2025 Letter from Our President

Dear Friends,

Yea! It’s finally warm out! I thought it would never happen. It’s been nice seeing lots of you boating and fishing and even a few brave souls swimming & tubing. I’m looking forward to seeing more of you around the lake soon. In the meantime, here are a few highlights to start off our season:

Pondweed Pursuits completed a pre-season comprehensive invasive weed survey in early May. The good news is the fanwort is under very good control. I will let you know as soon as we have a date for the treatment. The disappointing news is there was a significant amount of milfoil noted in a 2.5-acre area on the eastern shoreline in a small inlet and extending towards Beach 2. We immediately contacted Solitude, our treatment vendor, and negotiated a contract. Thanks to you, our members, and your generous donations, we are lucky to have the funding available to treat this area with Procellacor asap. We are investigating the possible reasons for the emergence of milfoil in this specific area. Fortunately, it appears to be fairly contained at the present time. We believe the treatment with Procellacor will impede its spread. Until it is treated, it is extremely important to avoid that area as much as possible, to avoid spread it into the main body of the lake. I will let you know when we have the milfoil treatment date. We are awaiting the full comprehensive plant survey report showing all the plants noted. It will be posted on website when we get it.

In an effort to help remediate the introduction of outside invasive weeds into the lake, the board of directors has designed a weed disposal station to be located at the dam parking area on Route207. We submitted our proposal at a town Board of Selectmen’s meeting and were given approval and permission to proceed. The box will be multi-purpose. First, and most importantly, it will serve as a place to dispose of any “hitchhiking” weeds on boats coming into the lake. Second, the station will have an educational component, since there will be a sign attached giving pertinent information. Lastly, there will be a QR code to encourage donations from non-lake residents who also enjoy our wonderful lake. Although this weed disposal station will be on the far side of the lake for the general public, it is equally important for all of us to take extra precautions when you bring any type of boat into our lake from another body of water. It is imperative to remove any plant life and rinse your boat well.

Not only is it vitally important to not bring any weeds into our lake, we do not want to encourage the growth of existing weeds or increase the potential for algae. Fertilizer runoff is the numberone contributor to weeds and algae. If you treat your lawn, you are treating the lake. We strongly urge you to consider the negative consequences of using fertilizer on your lawn. We still have some “Lake Over Lawn” signs available to anyone who wants to promote awareness of the danger of fertilizers on the health of our lake.

There is change to the way in which the DEEP collects its fee for the aquatic invasive species (AIS) stamp. It is no longer included in your boat registration. It must be obtained by going to their website at http://portal.ct.gov/deep/boating/faq-ais-stamp. This stamp is required by law. There is an $85 penalty for each occurrence of non-compliance. The monies collected from this stamp help fund the Lakes, Ponds and Rivers Preservation account. Without this account, there would be no state grants available to non-profit groups, such as FLW, to assist in the fight against aquatic invasive species.

Game Day at the campground will be August 16. The campground has been incredibly generous and supportive of Friends of Lake Williams. Please come and participate in pay to play Bingo, Corn Hole Tournament, Pony Races, Left-Right-Center, Raffles, Food and more. Proceeds go to support FLW.

The Campground invites FLW members to participate in a boat parade on July 5 th. Our annual tag sale is scheduled for August 23 rd . – More info to follow on each.

The battle to keep our lake healthy and free of weeds is ongoing. We have made huge strides in eradicating the majority of the invasive weeds, but we must continue our fight. It requires constant vigilance. We appreciate our members and your continued support. Please donate by going to our website www.lakeswilliams.com and clicking the link to “become a member”.

You can also mail a check to:

Friends of Lake Williams

PO Box 698

Hebron, CT 06248

As always, please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns. Our email is friendsoflakewilliams@gmail.com.

I’m looking forward to lots of fun times at the lake this summer. Stay safe and enjoy!

Best regards, 

Kim Cavanna, President

Friends of Lake Williams

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 .