Guest Speaker:: Our guest speaker was welcomed and introduced – We were very fortunate to have Larry Marsicano, Executive Director of the Candlewood Lake Authority and President of the CT Federation of Lakes agree to share his knowledge from his vast experience with lake issues. Among the attendees were the MLIF Board members, Mamanasco Lake watershed residents, as well as interested watershed residents from other Ridgefield lakes.
Topics:
Aquatic Invasive Plant Management: Mr. Marsicano explained that Eurasain WaterMilfoil (EWM) is extensive on Candlewood Lake, encompassing up to 500 acres. Deep water drawdowns from December to March every other year worked until the lake 90s. He noted that at/after a depth of 15 feet there are few or no weeds. Lakes such as Mamanasco have less success with drawdowns because of being shallow. Deep drawdowns are not species specific. Helpful plants as well as invasive ones are affected, including animal life. Annual deep drawdowns are not the most beneficial. Candlewood is looking for other alternatives to the deep drawdowns. Mr. Marsicano suggested that we invite Dave Zuang from lake Waubeeka to speak.
Triploid Grass Carp: Candlewood is considering using grass carp. Many lakes in Connecticut are using carp. They seem to do well in smaller water bodies.
Zebra Mussels: Zebra mussels need a high level of calcium to survive. The use of lime on lawns increases calcium in the lake so it should not be used. We should know the level of alkalinity in our water and elements such as calcium, manganese and sodium. If the Ph level is 6.5 or higher, zebra mussels cannot survive.
Blue-Green Algae: Blue-green algae produces cyanobacteria found in floating algae blooms. In high concentrations this can harm pets and, rarely, people. Warm temperatures, a high nutrient load and still-water foster the blue-green algae growth.
Economic Issues: If a lake is not well managed and the lake becomes no longer usable for swimming and boating, the market value of shoreline and watershed properties can decline anywhere from 30-35%. Using these figures can help increase town participation in lake management because decline in property values is tied to the amount of town income from property taxes.
Legislative Action: A new Connecticut law has allocated a total $200,000 for municipal grants to lakes. DEEP is now making a plan on how this money will be used and what the application process will be.
Thank You: Larry was thanked for sharing his time and wealth of knowledge with us.
