Cedar Lake, Chester - 2004

2004 Aquatic Plant Survey Map of Cedar Lake

Transect Data | Water Data

Cedar Lake in Chester is bordered by Cockaponset State Forest to the northeast and has a public beach and private summer camp on Route 148 to the southeast. Houses and two private beaches occur on the western shore, and the lake is bordered by a marsh to the northwest, where Pattaconk Brook enters. A public boat launch is located at the northern end of the 69.3-acre lake. 

A total of 21 aquatic plant species were recorded in Cedar Lake during a survey in late June 2004. The most abundant species were white water lily (Nymphaea odorata)and two invasive species, variable-leaf watermilfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum) and fanwort (Cabomba caroliniana).  Substantial patches of watershield (Brasenia schreberi) and yellow water lily (Nuphar variegata) also were recorded. Fanwort was the most frequently found species in 72 samples taken on transects established in the lake, appearing in 54% of samples, followed by variable-leaf watermilfoil and hiddenfruit bladderwort (Utricularia geminiscapa), each of which occurred in 28%. Hydro-raking was done to remove aquatic plants from some parts of the lake after the survey was done.

Fanwort was very abundant in the northern end of the lake near a state boat launch, especially where the sediment was composed of fine silt. A small patch of ribbon-leaf pondweed (Potamogeton epihydrus) also occurred in the middle of the boat launch cove. The slightly rocky edges of the cove were lined with white water lily. Variable-Leaf watermilfoilalso occurred on the sides of the cove and extended into deeper water, occurring there with fanwort. Smaller patches of yellow water lily also occurred with the white water lily, and a small patch of spotted pondweed (Potamogeton pulcher) also was found in this area.            

Variable-Leaf watermilfoil was extremely abundant in Pattaconk Brook, which flows into the north end of Cedar Lake. The species was most abundant mid-channel; many plants of white water lily and yellow water lilygrew on the sides of the channel.    

Large stands of variable-leaf watermilfoil, white water lily, and fanwortoccurred along the western side of Cedar Lake. Charophyte algae were also abundant in some areas. One large patch of snailseed pondweed (Potamogeton bicupulatus) was recorded, and watershield and yellow water lily occurred in several locations. Found in the shallowest water were scattered patches of sevenangle pipewort (Eriocaulon aquaticum) and arrowhead (Sagittaria species).            

The southwestern cove, where a dam exists, was dominated by white water lily and watershield, although large patches of variable-leaf watermilfoil and fanwort also were recorded, as well as floating-leaf pondweed (Potamogeton natans), floating bladderwort (Utricularia radiata), hiddenfruit bladderwort, little floating heart (Nymphoides cordata), and needle spikerush (Eleocharis acicularis).

Variable-Leaf watermilfoil and fanwort were abundant on the eastern side of Cedar Lake. White water lilyalso was abundant in shallow water. Watershield occurred in large patches, usually with variable-leaf watermilfoil. Individual plants or small patches of floating bladderwort, common bladderwort (Utricularia macrorhiza), lake quillwort (Isoetes lacustris), and sevenangle pipewort also were found. In this area, as in the rest of Cedar Lake, plants extended from the shore to a depth of 12 feet. The lake has a maximum depth of 43 feet and a mean depth of 20 feet.