We measured water levels, as well as the effects of run-off from farms and residential properties, and we continue to gather this information today. We have monitored fish species in the lake and the benefits they provide to water quality. This monitoring continues in much the same way as it did when the LWTF began, but with better technology. The Task Force has applied cutting edge science to develop the best practices to thwart old and new threats to the lake’s water quality. We have developed school programs and community information sessions to demonstrate how we care for the lake, and the great need to protect the lake environment today and in the future. We have always engaged in thoughtful debates as to how best to use our generous donations in order to maintain our prized lake.
We have learned a great deal during this time. When presented with the invasive weed problem in the 1990’s, it was suggested by some experts that adding large quantities of chemicals to our lake was the only solution. Rather than accept this radical treatment as the absolute remedy to the weed problem, the Task Force established a weed mapping and harvesting program to eradicate invasive weeds. This proved to be a great success and the ecological balance of our lake was not compromised by toxic chemicals. Our harvesting program continues every year. The Task Force has learned that gathering information and data coupled with methodical decision-making leads to truly remarkable results. We have learned that lake conditions change from year to year, and we must adapt our decisions to the varied needs of the lake when they present themselves.
We have also learned that we can turn to the community for their help and cooperation as we did last year during the severe drought. The Task Force asked all boaters not to create wakes near the delta at the mouth of the Sucker Brook to prevent nutrient rich sediments on the delta from being dragged further into the lake by boat wave wash. Boaters were also asked to stay 300 feet from any shoreline in order to protect areas newly exposed by the drought. This was a great example of the Task Force and the lake community working to do what is best for the lake.
During the past year we made the decision to move one of our four aerators to a new location, enabling it to run more efficiently which helps to keep the thermocline stable and traps cyanobacteria in the lower layers of the lake, helping to prevent blooms. We have dredged a new channel from the mouth of the Sucker Brook to allow cold, oxygenated water to flow into the lake and not stagnate on the delta. We are also completing engineering plans that will secure one of the largest erosion sites on Sucker Brook. This represents the fourth major stabilization accomplished by the Task Force in the watershed in the past ten years.
Finally, this summer we contacted Terra Vigilis, a well-known and highly respected firm, to work with the three towns surrounding the lake to create and conduct a multi-town survey that will help them to understand how the communities use the lake and how they would like it used in the future.
Additionally, we are looking at Terra Vigilis’s capabilities to conduct a large wave displacement impact study on Lake Waramaug. This will allow us to better understand how our lake’s shoreline and sediments are affected by large wave recreation. This will be the first recreational wave impact study to be done in the state of Connecticut.
Lastly, thank you again for your continued financial support of the LWTF. Your generosity allows us to continue with our vital annual programs for the lake and to plan for future projects which will give Lake Waramaug the best chance to remain the jewel that we all know it is.
Mike Guadagno
Chair, Lake Waramaug Task Force