Popular Destination for New Yorkers Announces Island Closure

This week, the Candlewood Lake Authority made an announcement that rocked a lot of people's plans for the long Labor Day Weekend. On August 26th, they posted a notice on Facebook that, as of Friday, August 28th, all public islands on Candlewood Lake would be closing.

All Public Islands On Candlewood Lakes Are Closed

Candlewood Lake is an area that covers many municipalities, including the Town of Brookfield, the City of Danbury, the Town of New Fairfield, the Town of New Milford, and the Town of Sherman, Connecticut. People travel not only from areas of Connecticut but also from nearby New York to enjoy Candlewood Lake.

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According to the social media post, all public islands at the lake would be closed until further notice due to safety and public health concerns. The concerns have been the result of the unsustainable misuse and overcrowding of Candlewood Lake's Islands this summer.

Candlewood Lake Authority Closes Public Island Before Labor Day Weekend

The island closure came ahead of the Labor Day weekend holiday. The Candlewood Lake Authority plans to enforce the closure with help from the Candlewood Lake Authority Marine Patrol, the CT DEEP Environmental Conservation (ENCon) Police, and the local Municipal Police Departments.

They announced the closure on behalf of the Town of Brookfield, City of Danbury, Town of New Fairfield, Town of New Milford, and Town of Sherman, with the cooperation and support of Candlewood Lake’s owner, FirstLight.

READ More: New York Bridge Celebrates 90 Years As A Hudson River Crossing

What is the Penalty For Using a Closed Island on Candlewood Lake

Boaters and lake visitors who do not adhere to this closure will be subject to removal, they will be charged with trespassing, and can expect to be fined by law enforcement

Boaters are also reminded that the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection will be conducting targeted enforcement of its Aquatic Invasive Species Stamp. This stamp is required for all registered vessels on all Connecticut inland waters, including the Housatonic and Thames Rivers.

Candlewood Lake is a man-made body of water with an interesting history and legend. It stretches from Litchfield to Fairfield Counties. It is 8.4 square miles, making it Connecticut's largest lake. Its surface area is over 5400 acres and has about 60 miles of shoreline, according to statistics on Wikipedia.

YouTube Video of Candlewood Lake Created By Ethan Carey