By Sarah Opdahl

The Candlewood Lake Authority (CLA) met on Wednesday, August 9 to discuss all aspects of the lake under their purview. They learned that their new Silver Ship had arrived, and the officers are learning the boat’s new features. While very similar to another Silver Ship they own, this boat has a few upgrades, including a new FLIR System serving as a search and rescue tool, plus it helps with navigation giving them better visibility at night. The CLA is considering retrofitting their original Silver Ship with this system as well.

Ongoing issues were mentioned regarding Blueberry Island, which was “closed” by New Fairfield but continues to be an active site. Staff and CLA members were circumspect in their comments, with Director of Ecology and Education Dr. Neil Statler saying, “that’s kind of a complicated situation, but I can tell you that New Fairfield is very focused on that issue…ultimately, I think it’s probably best that we just stay away from that for now, while it’s being sorted out.”

Inappropriate use of Blueberry Island, creating a health and safety issue, led to the island’s closure. However, usage and noise complaints about the island have funneled to the CLA throughout the summer. Though they have passed along the messages, it is unclear to the CLA if New Fairfield’s marine presence has increased this summer. Members expressed hope that a solution will eventually be “great.”

CLA members discussed the possibility of creating a post to remind lake goers that the island is closed, though it was acknowledged that the reach of the posts only goes so far when many visitors are not loca l. In public awareness planning, the CLA will continue to create and post on social media feeds twice per week.

Zebra mussels continue to be found more frequently in Candlewood Lake. Statler said it was indicative of “the population growth we expected but not a nuisance level yet.” He explained, another deep survey in the wintertime, during the shallow drawdown, will be info rmative. The survey locations they use are consistent in both shallow and deep drawdown years.

Regarding plant life, Statler explained the exclosures are being monitored. Earlier in the month, two of the five had plant material growing. Statler said, “One had multiple species of plants,the other just had a low-growing plant, but we did find eelgrass, which is native. We also found a few existing invasives in that other exclosure.”

Statler dropped off the first batch of water samples at UCONN’s lab, a new partnership for the CLA, saying “we’re very excited to work with them.” Overall, he said, “the water quality is looking actually pretty good this year,” with lower-than-average blue-green algae and higher clarity.  “Everything, water-chemistry wise, is looking on the better side of normal.”

 The lake stewards were praised by Statler. “Over the past four weekends they stopped five invasive species from entering the lake.”

The CLA learned more marine patrol officers were trained to join a “jet ski task force…now they’re going to have the jet skis out more often.” There was a note about excessive speed being used by boats launching for fishing tournaments on the weekends. This happens often from the Squantz Boat Launch. More discussion on this topic is expected by the Public Safety Committee, which will bring the issue back to the full CLA.

CLA Executive Director Mr. Mark Howarth noted, “the weather has been a little bit unpredictable this year…there have been a number of rainouts.” One positive aspect of this is that they were able to divert staffing funds to increase their presence on the lake on nice-weather nights, especially later into the night.

Facilities and equipment crews have appreciated a “more normal pace” th is summer. They are continuing with maintenance as needed during the season and have a schedule for equipment plans ready to act upon in the fall. CLA’s building in Sherman is being renovated and it is described as “starting to look pretty good.”

Treasurer Mr. Bill Lohan explained, the group received their annual $50,000 donation from FirstLight “in support of our activities.” They completed a $100,000 transfer from their equipment and facilities funds to their capital fund. In addition, Lohan explained that the group’s new sweep account is generating funds, “the interest that we earn for the month is $2,900, which should help as we go through the year. “

The next Candlewood Lake Authority meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 13, 7:30 p.m.