URGENT UPDATE: All public islands on Candlewood Lake will close starting Friday, September 1, 2023, just ahead of the busy Labor Day weekend. The Candlewood Lake Authority announced this decision to address serious public health and safety concerns linked to overcrowding and misuse of the islands.
Officials revealed that all 12 public islands will be off-limits to visitors due to alarming levels of trash, human waste, and broken glass reported on various islands. In a statement, the authority emphasized, “Due to significant public health and safety concerns caused by the unsustainable misuse and overcrowding of Candlewood Lake’s islands, we are announcing the closure of all public islands.”
This closure affects multiple towns around the lake, including Brookfield, Danbury, New Fairfield, New Milford, and Sherman, with support from FirstLight, the lake’s owner. New Milford Mayor Pete Bass voiced his concerns on social media, stating, “Some of the islands have experienced extreme overcrowding which has resulted in large amounts of garbage… This can cause a significant impact to the health of the islands and the lake.”
The Candlewood Lake Authority Marine Patrol, along with the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection and local police departments, will enforce the closures. Officials warned that those who disobey the closure could face removal and fines for trespassing or other violations.
Candlewood Lake holds the title of the largest lake in Connecticut and the largest in the New York metropolitan area, covering 8.4 square miles and 5,420 acres. This urgent closure aims to preserve the natural beauty and safety of the lake for all.
As the holiday weekend approaches, residents and visitors are encouraged to stay informed and respect the closure for the health of the community and the environment. This developing situation will be monitored closely, and updates will be provided as they become available.
