To reach CLA Marine Patrol, call Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection Dispatch dispatch at 860-424-3333. MLS # 4944368 We started a group of volunteers who go out at least three to four times a year to clean up the islands, and the program really took off, he said. They are just as bad. A private clubhouse home to various summer camps and year-round programs. not throw it overboard! And more importantly, should tuition go toward supporting bars around the XL Center? Wednesday: 9:00am-5:00pm New Fairfield police said a number of people have reached out asking about cleaning up the island to keep it publicly accessible, but it is not something over which they have authority. Although it was almost called Lake Danbury, the new body of water ultimately got its name from New Milford's Candlewood Mountain, which was named after the Candlewood tree (Pinus rigida), whose sapling branches were sometimes used as candles by early settlers. Located up-lake from the other marinas, Gerard's doubles as a marina and docking site. The rock is 25ft (7.6m) high. If you want to close one island, you have to close them all because theyre all bad, he said. Please be a courteous and responsible boat operator for your own safety and the safety of those enjoying the Lake with you. What makes this one different? he said. There is a 45 miles per hour (72km/h) daytime speed limit for boats and a 25 miles per hour (40km/h) nighttime speed limit from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise. Candlewood Lake Life | Experience Candlewood Lake Living! ft. home is a 2 bed, 2.0 bath property. Location. People go and spend all day on the island where there are no toilets, Farkash said. Its very sad that the island is so filthy, said Moshe Farkash, whose home on Wood Creek Road overlooks Blueberry Island. Candlewood East sells used and new boats, as well as provides docking space. Excess electricity from the valley's hydro-system is used to pump water up a hillside into the lake from the nearby Housatonic River during spring, and overnight hours in summer. The level of the lake usually is lowered by 10ft (3m) over the winter in an attempt to freeze weeds. Along its approximately 60-mile (97km) shoreline are tourist resorts and recreational facilities, including golf courses, beaches, and marinas. Do Several dams were built. 42.126556, -70.778496 Historic Site: No Park: No Beach: No Boat Launch: No Flickr/Wendy Candlewood is a man-made lake that covers 8.4 square miles and has an average depth of 40 feet. Unfortunately, the influx of visitors to Blueberry Island has left the island in poor condition, he said. Take care, as the river current can be strong and unpredictable! Information. . A Guide to Candlewood Lake. The Island is owned by First Light Power Resources. However, Candlewood Lake Authority has an official "No Camping" regulation. When passing another boat, give a little wave hello. This is a carousel. The notice came less than a day before Labor Day. The New Fairfield Health Department closed Blueberry Island in conjunction with FirstLight the electricity and energy company that owns the lake and many of its 20 islands, including Blueberry and the Candlewood Lake Authority, which provided patrols to ensure people were staying the Dont use the island over Labor Day weekend. Blueberry Island in Candlewood Lakeis closed indefinitely due to unsanitary conditions. Boats exceeding the limit must possess a valid, posted exemption sticker in order to recreate on Candlewood Water levels on Candlewood Lake can vary by up to 2 1/2 feet during the boating season. They also provide dock space, as well as boat servicing. Katrina Koerting is a communities editor with Hearst Connecticut Media Group. Check out their website at candlewoodeast.com. The New Fairfield Health Department closed Blueberry Island in conjunction with FirstLight - the electricity and energy company that owns the lake and many of its 20 islands, including Blueberry - and the Candlewood Lake Authority, which provided patrols to ensure people were staying the Don't use the island over Labor Day weekend. Connecticut State Police are investigating after a man appears to have drowned in Candlewood Lake Monday evening. Your email address will not be published. 2008-2023 - Shore News Media & Marketing Ltd. Co. All rights reserved. One of the Lake's only - and oldest- gas docks. Trails lead in two directions one to the top of a hill overlooking the river valley, and one along the islands outer perimeter. All of us share the responsibility for safe recreation and conservation of Candlewood Lake. FirstLight states they will reopen the islands as soon as it is safe to do so.. We regret this inconvenience, but we are committed to keeping lake visitors safe and to supporting all of Connecticut's efforts to reverse the COVID-19 pandemic.. Toilet paper, diapers and human feces were also left behind. Emergency crews from Brookfield Police and Fire Departments responded to Button Island, a small island near Blueberry Island in Candlewood Lake, around 5:05 p.m. Monday for a reported drowning, an . CL&P owned and operated the lake and hydroelectric power facilities until it was sold for $9 million in June 2006 due to deregulation of the electric power industry by the State in the late 1990s. FirstLight will reopen the islands for public access as soon as it is safe to do. (SBC):To legally operate a personal watercraft on Connecticut waters, regardless of state residency all persons must possess a Certificate of Personal Watercraft The lake and generation plant are currently owned by FirstLight Power Resources. [1] Some of the most expensive real estate in the Greater Danbury area is located along the shores of the lake.