Help us keep invasive weeds out of Bantam Lake

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) are costly to treat and detrimental to the native ecosystem, greatly affecting the recreational and economic value of the lake. Take these three important steps to help stop the spread!

1.

CLEAN, DRAIN, & DRY YOUR EQUIPMENT

2.

LEARN TO IDENTIFY CT's WORST INVASIVE SPECIES

3.

REPORT AIS SIGHTINGS TO BLPA

Alert BLPA About Invasive Species

If possible, include a photo of the species, the date the photo was taken, and the precise location of the photo.

CONTACT BLPA

Common Invasives in Connecticut

Connecticut River Hydrilla

Threat level: Extreme

Found in: Currently not seen in Bantam Lake

Treatment options: No known treatment, efforts MUST focus on prevention.

How to ID: Look for whorls of more than 3 leaves with visible toothed edges.

Fanwort

Threat level: Mild

Found in: North bays of Bantam Lake, Bantam River & Little Pond.

Treatment options: Herbicide, suction harvesting

How to ID: Submerged, fan-shaped leaves.

Eurasian Milfoil

Threat level: Moderate

Found in: North Bay, Nick's Cove

Treatment options: Herbicide, though it's difficult to treat due to proximity to endangered water marigold

How to ID: Leaves are feather-like, with four leaves arranged in a whorl (radiating out from a single point) around the stem.

Zebra Mussels

Dreissena_polymorpha_(I1957)_0265_(39449820624).jpg

Threat level: Moderate

Found in: Currently not seen in Bantam Lake, though found in nearby Candlewood Lake, Lake Zoar & Lake Lillinonah,

Treatment options: Pesticide

How to ID: Tiny D-shaped shells often with a striped pattern (quarter for scale).

Zebra_Mussels_(Dreissena_polymorpha)_(52117045568).jpg

Aquatic Invasive Species

How to Clean, Drain & Dry

Before leaving the launch:

CLEAN: your waders, boat, kayak, canoe, tube (especially the soles) including rinsing any sand or mud and removing leaves, plant material, or algae.
DRAIN: all water from your boat, kayak, or canoe before transporting.

At home or prior to your next location:

DRY: anything that comes into contact with water (boats, trailers, anchors, propellers, fishing equipment, clothing, dogs, etc.) for a minimum of one week during hot/dry weather and four weeks during cool/wet weather.

If drying is not possible:

Wash with hot water (preferably high pressure).
Dip equipment into 100% vinegar for 20 minutes prior to rinsing.
Use a 1% salt solution (1oz. per gallon) or soap and hot water (Lysol, boat soap, etc.) for 10 minutes prior to rinsing.
Freeze for at least 24 hours