Canoe Brook Lake, Trumbull

2024 Aquatic Vegetation Survey Map

Transect Data | Water Data

          Canoe Brook Lake is a 64-acre waterbody located in Trumbull. It is a private lake with no public access and is maintained by the Canoe Brook Lake Association. The association maintains a website that provides information on ways to protect the environmental quality of the lake (Canoe Brook Lake Association).

          The lake was surveyed for the fourth time by CAES OAIS; the previous surveys occurred in 2021, 2012, and 2004. Fourteen native species were found in 2024, compared to eleven in 2021, fifteen in 2012, and nine in 2004. There were two invasive plant species found in 2024, including minor naiad (Najas minor) and phragmites (Phragmites australis). Minor naiad has been found in all four vegetation surveys. In 2024, it was only documented in two areas on the southwestern part of the lake. Phragmites, a semi-aquatic wetland plant, was only found in one area on the south end of the lake. Invasive curlyleaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus) was found in 2021 but was not in 2024. Curlyleaf pondweed senesces in mid-summer, so a June survey is required to accurately document its presence.

          Clasping-leaf pondweed (Potamogeton perfoliatus) was the most common species in the lake and was found throughout the littoral zone. Eelgrass (Vallisneria americana) was the next most common species occuring in intermittent sparse patches. Cattail (Typha species), a native semi-aquatic wetland species, was found in many areas along the shore. All other native species had small populations in different areas of the lake. The northern most cove had eight different native species, including arrowhead (Sagittaria species), Berchtold’s pondweed (Potamogeton berchtoldii), clasping-leaf pondweed, common duckweed (Lemna minor), eelgrass, flat-stemmed pondweed (Potamogeton zosteriformis), variable pondweed (Potamogeton gramineus), and water starwort (Callitriche species). The northern cove appears to be shallowing due to sedimentation from the inlet stream and leave accumulation. Deeper areas of the lake had occasional spots of eelgrass and clasping-leaf pondweed as well as charaphyte, a plant-like freshwater algae. Water transparency was 1.8 meters (6 ft) which is below average for Connecticut lakes and represents a decline from earlier surveys.

 Other Canoe Brook Lake Surveys: 2021, 2012, 2004