Candlewood Lake Auth Closes Islands
August 30th 2025
All public islands on Candlewood Lake are closed to visitors beginning Friday, August 29, following a multi-town directive issued by the Candlewood Lake Authority (CLA). The move responds to what officials describe as significant public health and safety concerns tied to sustained overcrowding and misuse of the islands.
The announcement was made on behalf of the surrounding communities—Brookfield, Danbury, New Fairfield, New Milford and Sherman—with the cooperation and support of FirstLight, the owner and operator of Candlewood Lake.
What’s closing—and for how long?
The closure applies to all publicly accessible islands on Candlewood Lake. Local broadcasters and officials have referenced 12 public islands in total, though problems have reportedly concentrated on a smaller subset.
The CLA’s notice does not specify an end date; officials have characterized the action as necessary “starting Friday,” with enforcement continuing until further guidance is issued.
Who will enforce the closure?
Enforcement will be carried out by the CLA Marine Patrol, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Environmental Conservation (EnCon) Police, and municipal police departments around the lake. Violators may be removed from the islands and cited for trespassing and other offenses at the discretion of law enforcement.
Why now?
Officials cite “unsustainable misuse and overcrowding,” a pattern that has intensified in recent warm seasons and led to additional safety measures around the lake. In New Milford, for example, recent steps have included shuttering access at certain spots following crowding issues; local leaders said the islands’ popularity has outpaced safe capacity.
At 5,420 acres with roughly 65 miles of shoreline, Candlewood is Connecticut’s largest lake and a regional recreational hub serving boaters, anglers, swimmers and lakeside homeowners.
The reservoir was created in the late 1920s as part of the nation’s first pumped-storage hydroelectric project; the system, completed in 1929 and now operated by FirstLight, still functions like a giant battery for New England’s grid.
Residents and waterfront property owners: The closure is expected to reduce weekend anchor-ups and day-use gatherings on the islands, which may ease noise and wake concerns near popular coves but could shift activity toward town parks and marinas. Local authorities have urged visitors to follow posted rules at remaining access points.
Boaters and visitors: Navigating to, landing on, or congregating on the islands is prohibited during the closure. Operators should review CLA’s boating guidance and be prepared for active patrols and spot checks—particularly on peak days.
Local businesses: Marinas, fuel docks, and lakeside eateries could see mixed effects—continued boating traffic on fair-weather weekends, but fewer island-destination trips. Prior CLA reports indicate patrol hours and public-education efforts have expanded in recent seasons to manage heavy use, suggesting similar visibility during the closure period.
What visitors should do now
Plan outings that do not involve island landings; confirm current rules at municipal parks and boat launches; and monitor CLA updates for changes to the closure. Expect increased patrol presence and be prepared to follow officer instructions on the water.
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