Spring Break
What Lies Beneath Mirror Lake?
Famed UConn Landmark Sees Changes Over The Years
James White
Issue date: 10/30/07 Section: News
"Most of what gets in the lake comes from off the road," Torgersen said.
Because the lake is used as a retention basin, the University's maintenance options are limited, said Dave Lotreck, head of UConn's landscaping department.
"It's subject to Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) policies which are restrictive," he said.
Lotrek added that dredging plans may be in the works, but couldn't say when those operations may take place.
According to Torgersen, however, dredging may not be needed. "Dredging is a very expensive option … sediment is not a major problem."
Geese congregation, on the other hand, raise about an issue Torgersen characterized as an "intellectual discussion" - the impact of goose "by-product" on the lake.
Lotreck concedes the geese make cleaning the lake a challenge, but said there's little his department can do.
Pnuematic cannons (used to scare away the fowl) are too noisy to be used nearby classrooms, physical decoys detract from the beauty of campus and dogs have been criticized as inhumane, Lotreck says.
Until he comes across a better option, the landscaping boss says, "we try to just maintain it as best we can and hope the long term planning can help out."
Contact James White At
James.White@UConn.edu
Because the lake is used as a retention basin, the University's maintenance options are limited, said Dave Lotreck, head of UConn's landscaping department.
"It's subject to Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) policies which are restrictive," he said.
Lotrek added that dredging plans may be in the works, but couldn't say when those operations may take place.
According to Torgersen, however, dredging may not be needed. "Dredging is a very expensive option … sediment is not a major problem."
Geese congregation, on the other hand, raise about an issue Torgersen characterized as an "intellectual discussion" - the impact of goose "by-product" on the lake.
Lotreck concedes the geese make cleaning the lake a challenge, but said there's little his department can do.
Pnuematic cannons (used to scare away the fowl) are too noisy to be used nearby classrooms, physical decoys detract from the beauty of campus and dogs have been criticized as inhumane, Lotreck says.
Until he comes across a better option, the landscaping boss says, "we try to just maintain it as best we can and hope the long term planning can help out."
Contact James White At
James.White@UConn.edu
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Steve MPA1993
posted 10/30/07 @ 10:33 AM EST
From what I remember, there's probably more than sediment in Mirror Lake. I suspect that the lake's bottom is full of garbage, including broken glass and old cans. (Continued…)
masopust
nlmasopust
posted 10/30/07 @ 6:17 PM EST
The lake is deeper than 2 feet. Three years ago, the Uconn Sailing Team sailed two Laser class sailboats on the lake. While some parts are only ankle deep, we were able to sail with the daggerboards completely down for the most part. (Continued…)
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