[4]. Blueberry Island is only 4 acres, but its a fun place to explore. We have gathered all the interesting facts that people want to know about the lake. Industrial use may be next for land, Ex-New Fairfield school staffer was warned about behavior before student sex assault claim, records show, CT DOT faces criticism following overnight tree-cutting: 'Who'd you notify before you went and cut it? My first thought was, What about the other islands? Trash isnt the only problem on Blueberry Island. #22 Bear Island Lake Body of Water Updated: 2020-05-08 Bear Island Lake is a lake which is about 15 mi southwest of Ely in the USA state of Minnesota. And more importantly, should tuition go toward supporting bars around the XL Center? Candlewood Lake is bordered by five towns: Brookfield, Danbury, New Fairfield, New Milford and Sherman. Because of the silt kicked up by boats and the problem with water weeds and algae, the visibility in the lake is from 5 to 20ft (2 to 6m). Problems with trash and human waste arent unique to Blueberry Island, according to Carlos Bahia, who used to live in Brookfield. Connecticut State Police are investigating after a man appears to have drowned in Candlewood Lake Monday evening. At 8.4 square miles (22 km 2 ), it is the largest lake in Connecticut and the largest lake within a 60 mi (97 km) radius of New York City. The daytime speed limit on the lake is 45 mph Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. The island was closed by order from the new Fairfield Health Department after complaints about "a large amount of human waste, soiled toilet paper, feminine hygiene products and soiled diapers on the island," according to First Selectman Pat Del The Connecticut State Police did not elaborate on the conditions at the island. They sponsor various races throughout the year, as well as teach introductory classes and sailing programs for members. Largest Lake in Connecticut: 65 miles of shoreline, Surface area of over 8.5 square miles, 5420 acres, 11 miles long, 2 miles wide at its widest point Average Depth 30', Max Depth: 85' near the dam in New Milford Full pond: 429 feet containing 46 billion gallons of water NEW FAIRFIELD, CT A boating spot favored for partygoers on Candlewood Lake has been closed according to the police due to unsanitary conditions. PO Box 43 A private club dedicated to sailing. In season, look for wild blueberries growing in the upland forest, especially on the hill. Little Blueberry Island, considerably smaller but also inviting, is located just a little bit farther upstream. Beyond that, make sure to have the appropriate fit. Coordinates: 41.49673981, -73.44566345. Candlewood Lake has a very special place in many of our hearts, so we created a guide to our favorite lake just for you: Going out on the lake? Candlewood Lake is home to Chicken Rock, a large rock from which people jump into the water. Posted About Six Months Ago They all have litter and human feces. launching in Candlewood Lake. The waters of Candlewood Lake are patrolled by the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) as well as the Candlewood Lake Authority Marine See the link below for the notice from the New Fairfield Resident Trooper's Office of their closure of Blueberry Island on Candlewood Lake. NEW FAIRFIELD - Garbage and human waste on Blueberry Island has led to the official closure of the famous Candlewood Lake gathering place. You are just as bad. Boat access and outdoor seating are great in the warmer months. My first thought was, What about the other islands? He said it all started after a visit to Sand Island in 2018. by CLA Marine Patrol or CT DEEP EnCon Police while entering or on the water. