To learn more about some of the emerging invasive threats on Chautauqua Lake, please click species buttons listed below.

To get involved or learn more about invasive species please visit www.imapinvasives.org and see below for Alliance-partnered programs on Chautauqua Lake.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has a variety of invasive species resources available here.

Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy (CWC) (2022-Present)

• The Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy continues to address invasive threats to the lake and watershed through its Chautauqua Lake Aquatic Invasive Species Early Detection Volunteer Taskforce. This program monitors and manages existing populations of invasive species, such as water chestnut in the Chadakoin outlet, via rapid response volunteer paddles, and also conducts early detection surveys and educational outreach. For more information please contact CWC Director of Conservation Twan Leenders at Twan@chautauquawatershed.org or by calling (716) 664-2166.
  • Click here to view CWC’s Invasive Species Project Page.

Chautauqua Lake Association (CLA) (Ongoing)

• The Chautauqua Lake Association leads local prevention-focused efforts to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species through its Watercraft Steward Program on Chautauqua Lake. Click here to visit CLA’s website to learn more.
• Western New York Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM) also staffs certain Chautauqua Lake public launches during the recreation season. For more information click here.

Audubon Community Nature Center (ACNC) Water Chestnut Rapid Response Removal Services for Chautauqua Lake Watershed Property Owners (2020-2022)

• The Audubon Community Nature Center has utilized grant funding from the Alliance to assist property owners within the Chautauqua Lake watershed with water chestnut removal projects. For more information about this program, visit the Audubon’s Invasive Species Management Efforts Page.

Roger Tory Peterson Institute (RTPI) (2018-2021)

• The Roger Tory Peterson Institute’s What Are These Weeds page provides information about aquatic invasive plants both within Chautauqua Lake and outside of Chautauqua Lake.

Alliance-partnered projects are made possible thanks to the work of many dedicated partners, with funding generously provided by The Lenna Foundation, Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, Gebbie Foundation, Holmberg Foundation, Hultquist Foundation, County of Chautauqua, New York State, and private contributors.