Friends of Lake Williams
Working to keep Lake Williams free of invasive plants and a resource we all can enjoy!
Invasive Weed Treatment:
The fanwort treatment date has been rescheduled to:
Wednesday, September 27th, 2023 (Inclement weather date of Sept. 28th)
WHAT IS lAKE wILLIAMS?
Lake Williams was originally the site of a sawmill. Sometime in the mid-1800’s, it was permanently flooded and became Williams Pond, later named Lake Williams.
Today, Lake Williams is a highly sought after destination for lake living and recreation. It has public access owned and managed by the Town of Lebanon. This area on Exeter Road (Route 207) provides access to Lake Williams State Park Scenic Reserve. Lake Williams has a unique natural beauty, complete with several islands dotting the lake .
Lake Williams is known for its fishing, boating, swimming and brilliant sunsets. This and more make this 286 acre waterside community one of the state’s best kept secrets.
Why Friends of Lake Williams?
In the Fall of 1997, an invasive aquatic plant named Variable Leaf Milfoil was discovered in Lake Williams. In one year, this weed covered approximately 40 acres and greatly affected the ability to enjoy the lake. Friends of Lake Williams, Inc. (FLW) was formed in 1998, entirely by volunteers, to address this serious problem. Over the years, a second invasive weed called Fanwort was discovered.
FLW is a non-profit 501(c) organization. FLW members educated themselves about Milfoil and Fanwort and various treatment options. FLW has maintained membership in the Connecticut Federation of Lakes. Members have attended seminars and discussions with their lake management company, Northeast Aquatic Research (NEAR) and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). We have also conferred with residents of other lakes facing similar issues.
DEEP advised that, based on the existing sediment and water depth in Lake Williams, the untreated invasive plant species would continue to spread rapidly, which would consume the lake and negatively impact aquatic and wild life. A University of Connecticut study also concluded that, if left untreated, property values would suffer significantly. We have since hired the services of Northeast Aquatic Research (NEAR) to advise us of the most effective methods to control the weeds and maintain the health of the lake .