Welcome to Our Website
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Welcome to the Lake Quassapaug Association website. The mission of the lake association is to preserve the
lake’s high water quality and promote responsible enjoyment of the lake. 2018 GIVE LOCAL CAMPAIGN FOR LQA
The Salem Fund at the Connecticut Community Foundation has again pledged a $10,000 1-1 match for the annual LQA fundraising through the Give Local Campaign. Your donation in 2018 is critical to hire divers for eight weeks and continue our progress against the invasive weeds. Donations can be made
LQA RAISES $60,678 IN 2017 FOR INVASIVE WEED CONTROL Special thanks to our Lake Lovers with gifts of $1000 or more Astro Electric CT Community Foundation Middlebury Swim Club Garrett & Antoinette Moore, Sr. Joe & Beth Molder William & Theresa Ostrander Quassapaug Sailing Club Quassy Amusement Park Salem Foundation Fund Sandy Beach Club Sportsman's Club Thyrza Whittemore BOOM AND BUOY PLACED ACROSS MOUTH OF BIG COVE In August the boom and buoy, which were purchased with grants from the State of Connecticut and the Salem Fund at the Connecticut Community Foundation, were installed across the mouth of Big Cove to reduce fragments from milfoil in Big Cove from entering and colonizing areas in the main part of the lake. In 2018 the boom and buoy will be reinstalled prior to intensive harvesting of the milfoil north of the boom. Additional anchors will be installed to keep the boom in place during windy weather. 
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NEWS AND EVENTSCONTINUED SUCCESS FOR INVASIVE WEED CONTROL IN 2017
George Knoecklein, our Northeast Aquatic Resource (NEAR) consultant, surveyed the lake in September and noted that Lake Quassapaug is one of the few lakes in CT where invasive milfoil is being effectively controlled without chemicals through the use of suction harvesting. His report states, “In general the DASH efforts to remove Variable milfoil were very apparent. The Tyler Cove arm had a widened and extended channel that was largely free of milfoil. Prior to 2017, the very northern part of this cove was entirely covered with the invasive species. Long Cove had a very similar new channel and the survey boat was able to reach 500’ farther into the cove in 2017. Overall Variable milfoil has had a steadily decreasing % occurrence since 2013.” Equally important Dr. Knoecklein found only one Eurasian milfoil plant outside of Tylers Cove whereas in the past numerous plants were found in Dam and Middle Coves as well. More Eurasian milfoil was found in Tylers Cove because the divers began their work in May before the water lilies covered them. The suction harvesting crew from A&E Diving Services arrived in the cold month of May. With special diving suits that are warmed with 120 degree water, the crew cleared small amounts of milfoil around the main part of the lake. Channels in both Dam Cove and Tylers Cove were checked with any regrowth harvested. The amount of regrowth was significantly less than in 2016. An additional acre in Tylers Cove was also harvested for the first time this year. Read the full Northeast Aquatic Research report under Publications. LQA WEED CONTROL PLANS FOR 2018 Based on the excellent results in 2017, LQA plans for milfoil harvesting in 2018 include:
WATER QUALITY AND CLARITY ARE EXCELLENT The water quality and clarity of the lake continue to be excellent. As noted in the NEAR report, “phosphorus levels at all top and upper-middle levels of the lake were below 10ppb which is low and good. The respective excellent water clarity Secchi readings in June and August are a direct result of the low phosphorus count.” All readings are taken by our Weed Team members: Matt Holloway, Paul Anderson and George Nybakken. In 2017 LQA also began a more extensive sampling of storm water inflows to the lake for phosphorus and nitrogen to ensure that the concentration of these nutrients flowing into the lake is not too high. A high concentration will encourage more weed growth. The samples from the heads of Tylers and Big Cove showed low concentrations, but others around the lake were very high. We will continue the sampling in 2018 with assistance from NEAR and then determine the best remedial actions with help from residents and organizations around the lake. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED As a volunteer organization we welcome assistance from all who are interested in preserving Lake Quassapaug. Join dedicated volunteers in tasks such as gathering water samples, working with our consultants, communicating with our members or other involvement that meets your interests. Please send us an email on the Contact page of this website or contact any of our Directors directly. 
LQA MEMBERS AND DONORS ATTEND ANNUAL MEETING
Lake Quassapaug Association’s 2017 Members and Donors attended a very special annual meeting at the home of the Petersons overlooking Lake Quassapaug. After a short meeting, the Petersons led guests on an historical tour of the beautifully restored Whittemore gardens followed by a wine and cheese reception. Guests, many of whom have lived on the lake for years, were delighted with the fabulous view and the story behind the Whittemore properties. At the annual meeting, two new Directors were elected to the LQA Board of Directors. Garrett Moore, Sr. and his family live on the lake and he was involved in the founding of LQA. Janet Helgeson is a summer resident who has taken on much of the publicity for LQA. |
