News: Summer 2010 |
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Art Auction to Benefit LWTF
Right, top to bottom: "August High"; "Autumn Sundown"; "Yankee High - Lake Waramaug in Winter"; "Fourth of July" (each, oil on canvas, mounted on panel, 13" x 32") by Charles Raskob Robinson are from a series of more than thirty paintings by the artist. All of the paintings are of the same scene but executed on location — en plein air — at different times of the year. The paintings will be exhibited at the Washington Art Association from Saturday, August 21st to Sunday, September 19th.
Each painting has a minimum price of $2,500. Should two or more collectors be interested in the same work, the final price will be determined by a live auction. The live auction will take place on Saturday, August 28th from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Washington Art Association in conjunction with a reception celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the Lake Waramaug Task Force. The Washington Art Association is generously sharing their gallery commission on Mr. Robinson's paintings with the Lake Waramaug Task Force.
Collectors are encouraged to reserve paintings at the minimum price of $2,500. in advance of the exhibition by viewing them in the artist’s studio. Arrangements may be made with the artist by calling 860-868-0898. Some of the works have already been reserved by interested collectors at the minimum price.
10 Tips for Waterfront Stewardship
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This is one of 10 Simple Shoreland Stewardship Practices described in a valuable piece published by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the University of Wisconsin. Other important practices regularly encouraged by the Task Force include the use of zero-phosphorus fertilizer, the proper disposal of household waste and the reduction of impervious surface areas.
While the entire region shares long-term responsibility for the water quality of Lake Waramaug and our other lakes, those with lakeshore property and land along the rivers and streams which feed into the lake have a special opportunity to make a positive impact. Download this information and start working on a healthy, natural, appealing waterfront landscape.
New Guide to Invasive Aquatic Plants in Connecticut
A "Must-Have" for Concerned Lake Waramaug Residents and UsersThe Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) has recently released a wonderful identification guide to Connecticut's invasive aquatic and wetland plants. It can be downloaded as a PDF here (8.8 MB). A limited number of printed copies are available from CAES on request (email: Martha.Balfour@ct.gov).
This is a must-have publication for all Waramaug residents and lake users concerned about aquatic invasive plants. It provides crisp clear photos and keys to the identification of all invasive plants found by the CAES scientists as part of their statewide survey of invasive aquatic plants in Connecticut lakes and ponds. So far the CAES scientists have studied 162 Connecticut lakes and ponds as part of an intensive Statewide invasive aquatic plant study. At Waramaug we have found and are removing three invasive aquatic plants. The greatest threat has been Curlyleaf Pondweed which we have found and are removing from scatter locations primarily on the north shore. We removed the single Fanwort plant found in one of our regular invasive plant shoreline surveys and covered a bed of another invasive found in one location along the State Park shoreline.
However, we remain concerned that other invasive plants may find their way into the lake. The guide will help you with the often difficult task of identify these plants. It reports on the origins of each plant and shows where these plants have been found or reported in Connecticut lakes.
Prepared by Experiment Station Scientists Greg Bugbee and Martha Balfour, it also explains what you should do if you find a plant discussed in the guide. At Waramaug, of course, you should contact the Task Force at 860-868-0331.
It is very important for all lake residents and lake users to become familiar with the invasive aquatic plants that threaten the habitat and recreational values of Waramaug. Download this guide and use it. It is an essential part of our Waramaug invasive aquatic plant educational and prevention program.
The following from the introduction to the guide explains why it is important to prevent the spread of these plants, summarizes the CAES findings to date and key provisions of the State Invasive Plant law.
"Because invasive species are not native, they have few natural enemies. Their dramatic growth rates can clog water intakes, decrease recreational opportunities, reduce local real estate values, and alter native ecosystems (Connecticut Aquatic Nuisance Species Working Group, 2006, Fishman et al. 1998).
Recent vegetation surveys of 162 lakes and ponds, by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station Invasive Aquatic Plant Program (CAES IAPP), found one or more invasive plants in nearly two-thirds of the water bodies (CAES IAPP, 2010). Approximately three-quarters of the invasive aquatic plant species in southern New England were introduced as cultivated plants (Les and Mehrhoff, 1999).
These introductions come from recreational boating (Couch and Nelson, 1985), dumping of unwanted plants from aquariums, water gardening, and plant fragments mixed with live bait used by fishermen. Spread of invasive plants from one lake to another also occurs naturally by wildlife and downstream flow.
Once established, eradication of invasive aquatic plants is extremely difficult. Preventing introductions by inspections, early detection and rapid response is critically important. This guide is intended to provide information on the identification and distribution of the 22 aquatic plants listed as invasive or potentially invasive (Table 1) by the Connecticut General Statute (Sec. 22a-381d). The sale of these plants, with the exception of common waterhyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes), is also banned by State Statute and their transport is limited to activities associated with control and education. Fines of up to $75.00 can be imposed for each violation."
Who Does What? A Primer on Lake Waramaug's Organizations
There are several organizations involved with matters affecting Lake Waramaug. To clarify, following is a basic guide to the primary function of each:- The Lake Waramaug Task Force, Inc. (www.lwtf.org)
The mission of the Task Force is restoring and preserving the water quality and ecology of the lake and its watershed. This is accomplished through research, monitoring, operation of water restoration systems, land preservation, invasive plant control/removal and education. The task force is a qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of volunteers and scientists which has an annual budget of over $150,000. The Task Force depends on contributions from concerned citizens throughout the region. Its focus is purely scientific and its accomplishments are well regarded internationally. - The Lake Waramaug Association, Inc. (www.waramaugassoc.org)
The Association is devoted to quality of life issues associated with the lake. This includes lake ecology but also extends to matters of water and road safety, health, sanitation and the effective administration of zoning and inland wetlands regulations. It is a non-profit organization supported by annual dues from property owners and additional contributions from others in the region who are interested in protecting Lake Waramaug. - The Lake Waramaug Authority
The primary purpose of the Authority is the enforcement of state boating laws, including dock, buoy and float placement and permits, and lake patrolling and rescue. It was established by ordinances of, and is financially supported by, the Towns of Washington, Warren and Kent. - The Lake Waramaug Interlocal Commission
The Interlocal Commission facilitates cooperation among the three lake border towns in the management of lake matters and financing of water quality initiatives, including utility and maintenance cost for the Task Force's restoration systems. The Commission consists of the first selectmen of the three towns (Washington, Warren and Kent).
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