Crystal Lake, Ellington - 2013 

 

Transect Data | Water Data

Crystal Lake is a 187-acre lake located on the Ellington and Stafford town border. The land surrounding the lake is heavily developed with residential houses. Various sandy beaches are found along the shoreline. The CT DEEP maintains a boat launch on the western shore. The lake is heavily used for recreation.

The 2013 CAES IAPP vegetative survey was a resurvey from 2005. The 2013 survey found 21 aquatic plant species, compared to 19 species found in 2005. Both years found the presence of the same invasive species, variable-leaf watermilfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum). It was found growing in medium abundance in similar locations in both survey years. The growth was limited to the very northern cove, the very southern cove, and the eastern cove. The eastern cove was the most species rich area of the lake but was difficult to thoroughly survey because of the thick vegetative growth. Much of the cove was shallow and filled with emergent species such as pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata). 

The most common species found in the lake was arrowhead (Sagittaria species). Similar to 2005, this plant grew in a thick bank around the entire lake from close to the shore to about 2 meters deep. This is a low growing plant that is normally found closer to shore. The abundant growth of this plant may be prohibiting growth of more nuisance plant species that grow through the entire water column. Various shallow water plant species grew sporadically around the shoreline including sevenangle pipewort (Eriocaulon aquaticum), mudmat (Glossostigma cleistanthum), and golden hedge-hyssop (Gratiola aurea).

Other Crystal Lake Surveys: 2005