QUADDICK
RESERVOIR
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Although
the
initial plans to install a Water Quality District were voted down, your
Association is still working for you to ensure we have the funding
needed to continue protecting Quaddick Lake's water.
WHAT IS THE
PURPOSE
OF THE QLA? To maintain
the water quality on Quaddick. The Association
is not a policing or regulatory agency.
WHO
CAN BE A MEMBER
OF THE QLA? The owner of each
property that is
waterfront or
has direct water access can join the Association. Fees are
only
$25 per year per voting member.
WHO
IS
RESPONSIBLE
FOR ADDRESSING THE INVASIVE WEED CONTROL ON QUADDICK LAKE?
There is
no official State DEEP program to
address these issues. When State funding becomes available, the only
eligible
parties that can apply are municipalities, lake associations that are
taxing
districts and lake authorities. As a result, the Association and the
homeowners around the lake must bear the burden of maintaining the
water quality on Quaddick.
WHAT
WILL HAPPEN IF
THE INVASIVE WEEDS ARE NOT ADDRESSED?
1st - Excessive
weed growth leads to decreased oxygen level in the water which will
eventually
kill fish. QLA regularly monitors the oxygen saturation in the water
using
equipment obtained through a grant from the New England Grassroots
organization. The oxygen levels in the lake have increased as a result
of weed
treatment but only through proactive maintenance can this continue.
2nd
- Weed
growth will eventually turn the lake into a swamp preventing
recreational activities such as swimming and boating. Property resale
value will
decrease.
HOW
CAN WEEDS BE
CONTROLLED?
1. Lower the water
level in the off season. 8-9 feet is required to control the majority
of nuisance plant infestation. This is not feasible with the current
design of the dam. QLA has no control over the dam. Additionally, there
is a state requirement regarding outflow of the dam. The document
regarding Stream Flow Standards and Regulations can be found here.
2.
Early freeze: a combination
of early freeze & lowering the water level has good effect. The
freeze is weather dependent.
3.
Prevent introduction of
invasive weeds: wash boats prior to entering lake. Most boats enter via
the state park, where there is no boat wash or personnel to monitor the
process.
4.
Education: QLA received an
education grant and distributed education packets to owners of lake
front properties. Information for homeowners included using
non-phosphate based fertilizers. Fertilizers run off into the lake and
phosphate based fertilizers encourage weed growth.
5.
Weed eating species: such
as Asian Carp. The process is costly, results are variable and it is
unknown how the addition of a different species of fish will affect the
aquatic environment. With this solution, there is no control of the
fish once they are put in the lake including ensuring they are sterile.
6.
Hydro raking: Not a
preferred method due to breakage of vegetation that floats and re-roots
downstream but does provide seasonal control of milfoil &
fanwort
to the individual homeowner from the abundant weed growth and makes the
waterfront usable until deep drawdowns or treatment can go forward.
7.
Herbicides: After an annual
survey conducted by an outside agency, herbicide recommendations are
made. The treatment has to be approved by DEEP. DEEP requires 30-80%
vegetation of the shoreline to maintain the environment needed by the
pike. The pike are stocked annually by the State.
ARE
FUNDS
AVAILABLE FOR TREATMENT? The
grant received in 2007 from the state
was to
fund one treatment but has funded several. The moneys from this grant
are
nearly exhausted. This grant was from capital funds for municipalities
who may
choose how to use the funds. It is not expected that this will be
available
again, as the town needs the funds for other projects. There is also a
program called the Lakes
Grant Program. According to the CT DEEP,
this program has not had any funds since 2001. These funds can only be
used for
surveys and to start a program. Quaddick received that grant prior to
the
revival of QLA in 2006 and therefore is not eligible to receive it
again. In
addition, QLA has facilitated multiple fund raisers which have not
generated
adequate funds. Any donation you would like to make towards our cause
would be greatly appreciated. You can donate with your credit/debit
card or PayPal account below:
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