Candlewood Lake Authority Launches New Research Vessel to Advance Preservation of Candlewood Lake  

New vessel launched for the 2026 boating season brings advanced research and education capabilities to Connecticut’s largest lake. 

Candlewood Lake, CT – June 17, 2026 – The Candlewood Lake Authority’s (CLA) new state-of-the-art research vessel marks a significant step forward in efforts to protect and preserve Candlewood Lake for future generations. It is the first-ever vessel for Candlewood Lake, designed to support the lake’s environmental needs. 

The new boat will serve as a platform for scientific research, environmental learning, and public education, helping CLA better understand the changing lake conditions and respond to emerging challenges.

Advanced technology on the vessel equips scientists to gather more detailed information about water quality, invasive species, aquatic life and conditions beneath the lake’s surface. Integrated sonar systems and dive-boat capabilities expand access to underwater exploration, improving visibility and understanding of underwater life and the lakebed.

The boat’s mobile live-streaming capability will also create new opportunities to bring Candlewood Lake directly into the classroom and community programs, helping people of all ages learn more about one of the state’s most significant natural resources.

All-weather features allow environmental data to be collected throughout more of the year, while shallow-water equipment broadens the lake areas that can be studied.  

The vessel significantly enhances the CLA’s ability to study and monitor the lake and provides better early detection capabilities for changes to the lake and invasive potential new species. The boat will also function as an auxiliary Marine Patrol and operations vessel supporting coverage of the lake’s 11-mile length and over 5,000 acres of water.

The new vessel replaces a boat that has been in service since 1999.  This important acquisition was made possible, in part, through the generous support of FirstLight and the HMS Foundation, whose contributions reflect a shared commitment to protecting Candlewood Lake for generations to come.  

“Like all natural resources, Candlewood Lake continues to change over time,” said Mark Howarth, Executive Director of the Candlewood Lake Authority. “This new vessel represents an exciting opportunity for everyone who cares about preserving and protecting Candlewood Lake. It will help us better understand changing conditions, respond more effectively to emerging challenges and share what we learn with the public. We are grateful to FirstLight and the HMS Foundation for their partnership and support to make this possible.”    

“As we approach the 100-year anniversary of the Rocky River Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Station, which created Candlewood Lake, we’re proud to support the commissioning of this new resource that will enhance research and public safety efforts on this shared resource,” said Andy Brydges, Director of Community Relations for FirstLight. “We’re pleased to continue our partnership with the Candlewood Lake Authority and work together to help protect this valued water resource for generations to come.”

The addition of this vessel underscores the CLA’s ongoing commitment to preserving the environmental health, recreation enjoyment and long-term viability of Candlewood Lake. The Authority looks forward to using this new resource to expand scientific research, engage with the community, and strengthen lake management efforts for years to come.

For more information about the Candlewood Lake Authority and its initiatives, please visit www.candlewoodlakeauthority.org.