Andover Lake Blog

Party Planning at Andover Lake Beach

2011-05-07T05:17:00.003-04:00

Beach party information for reserving a date to use the pavilion has been posted under the Lake Rules section on the Andover Lake website ......A.L.P.O.A. members will also find the new 2011 Beach Party form to download and complete to reserve the pavilion for their party date.

ANDOVER LAKE WEBSITE

2011-04-17T12:19:00.003-04:00

Many residents have noticed that they are unable to access forms through the Andover Lake website. I suspect this is because they access the website through their “favorites list” and since the website was modified in some manner at the end of last year…. if you access it from a list that you have saved previously you are going to the old web site which appears the same. Most favorites or other hyperlinks that have been saved since last year including the official town web site take you to site “http://users.ntplx.net/~alpoa/ . This is the wrong web site, the correct site is http://www.andoverlake.com/ CORRECTION: Go to your web browser and go to your “favorites” list. Delete the Andover Lake Homepage. Delete any hyperlinks you use from any other location. Go to your web browser and type in andoverlake.com and the correct site will appear. Now save it again as one of your “favorites”. OR From this blog. Go to “Andover Lake Links” in the right hand column, click on “Andover Lake Property Owners Association ALPOA”. This will take you to the correct website. Now you can save it in your favorites. :)

Time to renew boat rack spots

2011-04-17T06:29:00.000-04:00

ALPOA members how had reserved spots on boat racks in the right-of-ways can now renew them for the coming year. Contact Jenifer Nadeau by email (kayakin at sbcglobal.net) or phone (860-742-7203) to make sure to keep yours. For a new space, contact her starting May 23. Remember, you need to be a member in good standing to use the right-of-ways, and 2011 memberships are now due.

Fishing Season Opens today

2011-04-16T07:02:00.003-04:00

Fishing season opens today, April 16, 2011. Everyone over 16 years old needs a fishing license to fish in Connecticut waters. They are available on-line at the DEP Website http://www.ct.dep.gov/ or at the Town Clerk's office in the Town Office Building.

Although we consider Andover Lake a "private lake" the DEP's definition is a little different and therefore a valid CT Fishing License is required.

Rules and Regulations governing fishing can be found in the Anglers Guide that comes with your fishing license, is available at the Town Office Building or at the DEP Website.

MEMBERSHIP DUES

2011-04-14T22:54:00.003-04:00

2011 ALPOA memberships are due April 30 to avoid late fees. Download the form from the ALPOA website http://www.andoverlake.com/ . Remember to sign the form before mailing.

Children Killing Fish in Feeder Streams

2011-04-14T21:47:00.005-04:00

A friendly reminder to Andover Lake Residents: According to the DEP Angler’s Guide (pg. 4) ALL rivers and streams in CT are closed to fishing from March 1 to the opening day of Fishing Season . Although Andover Lake has no “closed season” and therefore is open to fishing year-round, the feeder streams do have a closed season. This means the taking of any fish from these streams during the “closed season” is illegal. For violation of the “closed season” regulation (pg. 8) there is a $154 per count fine. Please help spread the word that spearing, killing or taking the White Suckers from Andover Lake feeder streams is illegal before opening day. It has been reported that children are killing fish in the feeder streams which enter Andover Lake. Clearly this is a illegal activity and should be stopped by anyone who observes such activity. Additionally I recommend taking names and turning those names over to our resident trooper for follow up with their parents. Wildlife is everyones responsibility.

