Each spring at the lake edges you will see signs of Sunfish spawning. The sunfish create circular 'nests' by fanning away debris and exposing the rocks or sand below. They aggressively defend these nests from others in the water, including humans. If you have ever been wading in the water of Truesdale Lake and been rammed in the legs by a sunfish when you get too close to their nest you will know what I mean. They look small but you will be in for a surprise when they swim into your legs.

Another spring and early summer sight is dead sunfish along the bank. Based on information from the Connecticut DEP, we can say that this is a natural part of the sunfish life cycle, affecting the weaker fish during and after spawning.

from the story here:
Quote:

Fish deaths can also be caused in a number of other ways. Smaller fish can be chased into shallow water by larger predators and get stuck in weeds and unable to get free. Also, in warmer months, the oxygen levels of the lake go down as the water heats up. This causes the weaker fish to die off.

Truesdale Lake has tens of thousands of fish all different sizes. Our lake manager, Allied Biological, has said that dead fish are nothing to get alarmed about in small quantities (10+ on a typical waterfront) and are normal for lakes. However, if you notice dead fish in larger quantities (over 100) then there may be something else going on and please let us or Allied know.

The town has discontinued its leaf pickup operations. Unless you have made other arrangements, please do not blow your leaves onto the road, they will not be picked up. Please inform your landscaper (if you use one) of the new town policy.

In the spring there was some town discussion of some alternatives such as special bags sold by the town to homeowners and picked up by a contractor. Check back at the website in a few days for updates and tips on composting leaves on your property.

If anyone knows more details than I do, please click the "Contact Us" link to the left and let me know and I will update the site with the information.

Some websites to check:
About.com Making Mulch
Don't Bag It Leaf Management
Composting Leaves Without A Bin
Hamline University

I counted eight dead fish (sunfish maybe?) near the shore at 21 Truesdale last week. I don't recall ever seeing that many at one time before. Did anyone else notice a lot of dead fish recently? I wonder if it's related to the treatment of the lake the prior week. Hmmm . . .

Thanks to Janet Andersen for these timely resolutions:

As we look forward to the next year, I send best wishes for healthy lakes in 2008. And I hope that you consider adding some of these resolutions to your personal list.

Lake Stewardship New Year's Resolutions:

1. This year my septic tank will be pumped and inspected (optional if I did this last year). If the tank baffles are missing or damaged, I'll have them replaced.

2. I will "overseed" my lawn rather than spread fertilizer or pesticides. I'll tell my lawn service - or myself - to cut my grass high and leave the clippings on the lawn. If I think fertilizer is needed, I'll use phosphate-free fertilizer, or, even better, I'll test the soil first so I know.

3. If I live on the lake, I'll plant a "buffer" of native plants to slow the flow of rainwater or stormwater (and the pollutants it carries) into the lake. I'll pull up some invasive plants and plant some native ones.

4. I'll pick up after my pets and throw their poop into the trash.

5. This year I'll make sure no oil or gas from my mower or car spills on the ground or into the lake.

6. If I take coolers, sand toys, or other beach or boat items to another waterbody, I'll make sure that they are free of weeds and shells before bringing them back here so I don't transport invasive plants and animals.

7. If I haven't done so already, this is the year I'll take a safe boating course.

8. I'll start or use a compost pile (away from the lake shore, wet areas, or streams).

9. If it's icy, I'll minimize my use of salt by using kitty litter or sand where I can.

10. I'll learn more about my lake's history, health, plants, or animals this year.

Happy New Year to all!

The latest update to the Truesdale Lake Improvement Tax District Bill is online for your viewing and downloading.

Reading through the proposed law may spark some questions. If you have any, please check our Frequently Asked Questions page to see if your concern has been addressed. If not, click the Contact Us link to the left and let us know your concerns.

If you would like more information about the timeline or why the tax district is being planned, please see the Lake Restoration Project Home Page.

More information about the projects planned once the tax district is in place can be found in this article, this engineering report about the Dam, and this engineering report about the stormwater sites.

Fall is coming to an end and winter will arrive soon. The lake will be frozen, drawing out skaters and ice fishermen.

I encourage anyone who has a news item of interest to register at the site and post it online. You can submit photos like the one in this article. If you have any questions about getting something online, let me know via the "Contact Us" link on the left side.

Congratulations to Jack Fles, winner of the 2004 Summer Sunfish Race Series. If you are interested in learning more about Sunfish Fleet #27, see the link at the left.

Congratulations as well to Ira Sanchick as well for winning the marathon Truesdale Lake President's Cup Race on Labor Day Weekend.