Sylvan Lake 2005

Sylvan Lake is a 9-acre waterbody located in a municipal park. The town maintains a swimming beach at the west end. Sylvan Lake is relatively shallow – no more than 6.2 feet deep (2 m) – and supported dense growth of aquatic plants across its extent during our September 2005 survey. Watershield (Brasenia schreberi) was the only floating-leaved species recorded, and it occurred only in small, scattered patches. Eelgrass (Vallisneria Americana) and two naiad species (Najas) were most abundant of the submerged plants. Eelgrass occurred along the west, north, and east shores as well as in dense, scattered patches in deeper water. Arrowhead (Sagittaria species) grew along the southern shore and in scattered areas in deeper water. Slender naiad (Najas flexilis) was most abundant on the southern half of the pond, while the invasive minor naiad (Najas minor) was most abundant in the center and northern half of the pond. Curlyleaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus), a second invasive species, was collected in one location in the center of the pond. Snailseed pondweed (Potamogeton bicupulatus) was found in several large patches both along the southern shore and in deeper water. Native low watermilfoil (Myriophyllum humile) was found on the eastern and northern sides of the lake.