Pattagansett Lake, East Lyme - 2006

Pattagansett Lake is 128 acres. Along its shoreline it has dense residential development, farmland and recreational areas. Most lawns abut the water with no buffer zone, although some properties do have retaining walls. On average the lake is 14 feet deep. It reaches 33 feet deep in the widest section. There is evidence of hydroraking of nuisance plants in the southern and northwestern coves to allow boat access.

  Our July 2006 survey found 26 species of plants. The only invasive species found was variable-leaf watermilfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum). The dominant aquatic vegetation is white water lily (Nymphaea odorata) and Robbins' pondweed (Potamogeton robbinsii).

The northern and northeastern portion of the lake has the sharpest drop in water depth, so there are the fewest plants in these areas. Very close to shore, there is mainly Robbins' pondweed, variable-leaf watermilfoil, eelgrass (Vallisneria americana), and a few sizeable patches of purple bladderwort (Utricularia purpurea). Very small patches of common bladderwort (Utricularia macrorhiza), snailseed pondweed (Potamogeton bicupulatus), and white water lily also in the northern part of the lake.

  The northwestern arm of the lake contains dense white water lily, variable-leaf watermilfoil, Robbins' pondweed, and very small amounts of common bladderwort, floating bladderwort (Utricularia radiata), and spotted pondweed (Potamogeton pulcher).

A large portion of the western shore is straight and contains intermingled small patches of all of the following species: Robbins' pondweed, purple bladderwort, spotted pondweed, humped bladderwort (Utricularia gibba), flat-leaf bladderwort (Utricularia intermedia), eelgrass, white water lily, sedge, and charaphyte.

The southernmost portion of the lake is very shallow and contains white water lily, yellow water lily (Nuphar variegata), and variable-leaf watermilfoil. In addition, there are patches of purple bladderwort, floating bladderwort, watershield (Brasenia schreberi), floating-leaf pondweed (Potamogeton natans), and coontail (Ceratophyllum demersum).

The southern and southeastern coves are separated by an island, on which there is an RV campground and picnic area. To the northeast of the island are large patches of variable-leaf watermilfoil, Robbins' pondweed, and charaphyte.

The southeastern cove is filled with Robbins' pondweed,  large patches of purple bladderwort, variable-leaf watermilfoil, and eelgrass.  There is also white water lily growing with yellow water lily, and very small amounts of floating-bladderwort, humped bladderwort, and pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata).

Other Pattagansett Lake Surveys: 2013