Lake Quassapaug Association

Since the establishment of the Lake Quassapaug Association in 2012, LQA’s goal has been to ensure continuation of the lake’s high-water quality and address issues affecting the 270-acre lake. In 2013, LQA hired a consultant to provide information annually on the health of the lake and suggest plans for remediation as needed. 

     2013: Lake Quassapaug received a high rating for water quality and limited plant invasives from the CT Agricultural         Experiment Station. 

    2014-15: A Significant increase in Eurasian and variable milfoils occurred in just two years.  NEAR recommended, and the LQA Board approved, suction harvesting of three small areas of Eurasian milfoil near the dam and in Middle Cove. Additional acres of suction harvesting for both Eurasian and Variable milfoil were added in ensuing years.  

    2017-18: NEAR noted that Lake Quassapaug was one of the few lakes in CT that was controlling milfoil without chemicals. A boom was placed across the mouth of Big Cove to reduce milfoil fragments going into the main part of the lake. Water quality was still excellent and phosphorous levels were 10ppb. 

    2019: The overall percentage of the lake infested with variable milfoil was reduced from 39% of the 31 survey points in 2014 to 23% % in 2019, with none in the main part of the lake. Eurasian milfoil was found only in two small locations. Continued suction harvesting was recommended. However, water clarity was poorer, and levels of phosphorus and nitrogen increased. 

    2022: Our consultant expressed extreme concern regarding the very significant increase in Eurasian milfoil especially in the north and south portions of the lake. The consultant noted that once the Eurasian milfoil becomes more prevalent, it will be very difficult to control as it reproduces at an ever-increasing rate. Even though 21,028 gallons of milfoil were suction harvested in 2022 at a cost of $67,000, the suction harvesting could not contain or reduce the amount of Eurasian milfoil. 

    2023: The LQA lake consultant performed a Spring and Fall Lake survey. Although we received our permitting from the State for the use of ProcellaCor, it was too late in the season to be effective, however, we will be moving forward with the 10-acre test treatment in Spring of 2024.  

   2024: The ProcellaCor herbicide treatment was highly effective in controlling Eurasian Watermilfoil and achieved its primary goal of reducing invasive milfoil and opening up recreational areas and demonstrating the herbicides efficacy.

2025: Independent monitoring in 2025 confirmed major progress: invasive watermilfoil is now nearly eliminated, native plant communities are rebounding, and water quality continues to support swimming, boating, and fishing—building a strong foundation for protecting Lake Quassapaug for future generations.