IMPORTANT CHANGES FOR BOATERS & Dues are Due

Dear Friends,

Attention:

There is some important news regarding the mandatory aquatic invasive species (AIS) stamp. Prior to October 2024, an AIS fee was automatically included in all DMV boat registrations. However, now the DEEP requires boaters operating on Connecticut's inland waters to purchase the AIS Stamp through DEEP's Sportsmen Licensing System. The monies collected from this stamp help fund the Lakes, Ponds and Rivers Preservation account. Without this account, there would be no grant monies available to non-profit groups, such as FLW, to assist in the constant battle against AIS. This stamp is required. It is a law, not an option. There is an $85 penalty for each occurrence of an infraction. 

Visit DEEP's website at http://portal.ct.gov/deep/boating/faqs/faq-ais-stamp to learn more or purchase your AIS stamp.

Please also review and share the 2025 AIS STAMP FLYER as it is helpful resource outlining all the changes and expectations.

In other news, Spring is finally here! The lake looks spectacular and the water level is nice and high. Our consulting company, Pondweed Pursuits, will be conducting a comprehensive early-season survey in May. We will base our 2025 treatment plan on this report. We will inform you of the date of treatment as soon as we know.

Membership fees are now due. The current amount is $100 for a family and $50 for an individual.

This is a modest increase, considering the dues have remained the same for the last 10 years. In order to meet the rising costs of treatments and maintain the same level of service, this increase is necessary.  

The grant money we received a few years ago has been spent. Although the lake is currently in a healthy state, we still have a small amount of milfoil to be treated, along with both fanwort and bladderwort. This year we expect our expenses to be in the neighborhood of $20,000.  We depend on your generous donations to meet these expenses.

We cannot keep our lake healthy without your support. Please donate by either going to our website

(Become a Member tab) and paying by Credit/Debit Card or PayPal or by mailing a check to us at:

Friends of Lake Williams

PO Box 698

Hebron, CT  06248

Please remember to avoid fertilizers on your lawns. They are a major promoter of weed growth. It is also imperative to rinse any boats taken to other bodies of water before entering Lake Williams. We work very hard to control the milfoil and fanwort. We do not want any "hitchhikers" from other places coming back to our lake.

Our Annual Meeting will be June 14, 2025 @ 10 AM at the Acre. (Always the 2nd Saturday in June).

We look forward to seeing you there.

Best regards,

Kim Cavanna

FLW President 

Together, we can make a difference...

Protect Lake Williams: Say No to Fertilizer Runoff!    

Dear Lake Williams Community,

Did you know that fertilizer runoff is one of the main sources of nutrients in our beloved lake? Fertilizers contain phosphorus and nitrogen, which contribute to eutrophication, a process that degrades water quality and harms aquatic life.

Eutrophication leads to unsightly algae blooms and invasive weeds, diminishing property values, recreational opportunities, and posing risks to our health and the well-being of our pets. Blue-green algae, in particular, can be toxic and detrimental to both humans and wildlife.

We can all play a part in preserving the beauty and health of Lake Williams. Here's how:

1. Avoid Fertilizers: Refrain from using fertilizers on your lawn. This applies to all residents, not just those living on the lakefront. Even organic fertilizers release nutrients and contribute to runoff.

2. Consider Alternatives: Explore alternative lawn covers and plantings such as native landscaping or rock gardens. These options require minimal or no fertilization and promote biodiversity.

3. Get Involved: Join Friends of Lake Williams in our mission to promote lake-friendly practices. Stay tuned for upcoming campaigns and initiatives to protect our lake.

Help Spread the Word…

Show your support by placing a "Lake Over Lawn" sign in your yard. These signs serve as a visual reminder to protect our lake and are available for a suggested donation of $5. Email us to get yours today! friendsoflakewilliams@gmail.com

Together, we can make a difference and ensure that Lake Williams remains a vibrant and healthy ecosystem for generations to come.

Thank you for your support,

Friends of Lake Williams

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 .