Diamond Lake, Glastonbury - 2006

Diamond Lake is a privately owned 20-acre body of water located south of Route 94 in the eastern section of Glastonbury. It is primarily spring fed and has a spillway on the southeast shore that allows for a six-inch drawdown. The maximum depth of the lake is about 12 feet and residents report “good” fishing. Lakefront development is sparse to moderate and most homes have left trees and natural vegetation along the lake. A large development north of the lake is underway but the road drains from it are not designed to flow to the lake. Local road drains do flow to the lake but residents do not report seeing the lake turn brown from siltation during flood events. Agricultural impacts on the lake are minimal.

No vegetation management except for some localized hand pulling has been done and the lake supports abundant native vegetation that is generally not considered a nuisance. Shallow areas near the shore support sparse to moderate stands of watershield (Brasenia schreberi), sevenangle pipewort (Eriocaulon aquaticum), quillwort (Isoetes species), southern naiad (Najas guadalupensis), white water lily (Nymphaea odorata), and little floating heart (Nymphoides cordata). Deeper sections of the lake, comprising about two-thirds of the lake, support a luxuriant population of western waterweed (Elodea nuttallii) and sparse amounts of bladderwort (Utricularia species) and charaphyte (Chara). Moderately dense stands of small pondweed (Potamogeton pusillus) occur in the lakes center. Diamond Lake appears to be a good example of a privately owned waterbody that remains free of invasive plant species while supporting healthy populations of native species. Satisfying recreational opportunities for residents occur without significant plant management.