Over the course of the first half of the boating season, the Candlewood Lake Authority found that plant material had been reduced to virtually zero, both invasive and native species.  CLA is working with the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, FirstLight, and aquatic plant experts to determine the exact cause of the drastic change.  FirstLight conducted an entire plant community assessment, with the CLA conducting similar smaller-scale assessments. While historically the plant community, dominated by the invasive species Eurasian Watermilfoil, has been over-abundant to the point of being a recreational nuisance, CLA says the plants do provide a critical ecosystem service as both a part of the food web and providing fish habitat.