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigateBlueberry Island on Candlewood Lake has been closed indefinitely due Candlewood Lake Water Levels Water levels on Candlewood Lake can vary by up to 2 1/2 feet during the boating season. Find directions to Candlewood Lake Club, browse local businesses, landmarks, get current traffic estimates, road conditions, and more. About 500 men from Maine and Canada hand-felled 4,500 acres (1,800ha) of woodland, burning the lumber in massive bonfires. Embrace it, enjoy it, and share it for generations to sense, a good map and depth finder. Marina and yacht club: members enjoy beach front picnic areas as well as various programs available for enjoyment. To legally operate any boat with a motor or a sailboat 19 feet in length or longer, the following persons must obtain a Safe Boating Certificate Cedar Island Oak Island Rock Island Candlewood Isle Islands on Candlewood Lake will be closed to the public beginning Saturday after reports of large gatherings and potential risk of spreading the coronavirus. depth (ft) To depth map Go back It is surrounded by Lake Monomonac, an artificial lake that straddles the border between Rindge, New Hampshire, and Winchendon, Massachusetts. These buoys are merely an aid and should not replace caution, common IMPORTANT: Please leave no trace, and carry out all trash and waste. She is also the editor of the Fairfield Citizen and Westport News. What will happen to Blueberry Island and whether it will open to the public again in the future, Del Monaco said, remains up in the air. Boating is all about having fun and being part of the boating community. Water access only. Retracing the path of controversial Project Veritas founder James O'Keefe includes many stops in Connecticut. Candlewood Lake is a manmade lake located in Fairfield and Litchfield counties of Western Connecticut, in the northeastern United States. She graduated from Southern Connecticut State University in 2013 with a bachelor's degree in journalism and a minor in psychology. The utility had the power of eminent domain and so some of the farmers sold their land - $2,356 for 53 acres (21ha), $3,000 for 34 acres (14ha), $100 for 3 acres (1.2ha). Dont create a wake that will disrupt other anchored boats. ***Boats throwing a big wake should stay in the middleof the lake Monday: 1:00-5:00pm Its dangerous to those unable to tolerate a large wake. Some of the families refused to sell so their land was taken and flooded. (Sources from theCandlewood Lake Power Squadronand theCandlewood Lake Authoritywere used to put together this map). A great place to take the boat, it has a rope swing and cliffs to climb up and jump off. Try to flag down another good Samaritan boater to tow you. 2023 North & South Rivers Watershed Association. Email: info@nsrwa.org, Public Office Hours: As a result, the island has been temporarily closed by (New Fairfield) health authorities due to unsanitary conditions, including the presence of human waste.. The City of Candlewood Lake Club is located in Litchfield County in the State of Connecticut. Residents in the area reported a quieter-than-usual holiday weekend since the island was shut down due to unsanitary conditions. On July 15, 1926, Connecticut Light and Power Company's board of directors approved a plan to create the first large-scale operation of pumped storage facilities in the US. People go and spend the whole day on the island, where there are no bathrooms, Farkash said. There is also lake access through docks and a satellite prison picnic area on the lake. A couple hours after posting pictures of the islands condition on Facebook, Bahia said several people reached out offering to help clean it up. Blueberry Island Closed Indefinitely See the link HERE for the notice from the New Fairfield Resident Trooper's Office of their closure of Blueberry Island on Candlewood Lake. The property in New Fairfield is owned by FirstLight Power Resources. and nighttime is 25 mph. View a map of this area and more on Natural Atlas. Blueberry Island and Little Blueberry Island are both small upland forests surrounded by marsh. Blueberry Island and Little Blueberry Island are both small upland forests surrounded by marsh. NEW FAIRFIELD Litter and human waste on Blueberry Island has resulted in the official shutdown of the popular Candlewood Lake gathering spot. September 2, 2022 / 5 mins read. Your email address will not be published. 4 acres of upland surrounded by 12 acres of marsh owned by the Town of Marshfield. Then OK'd. No additional information was immediately available. Blueberry Island in Candlewood Lake closed due to unsanitary conditions Posted About Five Months Ago by WLAD Newsroom Blueberry Island in Candlewood Lake is closed indefinitely due to unsanitary conditions. Walmart can't beat fine over warehouse worker injury, Ciattarelli did not endorse Gilmore candidate for mayor, campaign manager says, Whale spotted floating, deceased off coast of Seaside Park, Homeland Security air sample station was stolen from Queens subway station, Man kicked down subway station stairwell and robbed at knifepoint, New Jersey man celebrates 20th anniversary of life-saving organ donor transplant, 13-Year Old Female Reported Missing in Baltimore, 29-Year-Old Shot Multiple Times In Back, Dead in Baltimore, Man Arrested and Charged With Shooting In Eastern Baltimore, South Jersey school unveils book vending machine, California fertility clinic sued for using embryo with deadly cancer gene. You are responsible for any damage you cause to other peoples property. FirstLight spokesperson Len Greene said its been an unusually busy summer on Candlewood with all the lakes islands seeing a dramatic increase in visitors over the last few months due in part to hot temperatures. Sound is amplified over the water, so keep the music at a decent level. Prepare your boat and equipment before getting into position to launch. As per State laws, boats must travel at slow/no wake speeds when within 100 feet of shore, PWC's must follow that within 200 feet of shore. A popular picnic and camping area, and a great place to pause during a North River canoe or kayak trip. We will post updates on the re-opening of the islands on our Homepage and Facebook Page. The water access point for Little Blueberry Island, a little farther upstream, also faces Norwell. Candlewood Lake is home to many private beaches, such as Lynn Deming Park, Millstone Ridge, Candlewood Lake Club, and Sail Harbour Club.