2006 Aquatic Plant Survey Map of Ashford Lake

Transect Data | Water Data

 Ashford Lake is a privately owned 53-acre body of water located on the Ashford-Eastford town line. It is a state-owned lake without a boat launch ramp.  The lake has no primary inlet and a small outlet stream. A dam on the south shore has a gate valve that allowed routine drawdowns, but recently the valve has become unreliable. The maximum depth of the lake is about 12 feet and abundant fish were visible during this survey. Lakefront development is moderate. Some homes have left trees and natural vegetation along the lake while others have installed lawns, beaches, and retaining walls. All area homes are on wells and septic systems. A large development north of the lake is underway and the road drains could affect the lake.

  Aquatic vegetation viewable from the surface is minimal and poses minimal negative impacts on recreation. Patches of Bur-Reed (Sparganium species) are common along the shore, while needle spikerush (Eleocharis acicularis), quillwort (Isoetes species), yellow water lily (Nuphar variegata) and watershield (Brasenia schreberi)are sparse. A progression of plant species occur with increasing depth. Slender naiad (Najas flexilis) dominates areas from one to six feet deep; floating bladderwort (Utricularia radiata) occurs in six to nine feet of water, and leafy pondweed (Potamogeton foliosus) is present in water from nine to twelve feet.  Residents have referred to the pondweed as a “grassy weed” and reported it as nearly reaching the surface in some years. Ashford Lake appears to be a good example of a privately owned water body that remains free of invasive plant species while supporting healthy populations of native species. 

  Other Ashford Lake Surveys: 2013 Survey