10 Ways to Protect Our Lake
1. Make sure to not bring aquatic invasive plants into our lake! Be sure to thoroughly inspect and wash/bleach everything—boats, docks, trailers, and anything else that will go into our lake if it has been in another lake. It is illegal in CT to transport invasive aquatic species on a boat or trailer.
2. Wetlands filter and collect sediment, remove nutrients, pesticides and bacteria, reduce overland water flow and store runoff and flood water. Don't place leaves, grass clippings, or any other fill in wetlands. Never burn leaves and grass clippings near wetlands, streams, drains or especially the lake shore. Establish buffer zones of ground cover vegetation to filter runoff before it reaches the water's edge. Ideally, buffer zones should be at least 10 feet wide.
3. Plant trees and shrubs to slow water runoff and reduce soil erosion. Deciduous trees should be planted far enough away from the water's edge so the leaves do not blow into the water. Repair eroded areas of your yard. Install silt fence to prevent runoff into the water any time repairing or improving your landscaping.
4. Walk your pets in areas away from the edge of the wetlands, streams, drains and the lake. Bag your pet's waste and dispose of it through your toilet. Be sure that you tie or cage your animals at lease 75 feet away from the edge of the lake.
5. Use fertilizer and pesticides on your lawn sparingly or not at all. If you must fertilize use a fertilizer with no phosphorus. The amount of phosphorus is designated by the middle number on your fertilizer bag.
6. Be mindful of your wake. Avoid disturbing the lake bottom sediments. Boaters are responsible for any damages from their wakes.
7. Avoid washing your car near the water and pay attention to where any runoff is going. Water your lawn sparingly to avoid washing nutrients and sediments into the lake.
8. Direct your roof water runoff into grassy areas. Roof gutters and drains should never be connected to your sewer system or drain directly into the lake.
9. Be careful when filling gas tanks near the water's edge - whether your boat, car or lawnmower. Oil and gas spills and runoff are very harmful pollutants.
10. Keep geese away from the water! Grass near the water provides a tempting landing spot for geese and goose poop encourages weed growth in the water. One simple deterrent is to hang Mylar tape near the shoreline. Hang the reflective tape in strips or suspend between poles. The slightest breeze can cause the red/silver Mylar to flash and crackle irritating and confusing birds. https://reedjoseph.com/products/sight-and-motion/
REMEMBER: Everything you put on your lawn eventually ends up in the lake. Please treat our greatest recreational resource with care.
2. Wetlands filter and collect sediment, remove nutrients, pesticides and bacteria, reduce overland water flow and store runoff and flood water. Don't place leaves, grass clippings, or any other fill in wetlands. Never burn leaves and grass clippings near wetlands, streams, drains or especially the lake shore. Establish buffer zones of ground cover vegetation to filter runoff before it reaches the water's edge. Ideally, buffer zones should be at least 10 feet wide.
3. Plant trees and shrubs to slow water runoff and reduce soil erosion. Deciduous trees should be planted far enough away from the water's edge so the leaves do not blow into the water. Repair eroded areas of your yard. Install silt fence to prevent runoff into the water any time repairing or improving your landscaping.
4. Walk your pets in areas away from the edge of the wetlands, streams, drains and the lake. Bag your pet's waste and dispose of it through your toilet. Be sure that you tie or cage your animals at lease 75 feet away from the edge of the lake.
5. Use fertilizer and pesticides on your lawn sparingly or not at all. If you must fertilize use a fertilizer with no phosphorus. The amount of phosphorus is designated by the middle number on your fertilizer bag.
6. Be mindful of your wake. Avoid disturbing the lake bottom sediments. Boaters are responsible for any damages from their wakes.
7. Avoid washing your car near the water and pay attention to where any runoff is going. Water your lawn sparingly to avoid washing nutrients and sediments into the lake.
8. Direct your roof water runoff into grassy areas. Roof gutters and drains should never be connected to your sewer system or drain directly into the lake.
9. Be careful when filling gas tanks near the water's edge - whether your boat, car or lawnmower. Oil and gas spills and runoff are very harmful pollutants.
10. Keep geese away from the water! Grass near the water provides a tempting landing spot for geese and goose poop encourages weed growth in the water. One simple deterrent is to hang Mylar tape near the shoreline. Hang the reflective tape in strips or suspend between poles. The slightest breeze can cause the red/silver Mylar to flash and crackle irritating and confusing birds. https://reedjoseph.com/products/sight-and-motion/
REMEMBER: Everything you put on your lawn eventually ends up in the lake. Please treat our greatest recreational resource with care.
Additional Resources from the State of CT Department of Environmental Protection (DEEP) web site:
CT Boater's Guide (link)
Safe Boating Certificate information (link)
Caring for Our Lakes PDF (231kb)
Aquatic Invasive Species Brochure PDF (1.1mb)
Safe Boating Certificate information (link)
Caring for Our Lakes PDF (231kb)
Aquatic Invasive Species Brochure PDF (1.1mb)
Helpful hints from our neighbors at Candlewood Lake:
Candlewood Lake Authority in Sherman, CT has a robust website with helpful information dedicated to preserving the health of their lake. Take a look at their website, especially the excellent information on planting buffers: www.candlewoodlakeauthority.org
View houses for sale on Quasset Lake
(Be sure to read the Quasset Lake District Bylaws before purchasing a home on the lake.)
(Be sure to read the Quasset Lake District Bylaws before purchasing a home on the lake.)