Governor Rell Proclaims July 20 - 26 CT Lakes Awareness Week

Posted: July 17, 2008

Lake Leaders Encouraged by Additional Focus on CT Lakes (Sherman, CT, July 14, 2008) In late June, Governor Jodi Rell issued a proclamation declaring the week of July 20 - 26 as Lakes Awareness Week in Connecticut and urged all citizens of the State in joining her in appreciating these important water resources. There are over 3,280 named lakes, ponds and reservoirs in the State which provide a wide-range of values including environmental, recreational, economic, and aesthetic. Some are important public water supplies or backup water supplies. Others are being considered as back up supplies as demand for public water supplies continue to increase. As such, efforts to protect these inland water resources have become more and more important. Larry Marsicano, Executive Director of the Candlewood Lake Authority and Vice President of the Connecticut Federation of Lakes (CFL) expressed his appreciation for the proclamation and stated, "The Governor's recognition of our lakes is a great validation of current efforts and a call to do more to preserve these wonderful natural resources. We are grateful to the Governor for her support." The reasons why more must be done, however, are becoming increasingly apparent and troublesome. Tom McGowan, also on the board of the CFL and Executive Director of the Lake Waramaug Task Force, notes that, "Lakes in Connecticut are under tremendous pressures from invasive species, failing septic systems, cultural eutrophication, soil erosion and sedimentation, recreational user conflict, and a number of other environmental threats. Any efforts to address these problems must include raising public awareness of the values and pressures on these precious water bodies." Lakes Awareness Week helps raise that awareness. The idea to have a CT Lakes Awareness Week came from the board of the CFL. The CFL is a nonprofit organization comprised of lake professionals and lay people committed to promoting the understanding and comprehensive management of lakes, ponds and watersheds in the State. Marsicano, on behalf of the CFL, reached out to State Representative Mary Ann Carson who approached the Governor's Office regarding the proclamation. As a legislator whose district includes communities around Candlewood Lake (Connecticut's largest lake), Squantz Pond, Ball Pond, and Lake Waramaug, Rep. Carson was very supportive. "Our region is extremely fortunate to have some of the most beautiful lakes in the state and I'm certain a number of my colleagues in the State Legislature can boast the same," said Rep Carson. "Our lakes contribute so much to the quality of life here in my district and elsewhere across Connecticut. It is fitting that we recognize this in a special week as well as throughout the year." For more information, contact: Bruce Fletcher, President Connecticut Federation of Lakes 860-229-9928 Larry Marsicano Candlewood Lake Authority (860) 354-6928 Tom McGowan Lake Waramaug Task Force (860) 567-0555) CT DEP, Office of the Commissioner Dennis Schain (860) 424-3110 Chuck Lee CT DEP Lakes Program Coordinator (860) 424-3716