Lake Chaffee, Ashford - 2021

2021 Aquatic Plant Survey of Lake Chaffee
Transect Data | Water Data

Lake Chaffee is a 52-acre waterbody 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.

CAES IAPP performed the second survey of Lake Chaffee in August 2021. The first survey was done in 2009. In 2021, 15 plant species were found in the lake; very similar to the 14 species found in 2009. Two invasive aquatic plant species were found during this survey: purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) and forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides). These are wetland plants growing along the shoreline of the lake and were likely present in 2009 just not recorded. Phragmites (Phragmites australis; also know as common reed) was also found along a portion of the shoreline. Phragmites is also invasive but is not included in the state’s list of invasive aquatic plants because of its ability to grow on land and is therefore not included in the aquatic plant species richness.

There were 12 native species found throughout Lake Chaffee. The three most common were eelgrass (Vallisneria americana), western waterweed (Elodea nuttallii), and clasping-leaf pondweed (Potamogeton perfoliatus). These three plants were found throughout almost the entirety of the lake. Very few lily pads were found in the lake with only yellow water lily (Nuphar variegata) and watershield (Brasenia schreberi) found in the northwestern corner of the lake.

There was relatively little change between 2009 and 2021 in terms of aquatic plants. Eelgrass, western waterweed, and clasping-leaf pondweed did, however, increase slightly in abundance in 2021. Lake Chaffee is a fairly shallow lake with the deepest point around 3 meters (10 feet), so it is not surprising that so much of the lake contains aquatic plants.