Lakehouse of Environmental Distinction

2011-04-03T17:18:00.000-04:00

Lakehouse of Environmental Distinction Award Offered by ALPOA Want to show off your love for Andover Lake and help the lake environment? Follow some recommended best management practices and receive an award recognizing your good stewardship! You will receive a handsome 6” diameter magnetic or sticker backed sign stating that you are “Proud to Be a Lakehouse of Environmental Distinction” to display. There is no charge to participate, so apply today! You will be contacted for the best date and time for viewing your property. ALPOA members will visit your property and look for the following practices: You have erosion control structures around storm drains and erodible areas such as using grassy buffers, stone, riprap etc where your downspout extenders and gutters release water to prevent erosion You have gutters installed on your house Your lawn has healthy vegetation You have a vegetative buffer near the lake There are no signs of erosion on your property You conduct a soil test before using fertilizer Your fertilizer use is minimized Your pesticide use is minimized Your septic system is pumped by the suggested time period for the capacity of your house You have allowed a test dye to be flushed through the system to check for lake contamination by your septic system If you have a compost bin, etc. present, refuse is stored with an adequate buffer from the lake (at least 50’) If you have a compost bin, etc. present, water is diverted away from the pile You perform proper disposal of lawn refuse You pick up animal feces near the lake area This award is being sponsored by ALPOA, the Andover Lake Property Owner’s Association. After the visit, you will receive a letter from LEAP, (Lake Environmental Awareness Program) outlining what you can do to help improve your practices, be a better steward to the lake, and be eligible for an award in the future. If you qualify for the award, it will be presented to you. Houses on Lake Rd., Lakeside Dr., Lakeview Dr., Sunset Lane, Island St., West St. Extension, West St., Erdoni Rd., Rose Lane, Woodside Lane, Brown Dr., Rockledge Dr., Mathieson Dr. and Basoula Rd. and School Rd. in Andover, Connecticut are eligible to apply. If you are interested, simply write the contact person, address, and phone number and email of the contact person and mail it or email it to kayakin@sbcglobal.net with LEAP (Lake Environmental Awareness Program) in the subject or call Jenifer Nadeau at 742-7203 by Sept 1.

In case your well was flooded

2010-03-31T16:27:00.003-04:00

The heavy rain of the last days has caused flooding throughout Connecticut, and as any flooding brings concerns about water contamination. In our area, as water wells are common, it is important to know that a water well that has been affected by flooding is to be considered contaminated, following guidelines of the CT Department of Public Health. Water well flooding is defined by the groundwater tables having risen in the pit above the top of the well head. For more details, see the CT DPH.

Bald Eagle spotted over Andover Lake

2009-12-03T09:54:00.002-05:00

Bald Eagle spotted over Andover Lake, Thursday, December 3, 2009. When traveling along roadways near any body of water this winter keep an eagle eye out for these large brown birds with a white head and white tail feathers. Often seen soaring or perched in a tree at the water’s edge. These great birds are generally “winter visitors” in Andover. FYI – in 2009 17 nesting pairs of Bald Eagles successfully fledged a total of 31 chicks in CT; in 2008, 13 nesting pairs of Bald Eagles successfully fledged a total of 21 chicks in CT. In 2007, 10 Bald Eagle pairs produced a total of 15 young. Although sightings of Bald Eagles in Andover have become more common there is currently no nesting activity in Andover. Nesting activities mostly takes place along the shoreline or major rivers.

Google Streetview comes to Andover Lake

2009-10-08T08:23:00.003-04:00

It is now possible to have a street level view of the streets around Andover Lake on Google maps. For this click here, there click-and-drag the little yellow man over any street that is highlighted in blue. Use arrows to rotate your view or move along the road. Have fun!

ALPOA initiation fee: the reason

2009-06-10T07:43:00.002-04:00

From ALPOA president Naida Arcenas:

Many people have questioned why a new membership is so much more expensive than a regular membership. The reason is that 20 years ago when the Dam needed replacing, there was not enough money saved. All members were assessed a $200 additional one-time fee to pay for repairs on the dam. ALMA also sold off many of its properties to raise money, and it was determined that we needed in the future to continue to assess each new membership this same one-time fee and invest this money in case the Dam needs additional work or replacing. We additionally, try to set aside money yearly to this fund for future dam repairs or other lake needs in case we have water or weed issues. ALPOA decided 8 years ago to lower the amount to $150 as it was too expensive an amount for new families. We at ALMA and ALPOA continue to strive to maintain the lake while trying to keep costs down.

Secure your boats

2009-06-02T09:02:00.002-04:00

The ALPOA security guard wants to alert everyone that several boats have recently been stolen or used and damaged over the past few days. There are also people wandering over private property and using docks. If you have boats in the right of ways or on private lake front property, secure them immediately. If you notice anything, call Will at 655-4407.

BYOB: Bleach your own boat!

