1. Realize we each hold our lakes’ destiny in our hands; protection and prevention are watchwords if we are to preserve and pass on this legacy.

2. Recognize that zebra mussels (ZMs) pose a real and present danger; once waters are contaminated, there is little recourse — only costly damage control.

3. Reach out to better understand the risks and how these critters are spread; arm yourself with knowledge of how to avoid contact and clean your vessels.

4. Raise concern with family and friends; discuss the need for preventive action; to confront this challenge requires caution, commitment, and compliance.

5. Recognize that waterborne vessels of all types can host ZM hitchhikers — power and sailboats, water-skis, wakeboards, PWC, canoes, kayaks, tubes, etc.

6. Reconsider your boating habits and patterns to avoid transporting ZMs from infected to uninfected waters; select a “home lake” and enjoy it for the season.

7. Remember that the Housatonic River and three of its impoundment lakes (Zoar, Lillinonah, and Housatonic) are now infected so avoid if at all possible.

8. Realize that every item that touches ZM-infected waters can serve to spread the contagion — hulls, engines, paddles, vests, nets, even swimsuits and pets.

9. Religiously decontaminate all vessels, equipment, and gear following use in suspect waters by adhering to the prescribed protocol of “Clean-Drain-Dry.”

10. Reinforce the cautionary theme of “Zero Zebras” by doing your part to restrict their entry; volunteer to coach/aid others by becoming a boat launch monitor.

11. Resolve to become a steward and advocate for our lakes’ sake and our own; responsibility for protecting our vital water resources rests with each of us.

12. Re-launch come spring being mindful of these resolutions and with renewed commitment to preserve and perpetuate our lakes’ health, vitality, and values.

From the Candlewood Watershed Initiative, grateful thanks to all for being proactive in holding the ZMs at bay; continued vigilance is essential if our waters are to be protected.

To help make this happen, contact CWI at CWI4OurLakesSake@aol.com. Volunteers committed to Candlewood Lake’s future are essential to make and sustain the difference.

Jim McAlister, a New Fairfield resident, leads the Candlewood Watershed Initiative.