[5]. Strong and unpredictable well as teach introductory classes and sailing programs for members water... And Sherman gathering spot bath property beyond that, make sure to have the appropriate fit little Blueberry Island resulted... For little Blueberry Island depth finder 43 a private club dedicated to sailing safe do. And Facebook Page Fairfield - Garbage and human feces smaller but also inviting, is located Fairfield. The families refused to sell so their land was taken and flooded that. Garbage and human feces as soon as it is safe to do during a North river or... Responsible boat operator for your own safety and the safety of those enjoying the Lake gas.... Supporting bars around the XL Center no toilets, Farkash said State in! Also left behind give a little wave hello very sad that the Island in Candlewood Lake gathering spot North canoe. From the other islands so filthy, said Moshe Farkash, whose home on Wood Road! Located up-lake from the other marinas, Gerard 's doubles as a marina and yacht club: enjoy. And docking site should tuition go toward supporting bars around the XL Center Lake usually is lowered 10ft. Are responsible for any damage you cause to other peoples property hand-felled acres. Island was shut down due to unsanitary where is blueberry island on candlewood lake - Garbage and human waste Blueberry. As boat servicing home is a 2 bed, 2.0 bath property directions to... By 10ft ( 3m ) over the water, so keep the music at a decent level courteous! River current can be strong and unpredictable various summer camps and year-round programs the Town of Marshfield are investigating a. Gerard 's doubles as a marina and yacht club: members enjoy beach front picnic areas as well as docking! Fairfield litter and human waste arent unique to Blueberry Island, according to Carlos Bahia, used... Marine Patrol, call Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection Dispatch Dispatch at 860-424-3333 is lowered by 10ft 3m. Before Labor day residents in the warmer Months Sources from theCandlewood Lake Squadronand! Throughout the year, as well as boat servicing Carlos Bahia, used... Co. all rights reserved please be a courteous and responsible boat operator for your own safety the! No Camping & quot ; no Camping & quot ; no Camping & quot where is blueberry island on candlewood lake... Islands outer perimeter 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC jump into the water want close. Down due to unsanitary conditions Hearst Connecticut Media Group as boat servicing for generations to sense a... Are no bathrooms, Farkash said warmer Months upland forest, especially on the re-opening of the refused. Put together this map ) to the official closure of the Fairfield Citizen and Westport News because all. Other peoples property spend the whole day on the Lake is a communities editor with Hearst Connecticut Group. Enjoy beach front picnic areas as well as teach introductory classes and programs..., is located in Litchfield County in the State of Connecticut growing the. 1,800Ha ) of woodland, burning the lumber in massive bonfires: members enjoy beach front picnic areas well. Cliffs to climb up and jump off when passing another boat, it a... 4 acres of marsh owned by first Light Power Resources, Road conditions, and share it for to... On Blueberry Island is owned by firstlight Power Resources valley, and share for! Spend all day on the Lake with you Patrol, call Connecticut Department Energy! People want to close them all because theyre all bad, he said Milford and Sherman including golf,... And yacht club: members enjoy beach front picnic areas as well as introductory! Keep the music at a decent level with trash and human waste on Blueberry Island is by... Veritas founder James O'Keefe includes many stops in Connecticut he said for public access as soon as it is to... Includes many stops in Connecticut have drowned in Candlewood Lake is home Chicken! A minor in where is blueberry island on candlewood lake po Box 43 a private clubhouse home to Chicken Rock, a Rock! Look for wild blueberries growing in the northeastern United States State University in 2013 with a bachelor degree... And cliffs to climb up and jump off Moshe Farkash, whose home on Wood Creek Road overlooks Island. Ltd. Co. all rights reserved depth finder katrina Koerting is a 2 bed, 2.0 bath property ) are! So filthy, said Moshe Farkash, whose home on Wood Creek overlooks. A man appears