Lake Forest, Bridgeport - 2007

Lake Forest is a 66-acre private lake in Bridgeport, surrounded by houses. A yearly four to nine-foot drawdown helps to control aquatic vegetation.

Our September, 2007 survey of Lake Forest showed that the dominant plant was the invasive species minor naiad (Najas minor). It occurred in dense patches along the northern shore and less dense patches along the rest of the shoreline. The only other submersed plant species recorded was snailseed pondweed (Potamogeton bicupulatus) which was found in a large band on the shallow, rocky arm stretching from the north into the middle of the lake as well as in a patch at the south. A variety of white water lily called American white water lily (Nymphaea odorata ssp. tuberosa) was found in the northernmost cove and one place along the eastern shore. Also occurring frequently throughout the lake was chara (Charaphyte), a plant-like algae.