The effects of winter drawdown on macrophytes in candlewood lake, Connecticut

Abstract

Between 1980 and 1983 dense beds of the macrophyte Myriophyllum spicatum L. became well established throughout Candlewood Lake, Conn., at the expense of a once diverse native flora. During 1983–84 and 1984–85 winter drawdowns of 2 and 2.7 m, respectively, were attempted to control the densities and further spread of the M. spicatum. After the initial drawdown, weed biomass was reduced by more than 90 percent in shallow sites; however, little change in densities occurred in deeper areas. The deeper drawdown resulted in a further reduction in M. spicatum densities, although it remained the dominant plant at depths greater than 2.5 m. Najas minor allioni became the dominant macrophyte in shallow areas, presumably developing from seeds. © 1986 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.