Chautauqua Lake and Watershed Management Alliance

Minutes of the Board of Directors – Public Meeting

Thursday, May 14, 2026

4:30 p.m.* at The Lawson Center, 73 Lakeside Drive, Bemus Point, NY 14712 & via Zoom

(*Denotes start time of the Annual Meeting that preceded the Regular Monthly Meeting)

Directors Present: Don Emhardt, Martin Proctor, Jim Andrews, Andy Goodell, Paul Wendel Jr., Mike LaTone, Heather Nolan-Caskey, Ellen Barnes, Rob Yates, Rick Syper, Janet Bowman, Larry Anderson

Directors Absent: Mike Moss, Whitney Gleason, Twan Leenders, David Chertoff, Pierre Chagnon, Bruce Erickson

Staff in Attendance: Randall Perry – Executive Director; Jay Young – Communications Coordinator

Member Representatives in Attendance: John Ford – Chautauqua Lake Association; Dave McCoy – County of Chautauqua; Jim Cirbus, Mary Hutchings, Jackie Damore, – Chautauqua Lake Partnership; Karen Rine – South and Center Chautauqua Lake Sewer Districts; Rick McMahon – Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Board of Realtors; Maureen Stahley – Village of Bemus Point

Others in Attendance: Craig Butler; John Jablonski; Kathy O’Brien; AJ Reyes – GEI Consultants; Leigh Rovegno – Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation; Sharon Witchey; RG Witchey; Don Hutchings; Nancy Jones; Alison Churchill; Jay Churchill; Cassie Pinkoski – Chautauqua County Soil and Water Conservation District; Kathy Sexson; Mark Sexson.

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I.  Call to Order

M. LaTone called the Board Meeting of the Chautauqua Lake and Watershed Management Alliance (Alliance) to order at 4:56 PM. A quorum of 12 out of 18 Alliance Board Members were present at the start of the meeting.

II. Approval of the 4/9/2026 Board Meeting Minutes

E. Barnes made a motion to accept the minutes from the 4/9/2026 Work Session Meeting. The motion was seconded by J. Andrews and was approved unanimously.

III. Alliance Consultant Update – AJ Reyes, Aquatic Ecologist & CLM (GEI Consultants)

R. Perry indicated that A.J. Reyes, the project lead for GEI Consultants and a certified lake manager, is in attendance via Zoom and will be delivering a presentation outlining the work that GEI is performing in 2026, along with a recap of 2025.

A. Reyes introduced himself and provided a brief recap of GEI Consultants’ 2025 scope of work. A. Reyes indicated that key 2025 work items included background research; contractor and partner interviews; field reconnaissance visits; Board funding decision support; public communications and presentations; and assessment of South Basin elodea growth. A. Reyes indicated that following their first year of work, GEI provided the Alliance Board a slate of recommendations for new work; including long term analysis of management actions, creation of a starry stonewort management plan, and improved South Basin access lane planning. Reyes indicated that GEI assigned a priority designation to various work items proposed to the Alliance Board. A. Reyes provided more detail on the creation of a starry stonewort management plan, which is a priority work item for 2026. A. Reyes indicated that such a plan should have achievable goals, thresholds and milestones; utilize a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) made up of experts; and provide feedback to service providers and stakeholders. A. Reyes indicated that GEI is in the process of forming the starry stonewort TAG, with local as well as outside experts, and is in the process of drafting the management plan as well as conducting novel reproductive bulbil sampling on the lake. A. Reyes shared preliminary survey data from GEI’s starry stonewort bulbil density sampling at Ashville Bay and Prendergast Point work areas, which shows significantly higher number of bulbils at the Prendergast site relative to Ashville. A. Reyes indicated that GEI’s 2026 will focus on questions related to management effectiveness; including how well current management actions are working. A. Reyes indicated that DEC has expressed a desire for this type of long-term analysis and review of past and present data. A. Reyes indicated that North Carolina State University, working with the CLP, is commencing a project to determine the long-term effectiveness of herbicide use; while GEI is working with CLA to develop better metrics for harvesting. A. Reyes indicated that there is a common goal amongst stakeholders to have a flexible and responsive plan to address South Basin access for all users. A. Reyes said that coordination is ongoing to utilize multiple management strategies as needs arise. A. Reyes indicated that CLP has submitted permits to DEC for the management of navigational zones via herbicides, and that CLP is working closely with CLA to determine the role that harvesting can play in maintaining those zones. A. Reyes briefed the audience on GEI’s expected timeline of work for 2026, which will include two on-site reconnaissance visits in June/July and August/September. A. Reyes indicated that thus far, CLP’s program has treated 80 acres of the lake for invasive curly-leaf pondweed; CLA is finishing up debris cleanup and has begun early harvesting; Eurasian watermilfoil herbicide treatments are expected to occur around June; and starry stonewort management via diver assisted suction harvesting and mechanical removal is slated to begin sometime in July. A copy of the presentation slides was posted to the Alliance website after the meeting.

