I am a lake front owner and have noticed as of late that the area in front of my dock has seen an increase in vegetation, should I be worried that these plants are invasive? Also, what should I do to help control the growth?

All identified plants in the lake are all native species. Ceratophyllum (Coontail) is the species that seems to be growing to the surface in nuisance levels. This particular species is one of the easiest to hand-remove. The Coontail plants can be pulled up from the surface and brought up onto shore, as they do not have robust root structures in the sediment like most aquatic plants. You can compost the plants or trash them. 

Lake Pocotopaug has a long history of little to no aquatic plant growth in the shoreline areas (in part because of poor water clarity), so it probably seems unusual to see plants in your area, but most lakes in the northeast have aquatic plants at varying heights and densities. Plants are better able to establish themselves in areas that are less wind-swept and calmer (like the cove area). The Coontail the most popular right now for Pocotopaug, and a couple other native species, can grow to about 7ft deep in areas but are not always to the surface. It tends to grow to the surface in water shallower than 4ft. 

For native species, usually homeowners are responsible for managing the area around their properties via hand-removal, unless the plant growth is so severe that it impacts large swaths of shoreline or open-water sites. Hand-removal of plants around personal docks does not need a permit in most Towns - any hired contractors with suction plant-removal will likely need an Inlands Wetlands permit. Any aquatic herbicide treatments need a DEEP permit and can only be applied by CT- licensed applicators. It is not recommended that anyone use a herbicides based or suction plant-removal for small areas. If this is determined as necessary the Town of East Hampton will become involved in this process. The  recomendation for home owners is by way of small-scale hand removal which should open up your swim area and boating access with much less disturbance to the sediments. For more information please send an email to jhall@easthamptonct.gov.