CLA Honored for Efforts to Combat Zebra Mussels

The Housatonic Valley Association, a non-profit citizens environment group, recently honored the Candlewood Lake Authority for its “tremendous effort” in combating the spread of zebra mussels in the lower Housatonic River system. 

In recognition of the comprehensive effort, the regional environmental group awarded the CLA its 2011 Housatonic Watershed Conservationist Award. Also honored by the HVA were the individual efforts of Larry Marsicano, CLA executive director, Mark Howarth, director of public outreach and development, and Phyllis Schaer, a delegate from Sherman and the chair of the Zebra Mussel Task Force.

All three accepted the award, which was presented at the HVA annual meeting in Cornwall Bridge, CT. Marsicano was also quick to share credit for the award, praising “the level of cooperation among the many talented and committed lake and river stakeholders, and others, both on and off the Task Force.” 

Rapid and Comprehensive

In responding to the threat of zebra mussels, a prolific aquatic invasive species discovered just a year ago in nearby Lake Lillinonah and Lake Zoar, the CLA quickly established a regional Zebra Mussel Task Force comprised of nearly 20 representatives of various lake-user groups, scientific authorities and government agencies. 

The Task Force examined scientific data, reviewed how other regions of the country responded to the threat of zebra mussels and assembled a best-practices containment plan designed for western CT.

Specifically, the effort centered on developing a comprehensive public awareness program with an array of educational materials to alert the community to the risk of zebra mussels and to enlist its aid in taking preventative measures. Efforts also included piloting an early detection and monitoring plan for Candlewood Lake and nearby Lakes Lillinonah and Zoar in conjunction with Western Connecticut State University.

The informational activities included design and installation of new signage at boat ramps, preparation of educational brochures and distribution of announcements and articles in traditional media like newspapers, radio and cable TV as well as electronic social media networks. 

The CT Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) also aided the effort by increasing staffing at the state boat launches at all three lakes, funding much of the signage developed by the CLA and by coordinating a volunteer Invasive Investigator program with the CLA. The volunteer effort helped assure that boats leaving infected waters were decontaminated, and that boats entering non-infected waters were free of zebra mussels. 

Broad and Continuing

More than 50 residents from the area participated in the DEEP-sponsored training and are now available to help educate boat owners in taking the precaution to ‘Clean, Drain and Dry’ all boats, trailers and gear — including canoes, kayaks and personal watercraft — before entering new waters.

"The progress we made this year is due in large part to the collaborative efforts of all involved,” explained Schaer. “The members of our Task Force pooled their combined resources to work together and restrict the further spread of zebra mussels in both CT waters and in the tri-state area. Also key to our success was the cooperation and support of the boating and recreational users of our lakes.”

Howarth also praised the quick response of the Task Force as well as its thorough “leave no stone unturned” focus.

However, Schaer stressed that the battle is not yet over. “We need to remain vigilant to assure our continued success next year and in the future to prevent and control the unwanted infestations of zebra mussels and all aquatic invasive species."

Founded in 1941, the HVA works to conserve the natural character and environmental health of communities in the region by protecting and restoring the land and waters of the Housatonic River watershed from its source in the Pittsfield, MA area to Long Island Sound.