It could mean ‘game over’ for Candlewood
On May 22, 2020, a single zebra mussel was found in Candlewood Lake — the first such sighting of its kind in our waters and, worst case, seen as possibly the precursor of others then in hiding, yet to be found. Thus, the well-worn saga began as it has for literally thousands of water bodies across this nation, representing a major challenge for those responsible for Candlewood Lake’s welfare … and that includes you and each of us who ply its waters, and those agencies that oversee its protection.
Since that solo ZM sighting almost three years ago, hundreds more have been found dispersed along and below the lake’s surface. Typically, they would just be added to the ZM scorecard, but this time it’s different … very different in important ways that offer a singular and critical opportunity to manage down this ZM population before it colonizes and multiplies exponentially and irreversibly. Now we find ourselves in a very unique position — in the midst of a biannual, sustained deep drawdown which exposes large swaths of Candlewood’s bottomlands at a time of unusually mild weather when searching the exposed surfaces for these critters is unseasonably safe and predictably productive. Given the overwhelming risk of colonization, allowing this onetime opportunity to pass by is unthinkable.
Consider this a clarion call to personally invest your time and energy in sustaining Candlewood Lake’s well-being by joining with other concerned lake advocates in searching for and removing ZMs from exposed rocks, substrate and remaining vegetation. As we have learned from past efforts, this is not a cake walk; it requires navigating the bottomlands, turning over rocks, and visually and manually feeling one’s way along. But both the opportunity and rewards are unmatched in
protecting and accepting responsibility for this prized crown jewel in our midst. The next 4-6 weeks are crucial before lake levels are again raised in early April and this window of opportunity closes for another 2plus years.
So, the time to volunteer is now while the weather is inviting and the bottomlands are snow/ice free. Look for separate messages from the CLA regarding this search effort and access CLA’s site at candlewoodlakeauthority.org for further information. Having plotted past locations harboring ZMs, the CLA is now in a position to guide and assign search segments, focusing on known hot spots and areas of likely ZM presence. All of those who appreciate Candlewood Lake’s charms and have indulged in its unsurpassed recreational activities are urged to pay back in kind by volunteering for this last chance effort. If we fiddle and fail to act now, it could well mean game over as Candlewood Lake is overrun by these insidious invaders — not a legacy to be proud of given our opportunity to have reversed the course of history.