J. Jablonski asked if GEI’s scope of work includes tasks related to internal nutrient loading and/or related HAB mitigation.

A. Reyes indicated that GEI’s 2026 workplan is focused mostly on addressing annual plant impairments. A. Reyes indicated that GEI is aware of the work being done by The Jefferson Project and DEC to assess nutrient loading and identify potential mitigation projects. A. Reyes indicated that nutrient loading is often misunderstood and underestimated as a driver of lake impairment, and that there are many state grants at work in the watershed to address the issue.

S. Witchey asked if GEI is aware of any developments on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ work on its ecosystem restoration project on the lake.

A. Reyes indicated he is aware of the project but does not have any specific information to share on that work.

R. Perry indicated that the Army Corps is working independently of the Alliance, in direct partnership with the County, on a long-term ecosystem restoration study.

P. Wendel indicated that the Army Corps work is underway and is working closely with DEC on its work.

M. Hutchings indicated that CLP has received DEC permits for herbicide treatment of commercial navigation zones. M. Hutchings indicated that it is still to be determined if and how those lanes will be demarcated with buoys. M. Hutchings asked if the Alliance would be able to assist with funding to mark the navigation zones if needed.

A. Reyes indicated that it is important to clearly identify navigation channels if they are created, and that other types of public communication may also be useful.

J. Cirbus asked if DEC permits are needed to install navigation channel buoys.

A. Reyes indicated that some regulatory approval would likely be needed, but that it should not be a significant issue to resolve.

P. Wendel indicated that he joined staff from CLA recently for a visit to the lake to assess conditions, and indicated that the County does have additional funds available for lake work if needed. P. Wendel indicated that conversations have taken place related to buoys in navigation channels.

H. Nolan-Caskey indicated that she had looked into the matter with NYS Parks, and it seems these navigation zones should probably be marked in white. H. Nolan Caskey indicated that CLA has created navigation channels in the past during its harvesting operations, but has not marked them with buoys.

R. Perry indicated that he would contact M. Hutchings and H. Nolan-Caskey to better understand the plan and funding needs for navigational lane markings.

A. Goodell indicated that invasive starry stonewort management is a significant issue in Minnesota, where different techniques are used to address the problem. A. Goodell asked if there are data from the work done in Minnesota that can inform local stakeholders on the best management practices to manage the algae in Chautauqua.

A. Reyes indicated that Minnesota is likely the state with the largest amount of data relevant to starry stonewort management, and that he is hoping to involve experts from the state in the local Technical Advisory Group. A. Reyes indicated that he does not know if DEC utilizes data from Minnesota when considering permit applications for the chemical treatment of starry stonewort. A. Reyes indicated that it can be difficult to get the timing correct when applying chemical treatments to starry stonewort, as there is not a selective chemical that directly addresses the species and does not impact native plants. A. Reyes indicated that while some starry stonewort management tactics work well in isolation, they do not offer long-term control. A. Reyes indicated that utilizing multiple management techniques is likely the best path forward to address the problem on Chautauqua.

