Chautauqua Lake and Watershed Management Alliance

Chautauqua NY

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September 2023 Minutes

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Chautauqua Lake and Watershed Management Alliance

Minutes of the Board of Directors – Public Meeting

Thursday, September 14, 2023

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

Directors Present: Bruce Erickson, Don Emhardt, Ellen Barnes, Martin Proctor, Mike LaTone, JoDee Johnson, Janis Bowman, Jim Andrews, Mike LaTone

Directors Absent: Paul Wendel Jr.

Staff in Attendance: Randall Perry – Alliance Executive Director, Taylor West – Alliance Project Manager, and Jay Young – Alliance Communications Coordinator

Others in Attendance: Craig Butler, Jackie Damore

Member Representatives in Attendance: Jeff Molnar – Village of Bemus Point, John Jablonski, Becky Nystrom – Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy; John Ford, Doug Conroe – Chautauqua Lake Association; Dick Gunnell, Mark Wenzler – Chautauqua Institution; Dave McCoy, Pierre Chagnon – County of Chautauqua

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I.  Call to Order

B. Erickson called the Board Meeting of the Chautauqua Lake and Watershed Management Alliance (Alliance) to order at 4:32 PM. A quorum of 7 out of 9 Alliance Board Members were present at the start of the meeting.

II. Approval of 8/17/2023 Board Work Session Minutes

D. Emhardt made a motion to accept the minutes from the 8/17/2023 Work Session Meeting. The motion was seconded by E. Barnes and was approved unanimously.

III. Financial Report

R. Perry indicated that a financial summary report is included in the meeting packet. D. Emhardt made a motion to accept the financial report as presented. The motion was seconded by M. Proctor and was approved unanimously.

IV. Projects Update

T. West indicated that invasive brittle naiad has been reported in certain areas of the lake this summer, possibly indicating that populations are larger than they have been in the past. T. West indicated that he and J. Young had observed the plant near the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel and Celoron marinas, as well as the Chadakoin River. T. West indicated that it may be advisable to consider a plan for management of this invasive. T. West indicated that the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy has been mapping populations of invasive starry stonewort at Ashville Bay and Prendergast Point this summer. T. West indicated that both areas have increased in size, growing from around 7.25 acres in 2022 to 11 total acres in 2023. T. West indicated that researchers from North Carolina State University recently performed a lakewide plant survey, and that they are reporting an estimated 90 total acres of starry stonewort. T. West indicated that management planning is underway involving several different organizations. T. West indicated that a pilot test to remove the algae using Mobitracs and skimmers is currently being planned. T. West indicated that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is currently reviewing a permit application for that project. T. West indicated that CWC’s Invasive Species Early Detection program has removed around 250 water chestnut plants from the outlet, following a large removal effort last week. T. West indicated that the first bend of the Chadakoin, which has been actively managed by hand pulling for several years, appears to be free of water chestnut. T. West indicated that it is encouraging to see the positive impact of repeated targeted management in certain areas. T. West thanked all those involved in this invasive species work.

T. West indicated construction is underway by Rock of WNY on the Village of Lakewood’s Grandview Stormwater Management Project. T. West indicated that the Town of North Harmony recently awarded a construction contract to Legend Excavating for its Ball Creek Stabilization Project, and that construction along the Tri-James bend is expected to start soon. T. West indicated that engineer Barton & Loguidice is in the process of finishing design for the Town of Chautauqua’s Roadside Swales Stabilization. T. West indicated that there has been no change of status for the 2022 Town of Chautauqua Stream Culvert Assessments, 2022 Village of Lakewood Commercial Corridor Stormwater Engineering Study – Mall Boulevard, and 2022 Town of North Harmony Ball Creek Stabilization Engineering Study Phase II. T. West indicated that contract execution with the state is underway for those grants.

The following project information was provided in a meeting handout.

