(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

By Her Excellency M. Jodi Rell, Governor:
an Official Statement

Whereas, Connecticut is home to over 3,280 lakes, ponds, reservoirs and other bodies of water covering 94,000 acres, which are valuable resources for a variety of recreational, commercial, environmental, and aesthetic reasons: and

Whereas, our actions can affect the quality of lakes an conflicting uses of Connecticut's lakes can result in the reduction of their value and enjoyment: and

Whereas, concerns surrounding the management of these resources grow as lake usage increases; and

Whereas, in addition to cultural eutrophication, which is a process that occurs when a lake becomes more fertile from nutrient-laden runoff, some of the threats to Connecticut's; lakes include toxic contamination, invasion of exotic species, increased sedimentation, acid rain, shoreland development and user conflicts: and

Whereas, because of the critical importance of lakes to our quality of life, we must protect these unique resources for future generations to enjoy as much as we do: and

Whereas, we as citizens must work and learn together about the unique qualities of lakes and be leaders in making positive contributions to the quality of fresh water in Connecticut: now

THEREFORE, I, M. JODI RELL, Governor of the State of Connecticut, do hereby officially proclaim July 20 – 26, 2008 as LAKES AWARENESS WEEK

In the State of Connecticut, I urge all our citizens to join me in appreciating the valuable resources that are Connecticut's bodies of water

Signed By:
M. Jodi Rell
Governor

They are currently scheduled to return to Brookfield for filming on Lillinonah Dr. and on Lillinonah Lake, from Wednesday - Friday, June 11-13, 2008 and Monday-Tuesday, June 16-17, 2008.

FILM SHOOT: WEDNESDAY-FRIDAY, JUNE 11-13, 2008 and MONDAY-TUESDAY, JUNE 16-17, 2008 (5 DAYS).

Scene Descriptions:

• Two people in a rowboat on a secluded lake (currently scheduled for Tuesday, June 17, 2008).
• 2 safety diver boats, to help maintain a safe perimeter, on either side of our action. We will let boats pass intermittently (while not actually filming)
• 1 safety diver boat to assist/respond to actor(s).
• They will have an EMT and ambulance on set.
• Park overnight(s): Picture Cars and Equipment trucks and lifts on the Westside of Lillinonah Drive (between the Dead End - Hanover Ridge Rd).
• Boats will be launched and fueled from the Pond Brook Boat Launch, where they will also dock overnight.
• June 11-13, 17, 2008 will be filming late into the night or early morning.
• They will have a permit on set for exclusive use of Lillinonah Lake in the area surrounding the film
• Put up cones to hold street parking in advance of equipment trucks arrival

Also found: garage door, clothes washer, TV, and the usual human detritus...

Well done, everyone!

Family Day
Saturday, August 2, 2008

Friend of the Lake Anniversary Party
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Speaking: Connecticut Attorney General Blumenthal Vice President-External Affairs FirstLight Power Resources, Inc. James A. Ginnetti and Bob Gates, Station Manager-CT Hydro

FirstLight Power Resources
143 West Street Extension - 2nd Floor
New Milford, Connecticut

RSVP:
Lois Chiovoloni (860) 895-6908 by Friday, September 14th

Download PDF

Five years ago when the FOTL was founded the mission was to not only to be a vocal advocate for the protection of Lake Lillinonah, but to build a strong lake community. The lake is a destination for a variety of activities throughout the year. The goal of Family Day is to bring together neighbors, while offering an opportunity to demonstrate the many activities available to those that love the lake and all it has to offer.

Activities to include:

• BBQ ($5/person)
• Water Ski Demonstration
• Wake Boarding Demonstration
• Air Chair Demonstration
• Wake Surfing Demonstration
• Learn how to use a kayak
• Learn how to fish (Children of all ages)
• Learn about Rowing

and MUCH MORE...

Throughout the day there will be tents set up from a variety groups and sponsors who will have hands-on demonstrations for people of all ages.

If you are interested in more information about participating or attending please contact us at (860) 210-8064 or send an email request to info@friendsofthelake.org.

RSVP

rsvp@friendsofthelake.org or (860) 210-8064

Getting Here

By Car - Take Rt. 25 north to Brookfield Center. Take a right onto Rt. 133. Stay On Rt. 133 for about three miles. Take a right right onto Obtuse Rocks Road (there will be a brown boat launch sign). After 2 miles, the road turns into Hanover Road (bear right at the three-way intersection. The Pond Brook boat launch will be on the left after the S turn. Van and Boat Shuttles will escort people back and forth from the lot to the boat ramp all day long.

By Boat - Pull up and drop anchor in front of the Newtown Boat Launch. We will have boats available for shuttle to and from land.

Parks and Recreation Commission has given permission to close the town boat launch to the general public for this event.

Participating Companies:

Newtown Bait and Tackle, GMS Rowing Center

We are pleased to report that a joint meeting with Friends of the Lake (FOTL), Lake Lillinonah Authority (LLA) and FirstLight Power (FLP) was held yesterday to express concerns over the vast amount of debris and high water levels Lake Lillinonah experienced last week.

FLP was very responsive to meet and discuss our concerns and will respond to our meeting with in two weeks.

First Light has also published the contact information for Brian Wood, Land Management Administrator, for any of you whom have question regarding dock registration and land use concerns. Brian can be reached @ 860-350-3294, 143 West Street Ext, Suite E, New Milford, CT 06776.

FOTL will report back to the membership regarding FLP response to our meeting next week.

Until then please have a SAFE and happy Fourth of July holiday.

Best,

Friends of the Lake Executive Board