A. Goodell indicated that in CLP’s conversations with the DEC, DEC has expressed a desire for buffer zones between areas where mechanical management is taking place and any proposed chemical treatment areas. A. Goodell asked why this might be the case if A. Reyes is recommending an approach that combines those two methods.

A. Reyes indicated that for a pilot test of chemical treatment, it makes sense to perform that work in an area that is not also being managed via mechanical removal. A. Reyes indicated that once preliminary tests of chemical management have been done, a combined approach may be the best option moving forward.

C. Pinkoski asked if local stakeholders are using information from herbicide treatments of starry stonewort in the Finger Lakes.

A. Reyes indicated that he has been in contact with stakeholders from Keuka Lake, where they have utilized both diver assisted suction harvesting and algaecide treatment. A. Reyes indicated that DEC is going to utilize the data from New York State lakes where they have previously issued permits when making decisions on Chautauqua. A. Reyes indicated he is considering incorporating experts from the Finger Lakes region into the local TAG.

IV. Financial Update

R. Perry indicated that the meeting packet includes an updated financial summary report for April. R. Perry indicated that the Alliance has begun issuing grant funding to Members for 2026 work.

M. Proctor made a motion to accept the financial report as presented. The motion was seconded by E. Barnes and was passed unanimously.

V. Projects Update

R. Perry indicated that the meeting packet includes a summary of Alliance-partnered state grant projects, and that information related to those projects can be found on the Alliance website and in the 2025 Annual Report.

R. Perry indicated that the Town of Chautauqua recently completed construction on over three miles of roadside swales as part of its Water Quality Improvement Project grant, which will reduce sediment and nutrient runoff to the lake. R. Perry thanked the Town Highway Department for their work on the project, as well as engineer Barton & Loguidice. R. Perry indicated that the Town of Chautauqua and the Town of North Harmony both have state invasive species grants to fund the diver assisted suction harvesting of starry stonewort in 2026, and that more information on that work can be found on the Alliance website. R. Perry indicated that the County of Chautauqua recently completed an engineering study of the lower section of Bemus Creek, working with Colliers Engineering & Design.

J. Jablonski asked if reports such as the Bemus Creek engineering study are available to those who may be interested in reviewing them.

R. Perry indicated that the reports generated from these grants would be the property of the grantee. R. Perry indicated that in the past, some reports have been posted online by grantees and he can look into the matter further. R. Perry indicated that in the meantime, if anyone is interested in accessing them they can contact him directly.

VI. 2026-2027 Alliance Membership Drive Update

R. Perry thanked Alliance Members for supporting the Alliance and indicated that the Alliance Membership Year runs from July 1 to June 30. R. Perry indicated that he will be reaching out to current Members shortly regarding renewals. R. Perry indicated that the Alliance currently has 21 active Member organizations. R. Perry indicated that if any current or prospective Members would like to have him meet with to them to discuss membership he is happy to do so.

VII. Other

P. Wendel indicated that he was recently informed that Julie Barrett O’Neill has left her post as DEC Region 9 Director, and that Chad Staniszewski will be serving in that role for the time being.

A. Goodell asked if the Alliance has received a response from the DEC following the resolution that was passed at the April work session and the letter that was sent to DEC.

R. Perry indicated that no response from DEC has been received yet. R. Perry indicated that as a follow up, he has worked with Alliance Board Chair P. Chagnon to seek a meeting between DEC and the Alliance Board.

A. Goodell asked if A. Reyes has reviewed the DEC scoring criteria for its invasive species grant program.

R. Perry indicated that he has spoken with A. Reyes regarding that work item. R. Perry indicated that he is waiting for DEC to hold its debriefing meeting with Alliance staff regarding their invasive species grant applications before proceeding with A. Reyes.  

C. Pinkoski indicated that DEC recently announced its plans following recent legal decisions regarding wetlands designation. C. Pinkoski indicated that there are online tools available on DEC’s website for anyone interested in learning more about the state designated wetlands issue.

