NEW MILFORD, Conn. — All 12 public islands on Candlewood Lake will be closed ahead of the holiday weekend after officials from five surrounding municipalities raised concerns about environmental damage and public health risks.

For generations, thousands of people have come to the lake to enjoy its natural beauty, but local leaders said growing crowds and careless behavior have pushed the area to a breaking point.

On Tuesday, officials from towns including New Milford and Brookfield announced the closures on social media, citing what they called “unsustainable misuse and overcrowding of Candlewood Lake’s islands.” The closures will go into effect Aug. 29.

New Milford Mayor Pete Bass said that trash, diapers and human waste have been discovered on the islands in recent weeks.

“It’s un

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