Shenipsit Lake Reservoir Ready for Boats

The Shenipsit Lake Association and Connecticut Water Company have announced that they have storage room for 48 boats this season at the Shenipsit Lake boat storage area near Ellington Road in Tolland. 

The storage area will start accepting boats for free on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 6 a.m. on April 13.

In order for any boat to be allowed on the lake, the boat must be quarantined for at least 48 hours before going into the lake in order to prevent the potential spread of Zebra Mussels.  Zebra mussels can upset ecosystems, threaten native wildlife damage structures, and also cause other serious problems for the lake.

The Shenipsit Lake Reservoir Recreation Program will officially open on Saturday, April 16. 

The Shenipsit Lake Reservoir is a public water supply source that is located in Ellington, Vernon and Tolland and has been approved for a recreation program since 1994.  

Fishing is allowed from sunrise to sunset in designated areas along the shoreline.  Electric and oar-powered boats are allowed for fishing starting from the third Saturday in April until October 31.  The Shenipsit Lake Recreation Program also offers a year-round hiking trail in cooperation with the Connecticut Forest and Park Association. 

Cindy Gaudino, Connecticut Water’s manager of Source Protection and Real Estate, said that while protecting the public drinking water supplies is important, recreational activities for families are available.

“We take great measures to protect drinking water supplies and our watershed areas as part of our commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Gaudino. “At the same time, we wish to provide the community with recreational activities and access to this land.”

The Shenipsit Lake Association is also sponsoring three free fishing derbies for children this season on May 8, June 25 and August 28, starting from 7 a.m. to noon.  The age categories are ages 3 through 8 and ages 9 through 15.  Registration will be held at the boat storage facility on Ellington Road in Tolland.  Shenipsit Lake Association President Shawn LaForest said it will be a great way for the community to interact with the Recreation Program.

“Our hope is to encourage people to enjoy the Recreation Program and for more families to take advantage of this year’s fishing derbies,” LaForest said.

For more information on the Shenipsit Lake Recreation Program, visit the web site at http://www.ctwater.com or call 860-286-5700.  A copy of the Recreation Program brochure and directions are available on the website.  The boat storage facility can be reached at 860-875-1850.