| Lake Zoar | |
|---|---|
 Partially frozen Lake Zoar viewed from the Pomperaug Trail just south of Oxford Connecticut's Jackson Cove Town Park. | |
  Lake Zoar | |
| Location | Fairfield andNew Haven counties,Connecticut |
| Coordinates | 41°23′18″N73°10′39″W / 41.38833°N 73.17750°W /41.38833; -73.17750 |
| Type | reservoir |
| Managing agency | Lake Zoar Authority, 'FirstLight Power Resources' |
| First flooded | 1919 (1919) |
| Max. length | 10 miles (16 km) |
| Surface area | 909 acres (368 ha) |
| Average depth | 29 feet (8.8 m) |
| Max. depth | 72 feet (22 m) |
| References | [1] |
Lake Zoar is areservoir on theHousatonic River in theU.S. state ofConnecticut. It was formed by the completion of theStevenson Dam, which flooded an area of Oxford and Stevenson named "Pleasantvale" or "Pleasant Vale".[2] Thetowns ofMonroe,Newtown,Oxford, andSouthbury border Lake Zoar.[3] The name Zoar originates from corner of Newtown and Monroe that once called itself Zoar after the Biblical city Zoara near the Dead Sea.[4]
The Lake Zoar Authority (LZA) is an organization for promoting safety on the lake and improving water quality. The members represent the four towns bordering the lake and meet on a monthly basis. Authority is granted through the Connecticut General Statutes, section 7-151a (of the 1969 supplement).[5]
There is aspeed limit of 45 mph (72 km/h) limit daytime, 25 mph (40 km/h) from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. Vessels are prohibited from approaching within 300 feet (91 m) on upstream side or 700 feet (210 m) on downstream side of Stevenson Dam.[12] Activities includingfishing,water-skiing andjet skiing are permitted.
Each of the towns has a public access boat launch. The Southbury location is maintained by the state of Connecticut and is open to non-town residents. Additionally, there is canoe access fromKettletown State Park.
The Sand Bar is an accumulation of sand close to the center of Lake Zoar. It is a popular meeting destination for all boaters alike. The depth of the water above the sand bar varies upon the generation schedule of "First Light Hydro Generation." The depth varies from 6 inches of water at its most shallow point to a foot before receiving. The area stretches about a quarter.[clarification needed]
Lake Zoar is not stocked yearly with fish by theConnecticut Department of Environmental Protection, but the Pootatuck and Pomperaug rivers feed into it are heavily stocked with trout, many of which eventually make their way into the lake.
The lake contains the desirableSmallmouth Bass,Largemouth Bass,Northern Pike,White Perch,Yellow Perch,Calico Bass (Black Crappie),White Catfish (Ictalurus catus),Brown Bullhead,Rainbow Trout, and theCommon Carp.
Until the chemical was banned in the 70s, thePittsfield, Mass.General Electric Factory routinely dumpedPCBs into the Housatonic. Trout, catfish,eel, carp, or northern pike from Lake Zoar are unsafe for consumption while yellow perch, calico bass,rock bass,bluegill, and sunfish can be eaten sparingly and bass should be avoided by high-risk groups.[16] In a 2008 study by theUnited States Department of Health and Human Services Smallmouth Bass varied between 0.35 and 0.58 ppm, suitable for one meal per month. PCB levels in the lake have fallen considerably since the 1980s.[17]
Four invasive plant species exist in the lake as of a 2007 study, includingEurasian watermilfoil,Brittle waternymph,Curly leaf pondweed, andEuropean waterclover.[18]
As with all the Housatonic River impoundments south of Bulls Bridge, Zebra Mussels have invaded and colonized Lake Zoar.[19]
TheZoar Trail is a 6.5-mile (10.5 km)Blue-Blazed Trail in Newtown maintained by theConnecticut Forest and Park Association.