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2026 Letter from Our President
Dear Friends,
After a long, cold winter, it's a welcome relief to finally know spring has arrived. Warmer days have returned, and with them renewed activity on the lake.
We were able to complete some shoreline clean-up this winter. I'm happy to report the lake is looking great. It's also nice to see spring fishermen back out on the water, enjoying the season.
Our annual early-season survey for invasive weeds will take place in May, done by Pondweed Pursuits. The findings from this survey will determine the type of treatment needed for the lake this year. We will keep you informed and share the treatment date as soon as it is finalized.
I'd like to recognize the efforts of the FLW board members who constructed and installed a weed collection box on the town property by the dam. This box serves multiple purposes. It provides educational information through posted signage, offers a convenient place for boaters to dispose of weeds and also has a QR code for access to our website and donations. This is an important step in helping prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species in our lake.
Looking ahead, please mark your calendars for Game Day 2026, which will take place on August 22nd. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, generously hosted by Lake Williams Campground. More details will be shared soon, but for now, please save the date.
The annual tag sale will take place later in the summer. The date is yet to be determined.
A reminder to all boat owners: please be sure to purchase your AIS stamp. It is required by law, and the funds collected help support lakes, ponds and rivers across Connecticut.
Another important reminder is regarding the detrimental effects to the lake of using fertilizer on your lawns. This can not be stressed enough. Please do not use any type of fertilizer on your property, as it is highly dangerous to the lake. Phosphorus and nitrogen run off lawns into the lake, increasing the risk of algae blooms and toxic cyanobacteria
(blue-green algae) that harm aquatic life and make water unsafe for swimming. We urge you to please avoid fertilizer on your lake property.
If, however, you are absolutely determined to use fertilizer anyway, in spite of our urging, please keep a minimum buffer of 25 feet of unfertilized ground and the water and only use phosphorus-free fertilizer. (The middle number should be zero).
In addition, never put leaves or grass clippings in the lake. Our Annual Membership Meeting will be held on Saturday, June 13th at 10:00 AM at the Acre. As always, this meeting takes place on the second Saturday in June.
We hope to see many of you there. In the meantime, please visit our website: http://www.lakewilliams.com to become a member or make an online donation.
You can also mail a check to:
Friends of Lake Williams
PO Box 698
Hebron, CT 06248
There are several new faces in the neighborhood. Since we do not yet have their contact info, it would be appreciated if you could pass this email along or inform our new neighbors about Friends of Lake Williams. Lastly, we're pleased to welcome a new nearby dining and drinking option. Casa Martinaj has reopened and is eager to connect with members of our lake community. Supporting local businesses helps strengthen our area, and it would be wonderful
to see them thrive as a convenient place to gather, dine, and socialize.
Thank you all for your continued support and care for our lake. Wishing you a great start to the
season.
Best regards,
Kim Cavanna
President, FLW
Annual FLW Meeting at The Acre*
10:00 AM June 13, 2026
AGENDA
· Call to Order
· Vote on Last Year’s Annual Meeting Minutes From 6/14/2025
· Presidents Opening Remarks
· Treasurer’s Report
· Membership Report
· Pondweed Pursuits (Lake Management Consultant) update
· Solitude (Treatment Vendor) update
· Board of Director Positions
· Fundraising
. Tag Sale (TBD)
. Annual Game Day (8/22/26)
· Lake Clean Up
· Old Business
. Weed Collection Station
. Educational Signage 2nd Beach and Dam lot
· New Business
· Adjourn
*The Acre Pavilion is located at the top of hill between 168 and 146 Lake Shore Drive; Recommend bringing your own lawn chair.
Together, we can make a difference...
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:
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.
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.
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
Thank you to PAPA's for your many years of sponsorship!
Thank you to PAPA's for your many years of sponsorship!
WHAT IS 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?
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 .
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