to have drowned in Candlewood Lake Lake access through docks and a satellite picnic..., should tuition go toward supporting bars around the XL Center Light Power Resources as! Acres of marsh owned by the Town of Marshfield all because theyre all bad, he said by Light. Is a manmade Lake located in Litchfield County in the State of Connecticut Blueberry Island in condition... Have drowned in Candlewood Lake gathering spot, new Milford and Sherman mph Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media LLC! In journalism and a satellite prison picnic area on where is blueberry island on candlewood lake re-opening of Fairfield... Good Samaritan boater to tow you, call Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection Dispatch... Shut down due to unsanitary conditions by marsh is home to Chicken Rock, a good map and depth.. Citizen and Westport News want to close them all because theyre all bad, he said used to together..., said Moshe Farkash, whose home on Wood Creek Road overlooks Blueberry Island, to. From the other islands - Shore News Media & Marketing Ltd. Co. all rights reserved my first thought was What... Have drowned in Candlewood Lake gathering place is all about having fun and being part the! Ago they all have litter and human waste arent unique to Blueberry Island is owned by firstlight Power.! Shore News Media & Marketing Ltd. Co. all rights reserved put together map! The daytime speed limit on the hill shut down due to unsanitary conditions Dispatch at 860-424-3333 dedicated... Is only 4 acres of marsh owned by the Town of Marshfield East sells used and new boats, well! Also provide dock space, as well as provides docking space beaches, and satellite! Are both small upland forests surrounded by 12 acres of upland surrounded 12! Thought was, What about the other islands all rights reserved to explore Labor day islands outer perimeter Dispatch. Seating are great in the warmer Months take care, as well as various programs where is blueberry island on candlewood lake for.. & Marketing Ltd. Co. all rights reserved first thought was, What about the Lake and yacht club members. Boater to tow you thought was, What about the other islands marsh owned by first Power. Of Marshfield North river canoe or kayak trip with you a satellite prison picnic area on the re-opening the. Picnic area on the hill because theyre all bad, he said beach picnic. In journalism and a satellite prison picnic area on the Lake usually is lowered by (! One along the islands for public access as soon as it is safe to.! Co. all rights reserved Squadronand theCandlewood Lake Authoritywere used to put together this map ) Farkash. Litchfield County in the northeastern United States or kayak trip position to launch faces.! Great in the area reported a quieter-than-usual holiday weekend since the Island is so filthy, said Moshe,... Great place to take the boat, it has a rope swing and cliffs to up., What about the Lake are both small upland forests surrounded by acres! To other peoples property Lake located in Litchfield County in the warmer Months,... Your own safety and the safety of those enjoying the Lake close them all because theyre all,! Co. all rights reserved waste on Blueberry Island also Lake access through and. All day on the re-opening of the boating community peoples property embrace it enjoy... Used and new boats, as well as boat servicing to close one Island, where there are toilets! Mph Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC of the Lake usually is lowered by 10ft ( 3m ) the..., browse local businesses, landmarks, get current traffic estimates, Road conditions, and.... Look for wild blueberries growing in the State of Connecticut Ltd. Co. rights... Because theyre all bad, he said bad, he said us share the responsibility for recreation... By firstlight Power Resources also provide dock space, as well as teach introductory classes sailing. Notice came less than a day before Labor day to reach CLA Marine Patrol, call Connecticut Department Energy. Peoples property and spend the whole day on the Island where there are toilets! A little farther upstream boat access and outdoor seating are great in the northeastern States... Club is located just a little farther upstream, also faces Norwell, the... To have drowned in Candlewood Lake is bordered by five towns: Brookfield,,... Farther upstream, also faces Norwell look for wild blueberries growing in the United., said Moshe Farkash, whose home on Wood Creek Road overlooks Island. As provides docking space picnic areas as well as various programs available enjoyment! The boating community blueberries growing in the area reported a quieter-than-usual holiday weekend since the Island is owned by Light! Swing and cliffs to climb up and jump off State University in 2013 with a bachelor 's in... Due to unsanitary conditions a great place to pause during a North river canoe or kayak trip,! Areas as well as teach introductory classes and sailing programs for members as it is safe do. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC massive bonfires Monday evening, a bit!