Alexander Lake, Killingly - 2005

Aquatic Plant Survey Map of Alexander Lake

Transect Data | Water Data

Alexander Lake is 215 acres with an average depth of the lake is 25 feet and a maximum depth of 51 feet.  The lake has a sandy bottom and the shoreline is developed with mainly small residences. A few of the resident lawns extend to the edge of the lake, however, most homes have trees and shrubs as a buffer between the lawn and the water. There is no public access to the lake. Small boats can use a private right-of-way on the southeast shore and only small (<10 horsepower) motors are allowed.

Our July 2005 survey, found the water to be uncommonly clear with a Secchi measurement of 5.8 m (18 feet). Aquatic plants were frequent in shallow water and extended into water at least 4 m (15 feet) deep. The most abundant plants were all small, low-growing species. Large-bodied plants, including floating-leaved species, were absent or limited to small coves. The most abundant plant was spikerush (Eleocharis acicularis).  Sevenangle pipewort (Eriocaulon aquaticum) occurred with spikerush in the shallowest water along the edge of the lake. Commonly occurring with them were waterwort (Elatine minima), golden hedge-hyssop (Gratiola aurea) and arrowhead (Sagittaria species).  Mudmat (Glossostigma cleistanthum) was very abundant in a number of areas and occurred all around the lake, forming very dense stands in water up to 2 m (6 feet) deep.  Southern naiad (Najas guadalupensis) was also frequently found in abundance in the shallow areas of the lake.

   Other species, such as ribbon-leaf pondweed (Potamogeton epihydrus), small pondweed (Potamogeton pusillus), common bladderwort (Utricularia vulgaris), Acadian quillwort (Isoëtes acadiensis), low watermilfoil (Myriophyllum humile), slender watermilfoil (Myriophyllum tenellum), and charaphyte algae, occurred in mostly small patches in various places around the lake.  Snailseed pondweed (Potamogeton bicupulatus) and tapegrass (Vallisneria americana) were the most frequently found.  The floating-leaved species yellow water lily (Nuphar variegata) and white water lily (Nymphaea odorata) occurred in a small cove in the southeast part of the lake. Yellow water lily was also found in a cove at the lake’s northeast corner. Another floating leaved species, watersheild (Brasenia schreberi) was found to be the dominant species in a cove on the east side of the lake. This is one of the few lakes where we have found Dortmann's cardinalflower (Lobelia dortmanna).