Lake Chaffee, Ashford - 2009

Lake Chaffee is 52 acres and located in Ashford, CT. It is about 3 meters (10 feet) deep, and motors are not allowed (carry in only). Residential housing surrounds the lake and a small dam is located in the northeastern corner.

Our July 2009 survey found 14 species of aquatic plants. None were invasive. The most abundant species was clasping-leaf pondweed (Potamogeton perfoliatus) that was found mainly in the lake's center. This plant was visible from the surface and shoreline due to the red tinge in the leaves. Eelgrass (Vallisneria americana) and western waterweed (Elodea nuttallii) were also very abundant along the shoreline as well as surrounding the two islands in the center of the lake.

Other species of aquatic vegetation included slender naiad (Najas flexilis), snailseed pondweed (Potamogeton bicupulatus), water starwort (Callitriche species), floating bladderwort (Utricularia radiata), and bur-reed (Sparganium species). These species were found throughout the lake, mainly away from the shoreline. Sparse golden hedge-hyssop (Gratiola aurea), yellow water lily (Nuphar variegata), small waterwort (Elatine minima), and spiney-spored quillwort (Isoetes echinospora) were found in shallow water.

Other Lake Chaffee Surveys: 2021