The Candlewood Lake Authority (CLA) met on Wednesday, February 8, and voted to approve a capital request for public safety funds to acquire a FLIR Maritime System. According to Flir.com, the thermal imaging system will give them “the ability to see clearly in total darkness, through solar glare, and through light fog and smoke.” It was noted that a large amount of money was spent on vessels and the system would add protection to avoid collisions; additionally, the marine patrol had numerous search and rescue operations in recent years, especially last year, that the system will help with. The system would be fitted to one boat—the intent is the CLA’s new silver ship—and cannot be moved from boat to boat.

A FLIR quote was received from a vendor for approximately $13,500, which includes the physical equipment, installation costs, and other associated peripherals. It was also noted that the CLA  recently received a donation of $10,000 that was directly in support of a FLIR purchase and greatly offsets the cost.

Th e aforementioned silver ship was stalled due to supply chain issues, but CLA members were happy to hear that the ship’s engine was finally procured and is slated to move forward. It was confirmed that the engine is a “300,” a point which was previously discussed at length at meetings was whether to go with a 300 or a 350.

Given the large lake drawdown, CLA members have found evidence of zebra mussels at the shorelines in New Milford and Danbury. The CLA would appreciate help from the public on this score—instructions for volunteers to aid in the search are on Candlewoodlakeauthority.org and were distributed via social media. If you are on the search and think you have found a zebra mussel, remove it, take a photo, and email it to science@candlewoodlakeauthority.org to confirm the result.

Though the early February cold produced a thin layer of ice in some areas of the lake, CLA members acknowledged that this is shaping up to be an ice-free winter. In conjunction with the warmer than normal temperatures, there were algae blooms throughout the winter. Blue-green algae is present in the water and Director of Ecology & Environmental Education Dr. Neil Stalter noted that the algae “seem to be having a nice winter because of the mildness of the temperature changes,  so when the pump up begins again, which probably will not be that long from now…we’ll get out and sample again.”

Chief of Marine Patrol Mr. Nick Mellas reported that there are seven promising applicants for summer positions on the marine patrol. They will proceed with background checks and eventual training. The current officers will be receiving letters to gauge intent to return.

The next Candlewood Lake Authority meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 8, 7:00 p.m.

By Sarah Opdahl