Lake Hayward, East Haddam - 2019
2019 Aquatic Plant Survey Map of Lake Hayward
Lake Hayward is a 172-acre waterbody in East Haddam, CT with a maximum depth of 35 feet. The lake is bordered by roads and residential development on all sides with several beaches. There is public access to the lake by a state-owned boat launch in the northern cove; however, gas motors are prohibited.
The 2019 survey is the third CAES IAPP survey performed on the lake. The first was in 2005 and the second was in 2013. In 2019, the survey found 27 aquatic plant species, an increase from the 25 found in 2013 and 23 found in 2005. The only invasive species found was fanwort (Cabomba caroliniana). This is the first year that variable-leaf watermilfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum) was not found.
Fanwort has increased slightly since 2013. It is very common in the northern cove of the lake. It has increased in abundance in the southern cove of the lake. A new infestation has appeared in the small cove on the southwest side of the lake (by transect 5).
The northern cove still has the most vegetation present including the native species pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata), watershield (Brasenia schreberi), white water lily (Nymphaea odorata), and yellow water lily (Nuphar variegata). Floating bladderwort (Utricularia radiata) was the dominant plant in the lake. It rarely reached the surface but blanketed the bottom in the northern and southern coves. Because of its size, there is a possibility it is the invasive swollen bladderwort (Utricularia inflata). CAES IAPP is working on validating the identification.
Other Lake Hayward Surveys: 2005 Survey, 2013 Survey