Candlewood Lake Islands Will Close to Prevent COVID Spread
Local public officials have asked FirstLight Power to officially shut down access to specific Candlewood Lake islands.
The reason for this action, according to the Candlewood Lake Authority, is to ensure social distancing and prevent the spread of COVID-19. If you were boating on Candlewood Lake last weekend as I was, you might have seen multiple boats parked on the more popular islands. This video is drone footage of Candlewood Lake filmed in mid-June of 2020 by NewYorker05.
The islands that will be affected by the closure are all owned by FirstLight Power, and they include Sand Island, Blueberry Island, Skeleton Island, Skull Island, Oak Island, Green Island, Deer Island, Cedar Island, City Island, and two smaller unnamed islands off of Dike's Point.
FirstLight Power received reports of large gatherings, sometimes numbering in the hundreds, where there is no social distancing or wearing of face coverings. FirstLight states this is a temporary measure until it is safe to reopen the islands for public access.
FirstLight says it regrets the inconvenience, but their first priority is to keep lake goers safe and to stand behind the state of Connecticut and do their part in helping to reverse the spread of the virus.