Taking Action
Leaving a Positive Footprint Starts with You
Individuals can positively impact Bantam Lake in various ways (Figure 7). The little things add up quickly and often require a very small financial investment. The choices we make as individuals impact the health of Bantam Lake. Unfortunately, the lake is impacted by several big problems that go beyond annual cyanobacteria blooms but include non-native, invasive weeds and nutrient run-off with each rain event. These changes are not only impacting the lake right now but, also impact future generations. People that live in the Bantam Lake community and throughout the watershed have the greatest influence to make a positive difference. To learn more about how to make a positive influence on the lake right now and for the future please visit the following:
The Dock Primer
The Drain Primer
The Fish Habitat Primer
The Shore Primer
Effective Options
Local municipalities and community groups, as well as the state and federal government, play a vital role as partners in planning and implementing effective management options (see our Partners page). There are many short-term and long-term strategies that can be used to help Bantam Lake (Figure 8). The towns of Morris and Litchfield, CT are directly affected by the blooms in the lake. These towns rely on Bantam Lake as a form of economic revenue as well as, a recreational retreat. Harmful blooms impact tourism and property values, which impacts the tax revenue for the local towns. These shoreline communities and other stakeholders value the natural scenery for relaxation and adventure. Stakeholders want a healthy environment, not only now, but for their future generations.
If you would like to look at some of these strategies in depth please visit the following:
Bantam Lake Protective Association
Low Impact Development (LID) Strategies
Urban Runoff: LID
Additional links from the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection:
Blue-Green Algae in Lakes Research Report
Surface Water Quality
Water Monitoring Program
Water Quality Standards and Classifications
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| Figure 7. Bullets of What Individuals Can Do to Positively Effect Bantam Lake. |
Individuals can positively impact Bantam Lake in various ways (Figure 7). The little things add up quickly and often require a very small financial investment. The choices we make as individuals impact the health of Bantam Lake. Unfortunately, the lake is impacted by several big problems that go beyond annual cyanobacteria blooms but include non-native, invasive weeds and nutrient run-off with each rain event. These changes are not only impacting the lake right now but, also impact future generations. People that live in the Bantam Lake community and throughout the watershed have the greatest influence to make a positive difference. To learn more about how to make a positive influence on the lake right now and for the future please visit the following:
The Dock Primer
The Drain Primer
The Fish Habitat Primer
The Shore Primer
 |
| Figure 8. Short-term to Long-Term Management and Treatment Options at the Municipal, State, and Federal Levels (arranged as least to most costly and time consuming). |
Effective Options
Local municipalities and community groups, as well as the state and federal government, play a vital role as partners in planning and implementing effective management options (see our Partners page). There are many short-term and long-term strategies that can be used to help Bantam Lake (Figure 8). The towns of Morris and Litchfield, CT are directly affected by the blooms in the lake. These towns rely on Bantam Lake as a form of economic revenue as well as, a recreational retreat. Harmful blooms impact tourism and property values, which impacts the tax revenue for the local towns. These shoreline communities and other stakeholders value the natural scenery for relaxation and adventure. Stakeholders want a healthy environment, not only now, but for their future generations.
If you would like to look at some of these strategies in depth please visit the following:
Bantam Lake Protective Association
Low Impact Development (LID) Strategies
Urban Runoff: LID
Additional links from the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection:
Blue-Green Algae in Lakes Research Report
Surface Water Quality
Water Monitoring Program
Water Quality Standards and Classifications