2009-05-20T18:46:00.003-04:00

Now that the boating season is starting, remember to bleach your boat. We pride ourselves in the pristine state of the lake, and in particular in the lack of invasive weeds. Two-thirds of the lakes in Connecticut have been taken over by such weeds, and we do not want to add Andover Lake to the list! Thus, whenever your boat touched other waters, bleach it before bringing it back to Andover Lake.

For the same reason, no pumping of lake water is allowed, except in emergency situations (fire). Pumps need priming, which sends foreign water into the lake, potentially bringing new weeds. As previously reported, this also applies to State trucks...

ALPOA establishes rack policy

2009-05-11T22:35:00.000-04:00

ALPOA volunteers have built several boat racks around the lake to reduce overcrowding and the Island Street right-of-way and reduce clutter elsewhere as well. The occasion was ripe to establish some policies as well. They are now available on the ALPOA website (direct link).

Note that part of the rules is that rack space needs to be reserved. Previous users can keep their slot by contacting Jenifer Nadeau until May 19 at kayakin@sbcglobal.net (best) or by phone (in newsletter). After that, registration is open for new slots.

Mute Swan is back

2009-03-17T08:51:00.004-04:00

Once again the big white Mute Swan is back in town to grace Andover Lake. Following is a copy of the DEP Mute Swan fact sheet.

MUTE SWAN

Cygnus olor

Habitat: The mute swan, an introduced species, can be found in freshwater ponds, slow rivers, coastal bays, and inland lakes.Weight: 25 pounds on average

Length: Wingspan: seven to eight feetFood: Over 95% of the diet is aquatic vegetation. Occasionally, mute swans will also feed on insects and other invertebrates.

Identification: The mute swan is a large, all-white swan recognized by its orange bill which is black at its base. There is also a prominent black knob at the base of its bill. Another distinctive characteristic is the graceful curved neck held in an S-shape with the bill pointed downward while the bird is swimming. The male mute swan, or cob, is usually larger in size with a more prominent knob on his forehead but is otherwise identical to the female, or pen. Young swans, called cygnets, are usually white, but gray-colored cygnets are not uncommon.

Range: In North America, mute swans (7,000 or more) are concentrated along the Atlantic coast from Massachusetts to Maryland with a smaller population in Michigan. Approximately 150 pairs of mute swans have been recorded nesting along the Connecticut coast and up to 20 miles inland along the major rivers, and in some inland lakes and ponds.

Reproduction: Most mute swans breed at age three and remain with the same mate for life. Courtship display begins in late February and each pair vigorously defends a territory (four to 10 acres in size) from other swans. The nest, constructed in late March or early April, is typically a large (4' x 4'), somewhat circular pile of aquatic plants built on an island or in clumps of cattails or grasses along the edge of the water. Flooding is a common cause of nest failure. If a nest is lost, renesting may occur until late spring. An average of four to six eggs are laid in a three to four-inch depression in the nest center and incubated by the pen for 36 to 38 days. The cob becomes most aggressive when defending the incubating pen or young cygnets and will chase and even attack other wildlife and people nearby. Before leaving the nest, young cygnets may be subject to chilling during rainy periods and can die from exposure. After leaving the nest, the cygnets are sometimes preyed upon until they are about 40 days old. Most cygnets have fledged by early fall but will remain with their parents until late fall. Survival after fledging is high and 50 percent of the young can expect to survive through age seven. Mute swans are long-lived (20 to 30 years) and can breed every year after age three. However, the reproductive rate drops considerably after age 20.

History in Connecticut: The mute swan was introduced into the eastern United States from Europe. The Atlantic Flyway population is thought to be the result of several hundred swans transplanted to the lower Hudson River Valley and Long Island between 1910 to 1912. Feral mute swans were reported in Connecticut by the 1930s but establishment of breeding birds did not begin until the late 1950s. The midwinter waterfowl survey recorded mute swans in 1963 with a count of 143. The most recent midwinter survey counts average 1,500, which is 20 percent of the entire Atlantic Coast population.

Interesting Facts: The North American populations of mute swans do not migrate long distances but move from ice-bound freshwater ponds to nearby open coastal bays in the winter where they gather in flocks of 100 or more.

