2011 Weed Harvesting Update:   Submitted by Dennis Luce

We started the harvesting season with no major weed problem in the North Pond and a big problem in the South Pond. We have a crew of two operators and can respond quickly to problems as they arise. Just get in touch with Ed or any other board member with your concerns. Paradise Bay was its usual headache, but the ongoing problem has been in the southwestern section of the South Pond and some shallow coves in the North Pond.
   There has been a shift in the type of weed we're seeing. The usual culprit, eurasian milfoil, is still with us but in very much reduced amount, mostly in the South pond in narrow bands. The new troublemaker is an older weed species that for some reason has become more prevalent. There will be an algae bloom - which we normally see in the middle of July. When it will show up this year is anyone's guess. Predictions by some are that it will be heavy - based on water clarity and nurient availability.
  We have had a very good year to this point. I wish to thank the Watershed Foundation Weed Harvesting committee and you as lake stewards for your support and backing.
Sincerely, Dennis Luce: Program Manager

C-Slap Water Testing &: Algae Bloom Sampling

Hopefully, many of you noticed again how clear the lake has been this summer. Because of an unusually cool and rainy spring the lake remained pretty much free of weeds and the clarity is good this summer. Algae blooms will appear in August. We take a total of eight water samples (max. allowed) and will take a total of two algae bloom samples. NOTE: samples will be taken for Algae Toxins. At this time we are not certain when the results will be released for those samples.
    The overall lake condition in 2011 was better than the summer of 2010 which was a great improvement over the "weedy" 2007 summer. With the right weather conditions this year (more rain) and with a great effort and coordination from Dennis Luce and the weed harvesting crew, the lake is in great shape for all uses. By harvesting every summer we are removing more nutrients out of the lake that cause excessive weed growth.
    The results of the eight samples taken in 2011 will not be available until January/February 2012. The full report, when available, can be found at www.nysfola.org. Click on NEW YORK LAKES above to go directly to NYSFOLA then Click on "NY State List" Chautauqua County; FLWF; scroll down to 2008 C-Slap Report.