  • 2018-2023 Invasive Species Early Detection – Volunteer Task Force
    • Water Chestnut: ~250 plants found/removed in Chautauqua Lake Outlet from June-September 2023. Status: Active monitoring and management in progress based on site specific conditions.
      • Collaborative efforts among CWC, Alliance, WNY PRISM, and Volunteers
      • Alliance staff pulled and removed water chestnut plants from the outlet on 6/29/23 (one plant), 7/28/23 (garbage bag), and 8/25/23 (garbage bag) during sonar surveys. The plants were reported and uploaded to iMap Invasives.
      • CWC, Alliance staff and 1 volunteer found and removed ~200 plants from outlet on 9/6/23.
    • Starry Stonewort: CWC found Starry Stonewort again in Chautauqua Lake in Ashville Bay (~3ac) and near Prendergast Point (~11ac) in August 2023. Management planning work underway by local stakeholders including pilot removal project planning.
      • This species of macro-algae has been found in Chautauqua Lake since around 2009.
      • CWC’s 2023 surveys have documented at least 14 acres of Starry Stonewort across two areas of the lake (Ashville Bay and Prendergast Point), up from ~7.25 acres in 2022.
      • North Carolina State University recently documented starry stonewort in multiple areas of the lake. Lake-wide acreage based on occurrence is estimated at around 90 acres.
    • Brittle Naiad: This invasive aquatic plant species was recently found near the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, Celoron Marinas, and in the outlet. Status: Needs updated monitoring/management plan
      • Documented in the lake since at least 2003
      • Documented occurrences in north and south basin
    • Contact the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy (CWC) to get involved
  • 2021 Village of Lakewood Grandview Stormwater Management Project (NYSDEC WQIP)
    • Project aims to create a series of pocket wetland structures to capture and treat ~100,000 cubic feet stormwater from the Grandview subdivision with the goal of reducing flooding along Rte. 394 and sediment and nutrient loading in Chautauqua Lake. A trail is planned for around the project providing an educational and recreational opportunity for the public
    • Village awarded construction contract to Rock of Western New York
    • Construction to commence soon
  • 2021 Town of North Harmony Ball Creek Stabilization Project (NYSDEC WQIP)
    • Project aims to stabilize ~440 linear feet of streambank along Ball Creek in the Town of North Harmony to reduce sediment and nutrient loading in Chautauqua Lake
    • Town awarded construction contract to Legend Excavating LLC
    • Construction to commence soon
  • 2021 Town of Chautauqua Roadside Swales Stabilization Project (NYSDEC WQIP)
    • Project aims to stabilize ~16,000 linear feet of swales within the Town of Chautauqua to reduce sediment and nutrient loading in Chautauqua Lake.
    • Held Kickoff Meeting on 6/16/23
    • Engineering by Barton and Loguidice underway
  • 2022 Town of Chautauqua Stream Culvert Assessments (NYSDEC NPG)
    • NYSDEC announced on 3/6/23 that the Town has been awarded a non-point source planning grant to assess road/stream culvert crossings at two locations within the Chautauqua Lake watershed and will produce an engineering design report for projects that address erosion caused by failing or inadequately sized culverts.
    • Contract execution with NYS underway
  • 2022 Village of Lakewood Commercial Corridor Stormwater Engineering Study – Mall Boulevard
    • NYSDEC announced on 3/6/23 that the Village has been awarded a non-point source planning grant to complete a stormwater engineering study for the Chautauqua Mall Boulevard commercial corridor to reduce excessive stormwater runoff in the study area and improve water quality entering Chautauqua Lake.
    • Contract execution with NYS underway
  • 2022 Town of North Harmony Ball Creek Stabilization Engineering Study Phase II
    • NYSDEC announced on 3/6/23 that the Town has been awarded a non-point source planning grant to develop a streambank stabilization engineering study of ~2,640 linear feet of stream corridor along Ball Creek (from the Ball Creek mouth upstream to NYS Route 394). The engineering design report will identify areas of erosion and stream instability and identify potential management actions to reduce sediment and nutrient loading to Chautauqua Lake.
    • Contract execution with NYS underway
  • List of Alliance-partnered NYS grants that have been closed out:
    • 2015 NYS Invasive Species Management Grant (C. Young Senate Initiative), closed ca. Apr 2019
    • 2016 Lakewood-Busti Stormwater Mgmt. Engineering Study (DEC/EFC EPG), closed ca. Jan 2019
    • 2013 Celoron Breakwall & Boardwalk LWRP Phase I Grant, closed ca. Sep 2018
    • 2016 Celoron Breakwall & Boardwalk LWRP Phase II-III Grant, closed ca. Aug 2019
    • 2017 Mayville-Chautauqua Stormwater Mgmt. Engineering Study (DEC/EFC EPG), closed ca. Feb 2020
    • 2015 County Round 12 WQIP Streambank Stabilization Projects at Ball, Bemus, Goose, Prendergast, Dutch Hollow (Phase 1 & 2), and West Dutch Hollow Creeks, closed ca. April 2022
    • 2017 Celoron Park Improvement (Amenities Building) LWRP Phase IV Grant, closed ca. Mar 2021
    • 2018 Lakewood Chautauqua Avenue Green Street Retrofit (NYSEFC GIGP), closed ca. Jan 2022
    • 2018 County Round 15 Skimming Capital Equipment (NYSDEC WQIP), closed ca. Apr 2022
    • 2018 Village of Lakewood and Town of Busti Precision Swale Stormwater Retrofits (NYSDEC WQIP), closed ca. September 2022

Additional information is available on the Alliance website Projects page and in our Annual Reports:

V. 2023-2024 Alliance Consolidated Local Funding Program Update

R. Perry indicated that the application window for the Consolidated Local Funding Program has closed, and that Alliance staff received 17 total applications from Members totaling around $3.2 million in requests for funding. R. Perry indicated that staff will be reaching out to Alliance Committee Members for volunteers to score those applications using the Multi-Criteria Analysis Tool, and staff will be scoring the applications as well. R. Perry indicated that the Alliance Board will be presented with the applications as well as the initial technical scoring results as they prepare a consolidated funding request to be submitted to the participating local charitable foundations. Funding decisions would be known in early 2024. R. Perry thanked all those who applied, those who will be participating in the review of applications, and the funders who would be considering the consolidated request.

