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Health & Fitness

Boaters play a key role in protecting Candlewood Lake from zebra mussels

A three-step procedure — Clean, Drain and Dry — prevents the spread of zebra mussels and other aquatic invasive species.

Here’s how to ‘Clean, Drain and Dry’ your boat, trailer and gear

With the recent discovery of zebra mussels in nearby Lake Lillinonah and Lake Zoar, the Candlewood Lake Authority is urging boat owners and others to take simple yet essential precautions to assure that zebra mussels are not inadvertently transported into Candlewood Lake.

“We are asking everyone who recreates on the Lake — including those who use kayaks, canoes and personal watercraft — to implement these easy ‘Clean, Drain and Dry’ procedures to prevent the spread of zebra mussels and other aquatic nuisance species,” explained Larry Marsicano, executive director of the Candlewood Lake Authority. 

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How to ‘Clean, Drain and Dry’

If you have been boating, fishing or swimming in a lake or river with zebra mussels, the Candlewood Lake Authority and the regional Zebra Mussel Task Force recommends you thoroughly inspect your boat, trailer and all gear and follow this essential three-step procedure:

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Clean all visible plant, fish and marine animals, as well as mud and other debris, from your trailer and boat before leaving the boat launch.

Drain all water from every space and item that may hold water, including bilges, ballast tanks, live wells and engine cooling systems away from any waterway.

Dry all equipment (including life vests, ropes, paddles and other materials in contact with the water) for at least one week in hot/dry weather, or four weeks in wet/cool weather before entering new waters.

If proper drying is not possible, wash with hot water (preferably high pressure) or soak in 1 percent salt solution for 24 hours, using a ratio of 2/3 cup of salt per five gallons of water -- or 100 percent vinegar for 20 minutes – and then rinse.

Avoid infected waters

Boaters and other lake users can also help prevent the spread of zebra mussels into Candlewood Lake by being aware of and avoiding if possible any lakes and rivers known to contain zebra mussels.

In addition to the nearby Lake Lillinonah and Lake Zoar reservoirs, zebra mussels are also in Laurel Lake in Massachusetts, the East and West Twin Lakes in Salisbury, CT and the Hudson River.  Zebra mussels have also infected the Great Lakes, Lake George and Lake Champlain. 

“Following the ‘Clean, Drain, Dry’ procedure is always good practice and will help stem the spread of all aquatic invasive species,” added Phyllis Schaer, a Sherman resident and CLA board member who heads the regional Zebra Mussel Task Force.  “Recreational boaters can unknowingly transport aquatic invasives from one body of water to another.  It is up to each one of us to do our part.”

For more information on zebra mussels, the Clean, Drain and Dry procedure or any issue involving Candlewood Lake, contact the Candlewood Lake Authority at clainfo@earthlink.net.

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