Crystal Lake, Middletown - 2011

Crystal Lake in Middletown, CT is 31 acres in size. Only electric motors are allowed on the lake. There is a public boat ramp along with a public beach on the south end of the lake. A private beach club is on the northern end of the lake. Many houses have been developed on either side of the lake. The lake is frequently used for fishing and swimming. 

The 2011 vegetative survey is the fourth year the CAES IAPP has done a full vegetative survey on Crystal Lake. The 2011 survey found 15 aquatic species growing in the lake. Two invasive species were present, similar to 2009 and 2010. The invasive species are minor naiad (Najas minor) and curlyleaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus). Minor naiad was most dominant; however, this is due to the fact that curlyleaf pondweed grows in the spring and dies back in the summer. An early summer preliminary survey found curlyleaf pondweed growing in most of the littoral zone of the lake. The native species coontail (Ceratophyllum demersum) and Robbins' pondweed (Potamogeton robbinsii) continue to be the most dominant native species in the lake. All four of these species were found growing most densely in the southwestern arm of the lake but were also found throughout the lake. Other plants that grew close to shore and in small patches include waterwort (Elatine species), spikerush (Eleocharis species), golden hedge-hyssop (Gratiola aurea), quillwort (Isoetes species), slender naiad (Najas flexilis), arrowhead (Sagittaria species), and bur-reed (Sparganium species). White water lily (Nymphaea odorata) was only found in a small patch in the southwestern arm. Small pondweed (Potamogeton pusillus) and snailseed pondweed (Potamogeton bicupulatus) were found at the northern and southern ends of the lake in small to medium patches..

Other Crystal Lake Surveys: 2010, 2009, 2004