Shenipsit Lake Reservoir Recreation Program Set To Launch

TOLLAND/ELLINGTON/VERNON, CT — The Connecticut Water Company, the Shenipsit Lake Association and the towns of Ellington, Tolland and Vernon said Monday that the 2022 Shenipsit Lake Reservoir recreation program will open at sunrise on April 9 for the 2022 season.

Recreation is allowed under a permit to CWC from the Department of Public Health that provides for approved recreational opportunities with measures to protect the public drinking water source.

Shenipsit Lake Reservoir is a public drinking water supply, and there are special precautions in place to ensure the continuous protection and quality of the water supply source, officials said.

The 2022 program features fishing from designated shoreline areas, fishing from boats registered and stored at the boat storage area, and hiking. Fishing from boats is available to property owners along the shoreline of the Shenipsit Lake Reservoir and for those who have boats stored at the boat storage area. There are 42 slots in the boat storage area that will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis through an online registration process.

In 2021, more than 7,650 people took advantage of the Shenipsit Lake Reservoir recreation program.

"We are building on the success of last year’s program by continuing to offer fishing from designated shoreline areas as well as from boats from the boat storage area, using an online boat registration process," Connecticut Water President Maureen P. Westbrook said. "We will have all the recreational opportunities that have made the program a success for nearly 30 years."

Daniel Champagne, mayor of Vernon and state senator of the 35th district said, "We are pleased that this valuable resource will be open to the public for hiking and fishing, as well as for fishing from boats in 2022. We are also pleased that preference is being given to residents of the three communities that surround the lake for some of the boat storage slots."

Lori Spielman, first selectman of Ellington said, "Outdoor recreation is vital to residents and our community. It is one of the many reasons that this is a great place to live and work. I encourage residents of Ellington and nearby communities to take advantage of this natural gem. Fishing and hiking for young and old alike help us manage the stress in our daily lives."

Tolland Interim Town Manager Lisa Hancock indicated that she "appreciated that Connecticut Water continues to offer recreational activities at the Shenipsit Lake Reservoir recreation program to residents of Tolland and nearby communities."

Those who wish to have their boat at the boat storage area, located at 95 Ellington Road in Tolland, will need to register their boats through an online process. Paper registration forms will not be accepted. The registrations will be on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Saturday, March 26, at noon. The link for boat registration can be found at www.ctwater.com/shenipsitlake.

The initial registration will close at midnight on March 27, and the 42 slots will be assigned. All registrants will be notified of the status of their registration request on March 30, and further instructions will be provided for those who received a boat slot. People are encouraged to continue to apply online, as a waiting list will be maintained for those who do not initially receive a slip — if openings become available. Those receiving a boat slip will have an opportunity to deliver their boat to their slip beginning Saturday, April 2.

The registration process provides an equal opportunity for residents of the three communities of Ellington, Tolland and Vernon, with 30 boat slots designated for the residents of those towns. In addition, there are 12 slots available to those living both in and beyond Shenipsit Lake border towns.

Additional information on the recreation program is available at www.ctwater.com/shenipsit.

Questions on the recreation program can be emailed to Shenipsitlake@ctwater.com.