Management of Nuisances: A positive aspect of mute swans in Connecticut is their aesthetic appeal. However, many conservationists consider the mute swan to be an ecologically damaging exotic species. Mute swans' territorial defense of an area may affect native breeding waterfowl populations. A recent study of interactions between mute swans and native waterfowl on freshwater ponds in southeastern Massachusetts concluded that the mere presence and antagonistic behaviors of swans caused native waterfowl to avoid nesting. Not only do the swans compete for nesting areas with other waterfowl, they graze heavily and uproot aquatic vegetation important as a food source for native waterfowl.
Observing mute swans provides a source of enjoyment for some state residents. However, the aggressive nature of the species and its close association with human activity will undoubtedly continue to result in swan nuisance problems. One thing citizens can do to reduce nuisance swan problems is to avoid feeding them. Swans that become used to handouts sometimes get belligerent if the food is cut off.

Fishing Regulations for Andover Lake

2009-03-01T14:04:00.006-05:00

Just a friendly reminder to anyone planning to fish in Andover Lake. Although Andover Lake is a private lake open only to ALPOA members this does not exclude it from CT State laws and regulations for fishing and boating. A few regulations include; - Everyone over 16 years old must have a CT fishing license. Available at the Town Clerks office or on-line at the DEP Website for $20. - No motors of any type allowed [this includes electric motors and gas powered ice fishing augers].

- A life jacket (PFD) must be worn by EVERYONE in a canoe or kayak from October 1st until May 31st. [Children under 12 MUST wear one WHENEVER they are in a moving boat].

- Fishing is allowed year-round on Andover Lake [24/7 no closed season applies].

- Chain Pickerel under 15 inches long as well as Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass under 12 inches must be returned unharmed and no more than 6 Bass (Largemouth, Smallmouth or combination of) or 6 Chain Pickerel may be kept in one day.

- It is illegal to transfer any fish from one body of water to another.

- Feeder stream into and out of Andover Lake are closed to all fishing from March 1st until April 18th. The fine for fishing without a license is $77 and $154 fine (each count) for keeping under size fish or exceeding daily limit. The complete Angler’s Guide can be found on line at www.ct.gov/dep/fishing or call 424-FISH for answers to any fishing related question. DEP Conservation Officers do patrol Andover Lake from time to time. Life Jacket (PFD) violations are the most common violation.

White Sucker Annual Spawn

2009-02-27T16:39:00.003-05:00

Spring is just around the corner and the White Suckers will soon start their annual spawning ritual up the feeder stream from Andover Lake.

A friendly reminder to Andover Lake Residents: According to the DEP 2009 Angler’s Guide (pg. 4) ALL rivers and streams in CT are closed to fishing from March 1 to the opening day of Fishing Season (April 18, 2009). Although Andover Lake has no “closed season” and therefore is open to fishing year-round, the feeder streams do have a closed season. This means the taking of any fish from these streams during the “closed season” is illegal. For violation of the “closed season” regulation (pg. 8) there is a $154 per count fine … ouch!

The complete DEP Angler’s Guide can be found on the State Website: http://www.ct.gov/dep/lib/dep/fishing/anglers_guide/anguide.pdf

Please help spread the word that spearing, killing or taking the White Suckers from Andover Lake feeder streams is illegal before opening day.

Time to start looking for Bald Eagles

2009-02-17T20:05:00.002-05:00

March is the time to watch for Bald Eagles on Andover Lake. As the ice melts and once again open waters provide wintering Bald Eagles an excellent opportunity for “snacking” on the wide variety of fish species. Bald Eagles have been seen during the late fall or early spring for the past couple of years on Andover Lake and surrounding lakes. For those who live close to the lake keep a sharp eye out and you may be rewarded with one of nature’s great treats.

CT Lake Living Website

2009-02-11T14:10:00.002-05:00

Here’s a website you might find fun to peruse… CT Lake Living. It’s a listing of waterfront properties for sale and includes in come cases virtual tours of the property.

http://www.ctlakeliving.com/

Bald Eagle on Andover Lake

2008-11-13T12:53:00.000-05:00

Anyone who lives in the Andover Lake District knows how great that is. You just never know what you might see when looking out your kitchen window.

Today is November 13th, a cold dreary November day with grey skies and no wind. What could make this a bright day? .... How about a mature Bald Eagle fishing in our lake? Sure made my day!!

