Protect the Lake from Invasives

The three lake towns have partnered with the Conservancy and the Lake Waramaug Authority to launch a boat decontamination program aimed at addressing the urgent threat of invasive species. In just a few years, a new and aggressive strain of hydrilla has spread to more than two dozen Connecticut water bodies. Additionally, zebra mussels are now established in multiple lakes within a short drive of Waramaug.  

Lake George in New York has operated a comparable decontamination station / inspection program for the past 12 years, with no new invasive aquatic plants introduced across 390,000+ inspections.

To learn more about hydrilla and why it's a threat, click here.

Starting in 2026, every boat launching at the Washington Town Ramp is required to go through the new watercraft inspection and decontamination program, Waramaug Invasive Species Elimination ( W.I.S.E.). Inspection at the ramp is paired with  mobile hot water (140 ºF) decontamination units based at the New Preston Fire Station, 1.2 miles away (185 New Milford Tpke, New Preston, CT  06777). This program represents the first fully integrated aquatic invasive species prevention program operating on a Connecticut lake.  

​​​​​​​To learn more about the decontamination process, click here. For decontamination station hours of operation, click here.

To schedule a boat decontamination outside of station hours, email wisedecon@gmail.com

Mandatory inspection of motorboats launching at Lake Waramaug has been in place since 2004. This requirement is mandated in the Lake Waramaug Agreement, signed by the three towns and the State of Connecticut, and the W.I.S.E. Program is supported under this agreement.