Zebra Mussels … the Potential Downfall of Candlewood Lake

Recently, I was reading an article in the News-Times by the chairman of the Candlewood Watershed Initiative, Jim McAlister, regarding the dangers of zebra mussels. Simply put, there is no cure for infected open waters once these invasive mollusks are allowed to enter and colonize.

McAlister says in his article, "Because our lake is not yet infested, this is no reason to rest on our laurels and believe the unthinkable will not occur here as it has in hundreds of water bodies across the nation and others much too close to home."

He went on to say, "Our recreational paradise and regional economic underpinnings would be forever compromised."

How do these "pains-in-the-ass" damage fresh water lakes? Since their colonization of the Great Lakes in 1988, these suckers have covered the undersides of boats, docks, and anchors, and are known to clog water intakes on boat engines.

Their shells are very sharp so once they attach themselves to rocks in swimming areas, boat shoes are a must! Unfortunately, zebra mussel populations have been exploding in the Housatonic River along with Lake Lillinonah, and Lake Zoar.

How can we prevent zebra mussels from entering the waters of Candlewood Lake? The mantra of boat owners who trailer their boats to different bodies of water should be, "Clean, Drain, Dry."

Clean off your boat and trailer when exiting a lake. Check seams and hard to reach places. A high pressure commercial car wash will blast off anything clinging to boat gear. Make sure to drain all the water and then dry everything off.

You can also stop aquatic hitch hikers by checking out the "Invasive Investigator Program" which was started up in 2011 by The CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency (DEEP).

Listen to Ethan Carey on the Ethan & Lou Show weekdays from 5:30-10AM on 95.1 FM. You can listen online at i95rock.com/listen-live/ or by downloading the radioPup app for your mobile device.