A. Goodell indicated that the state’s definition of a wetland has remained the same for 50 years, regardless of the new legislation going into effect. A. Goodell indicated he was not sure why the state would think that the new legislation would change what areas are designated as wetlands, given that the definition has remained the same.

J. Jablonski asked if the existing DEC wetlands maps include Prendergast Point as a designated wetland.

C. Pinkoski indicated she was not sure.

VIII. Open Floor: Member Representatives and Community Members in Attendance

N. Jones asked if the Alliance only holds one public meeting per year currently.

M. LaTone indicated that is correct.

N. Jones asked if the Alliance receives tax funding.

R. Perry indicated that the Alliance receives a portion of its funding from the County’s 2% Occupancy Tax program.

N. Jones indicated that the Alliance should hold more than one public meeting per year if it is funded by tax dollars.

J. Damore thanked the Alliance Board for its recent expansion, and thanked CLA for its work. J. Damore indicated that CLP secured an invasive species research grant, and they will be working with North Carolina State University on the project. J. Damore indicated that the CWC submitted a letter to the DEC opposing the CLP’s proposed starry stonewort chemical management. J. Damore indicated that CLP’s starry stonewort permit applications were written broadly, as conditions are not yet known, and that local opposition to the process is not helpful and it has caused CLP to drop its planned chemical pilot treatment of starry stonewort for 2026.

J. Cirbus indicated that CLP received permits to test algaecides on starry stonewort in 2025, but treatment did not occur because the algae was not present in the exact locations that the permits were issued. J. Cirbus indicated that chemical management of the species is now lagging behind.

M. LaTone thanked J. Damore for her work to secure the invasive species research grant.

K. O’Brien asked if there is a document outlining the lake’s adaptive management plan.

A. Goodell indicated that adaptive management is a concept, rather than a physical document. A. Goodell indicated that as an example, CLP modifies its herbicide program from year to year depending on changes in plant conditions and permitting.

R. Perry indicated that during A. Reyes’ presentation, he was referring to the creation of a management plan specific to invasive starry stonewort, which is being drafted. R. Perry indicated that the overall adaptive management approach is an ongoing process, in which action items for each Alliance Member are identified and then funded according to need and the capabilities of each organization.

C. Pinkoski suggested that the Alliance could develop an online platform that displays past and present management projects so that the public could view them.

P. Wendel indicated that the adaptive strategy is a process by which service providers work with conditions as they emerge, and change their plans as needed.

R. Perry indicated that the adaptive strategy may be formalized into a written document of some kind in the future, but it is not currently.

K. O’Brien indicated that she believed prior public meetings were not run effectively.

M. LaTone thanked K. O’Brien for her input.

M. Hutchings indicated that the Town of North Harmony recently declined to allow herbicide treatments for curly-leaf pondweed, and approved only limited applications for Eurasian watermilfoil. M. Hutchings indicated that CLA will now have to perform more work in those areas to clear plant material. M. Hutchings indicated that certain citizens in North Harmony expressed concern for herbicide treatments because they draw water from the lake. M. Hutchings indicated that the herbicide ProcellaCOR has no use restrictions related to drinking water. M. Hutchings indicated that residents should be more concerned with the impact of HABs on private water intakes, and asked if there is any health regulation in place to ensure that HABs are not causing drinking water issues.

P. Wendel indicated he could check with the County Health Department to determine what protocols are in place for monitoring private water intakes from the lake.

C. Pinkoski indicated that she believes private water intakes from the lake are not inspected.

A. Churchill indicated that it would be important to know if HABs are a concern for residents drawing water from the lake. 

IX. Adjourn

D. Emhardt made a motion to adjourn the May 14, 2026 meeting. The motion was seconded by E. Barnes and was passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 6:22 PM.

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The Alliance Board of Directors passed a motion to approve these 5/14/26 Meeting Minutes on 6/11/26.