Dear Friends of Lake Waramaug,
There’s no getting around it — 2021 was a tough year for water clarity in Lake Waramaug. Intense summer storms produced a double-whammy effect of large amounts of rain running off the land carrying sediments and nutrients into the Lake as well as heavy winds that created a problematic mixing wave action at the surface. Together, these factors forced the cyanobacteria layer higher in the Lake — though not, fortunately, to a dangerous point — and clouded the water for extended periods. Importantly, our aerators were able to fight back, and conditions were significantly better than they might have been as a result. And on a very positive note, invasive weed populations were at their lowest levels in recent memory.
We know that weather events have been getting more intense and predictions are that trend will continue. While we are doing everything we can with our in-lake strategies — the aerators, zooplankton farm and trout stocking are all being pushed to their limits — we now need to redouble our efforts on the watershed. In the coming months and years, you’ll be hearing a lot about our work to mitigate runoff from catch basins, remediate the eroding banks of Sucker Brook and other watershed efforts.
You won’t be hearing these things from me, however. Due to term limits, I’ll be handing over the direction of the Task Force to the very capable hands of Mike Guadagno. It’s been a true joy working with the staff, board and our supporters and I know that together we’ll be able to keep the Lake in the pristine condition it’s enjoyed for the past few years.
Peary Stafford
Outgoing Chair, Lake Waramaug Task Force