Bald Eagles come to visit CT during the winter months. A small number stay and nest in the spring along the CT River and other major rivers or along the coastline. Andover lake residents have been seeing them visit here over the past couple of winters. These big dark brown birds (6-7 foot wing span) with their white heads and white rump are always a thrill to see. Immature birds that have not yet developed the white head and rump (less than 4-5 years old) have also been spotted here. They have not taken to nesting in Andover … yet! We’re still waiting!

So when you’re out and about do look in sky, and in the trees along the water’s edge or on the island. You too may see a Bald Eagle right in your own back yard!

Keeping an eagle eye on Andover Lake,

Dianne Grenier

Water drafting and invasive species

2008-09-27T17:18:00.003-04:00

Andover Lake, contrarily to most other Connecticut lakes, does not have a problem with invasive species. To make sure it stays so, we have regularly asked users to bleach their boats after use elsewhere, apparently successfully. However, another way of catching some foreign seeds is by taking water in the lake. A water pump typically starts by expulsing some water, which may have been contaminated elsewhere.

We have had recently several instances where someone pumped water (a gardening company, a DOT truck), thereby threatening our lake. Andover Lake is a private lake, and taking water is considered trespassing. To make this clear, ALMA and the Wetlands Commission of the Town of Andover have drafted a joint letter that makes this clear. Print it and keep it handy in case you catch someone water drafting from out lake.

Weed Survey of Andover Lake

2008-08-01T09:59:00.001-04:00

A group from the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station is expected to conduct survey of aquatic weeds in Andover Lake in early to mid August. Residents should not be alarmed if they see a boat with a gasoline outboard motor on the lake during this period. Although motors of any kind are not normally allowed on Andover Lake, the ALMA board approved the use of a motor by the survey group. The survey is intended to identify the type and location of aquatic weeds growing in the lake, including invasive ones such as Eurasian Milfoil if present.

New rules for docks, walls and floats

2008-07-20T19:06:00.005-04:00

A few months ago, ALMA and the Andover Wetlands Committee revised the rules guiding the docks, floats and retaining walls on Andover Lake. The principal changes were to allow new types of material, permit larger docks and include wetlands considerations. The complete set of rules is available on the ALPOA website. Note that as always, any dock or float requires ALPOA membership, whether in use or not.

Sunfish are nesting - Take a look!

2008-06-10T10:18:00.001-04:00

The lake temperature was 78 degrees yesterday and the Sunfish, or Bluegills, have started to nest. There’s a great opportunity to see this in action from the Dam walk-bridge. From the far west side take a look into the lake and watch the little fish making those crater like depression on the lake bottom. They nest close together and it looks like the surface of the moon. The depression is made with their tales as they swim back and forth swishing the tale to clean the bottom. The eggs are laid in the pebble bottom. Watch for bigger fish like the Largemouth Bass annoying the Sunfish as they try to steal a snack of Sunfish eggs.

The snapping turtles are out of the lake and laying their eggs in the soft dirt around the shoreline. Keep your fingers outta their way and just let them do their thing!

Andover Lake sighting of Connecticut River Bryozoans

2008-04-28T10:34:00.001-04:00

Andover Lake sighting of Connecticut River Bryozoans: Pectinatella magnifica

Come summertime lake users start seeing large gelatinous masses of what many believe to be some sort of aquatic animals eggs that are clinging to logs and other underwater structures. But actually these are not egg masses but Pectinatella magnifica; a member of the animal phylum Ectoprocta (common names: bryozoans, moss animals).

The colony is gelatinous, firm and slimy to the touch. The inner gelatinous mass is 99% water. The surface appears divided into rosettes, each with 12-18 zooids. Massive colonies may exceed 2 feet (60 cm) in diameter, although more typical sizes are 1 foot or less. The colonies form on submerged logs, twigs, even wooden docks.

The DEP Eastern Headquarters (Neal.Hagstrom@po.state.ct.us) says about these:

“We periodically get calls when these guys show up. They are do not indicate water quality problems nor am I aware of them causing any problems for water quality or for other animals.”

For more information check out: http://www.bio.umass.edu/biology/conn.river/bryozoa.html