VI. Discussion of Late-Season Lake Conditions and Remaining Needs  

B. Erickson indicated that funds have been allocated from Chautauqua County and are being considered for use by the Chautauqua Lake Association for late season funding.

M. Proctor made the following motion: Be it Resolved that the Board of Directors of the Alliance authorizes the pass through of $87,000 from the County 2% Occupancy Tax Reserve, as approved by the County Legislature for collaborative lake maintenance services through September, to the Chautauqua Lake Association for continuing operations in 2023, and with the understanding that 50% of those funds will be held by the CLA to be put toward the purchase of a near-shore cleanup support vessel. (Motion by M. Proctor, Second by E. Barnes; Directors Voting Yes: J. Andrews, E. Barnes, J.Bowman, J. Johnson, M. LaTone, and M. Proctor; Directors Voting No: None; Directors Abstaining: D. Emhardt and B. Erickson).

D. Conroe indicated that lake conditions are currently better than expected. D. Conroe indicated that there have been some harmful algal blooms, but not as many as expected. D. Conroe indicated that most plant growth has not hit the surface of the water, except in certain shallow areas. D. Conroe indicated that the CLA will be working past when expected, thanks to funds from the county, and is focusing on shoreline cleanup. D. Conroe indicated that crews have a few more weeks of work ahead of them, and that they are currently focusing on the South Basin after having finished cleanup in the North Basin. D. Conroe indicated that Mobitracs had been assisting with the work up until last week. D. Conroe indicated that lastly, the CLA plans to clean up logs and other debris that present risks around the lake.

M. LaTone asked if homeowners should call CLA with work requests, or if CLA staff is scouting locations.

D. Conroe indicated that crews are working all shorelines and stopping when they find areas that need work. D. Conroe indicated that homeowners can call CLA with requests.

M. LaTone indicated he spoke to a neighbor in Bemus Bay who had significant shoreline buildup, and that the Bemus Condos also could use some cleanup.

D. Conroe indicated crews are now working in the Bemus area.

B. Erickson asked about the status of the DEC permit application submitted for the Mobitrac and skimmer starry stonewort removal.

T. West indicated that hard copies of the application were submitted. T. West indicated that DEC intends to review those quickly. T. West indicated that the pilot project looks to address around 2 acres of monoculture in Ashville Bay. T. West indicated that best management techniques for starry stonewort can vary from location to location, and depend on a number of different factors.

D. Conroe indicated that CLA is keeping a skimmer in the water should the permit go through.

R. Perry indicated that dialogue has also taken place between DEC officials, the Chautauqua Lake Partnership, the Alliance, and staff from NC State about potential chemical management options.

B. Erickson indicated that the ongoing starry stonewort planning is a collaborative effort between many different organizations with a common goal.

VII. Other

J. Jablonski asked about the status of plant and herbivore surveys.

D. Conroe indicated that CLA conducted its usual macrophyte survey, and that an herbivore study has also been performed. D. Conroe indicated that macrophyte survey reports are expected this winter.

M. LaTone indicated that CLP’s survey was performed in August, and that they are hopeful that report could be released late this summer.

J. Jablonski asked if CLA’s plant survey was conducted in August.

D. Conroe indicated it was done in August and earlier in the summer.

B. Nystrom indicated that given we had a good year of lake conditions, it will be important to review the herbivore surveys. B. Nystrom asked if the herbivores could be responsible for some of the positives we are seeing related to water clarity and plant growth. B. Nystrom indicated it would be good to review some of the connections between herbivores and water conditions.

J. Bowman indicated it will also be important to look at any data related to the lake’s fisheries, especially data related to top predators like muskie. J. Bowman indicated there are quite a few disgruntled muskie fisherman. J. Bowman indicated she heard that DEC had to move its survey net to a new area because muskie populations were so low.

M. LaTone indicated that he was aware of some who had positive muskie fishing experiences on the lake this year.

B. Erickson indicated he had heard reports of very large bug hatches recently.

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

J. Damore indicated she wanted to touch on the point made by B. Nystrom, saying that conditions by her home on Burtis Bay have been very good. J. Damore indicated that she is curious to find out why conditions were so much better this year, saying that she thinks it is unlikely that harvesting or herbicides were responsible for the change. J. Damore indicated that conditions were worse last year despite herbicide treatments. J. Damore indicated that harvesting is just like cutting the grass, and that there was not a significant herbicide treatment in Burtis Bay in 2023.

M. LaTone indicated that herbicide treatments do have residual effects that can last for 2-3 years.

J. Damore indicated that there was a large bug hatch last spring that may be correlated.

M. LaTone indicated that he had heard reports that the state used 30% less salt this year due to the mild winter, and that may play a role.

J. Damore indicated that she participated in the CWC’s volunteer water chestnut pull. J. Damore indicated that it was common for people to assume that due to the mild winter, we would see more plant growth and worse conditions in 2023, but we haven’t seen that. J. Damore indicated that there seem to be more mussels in the lake, and less sunfish this year. J. Damore indicated her support for looking at all of these variables and trying to make connections to good lake conditions this year.

J. Jablonski indicated that sunfish eat a lot of herbivores.

J. Damore indicated that she is very concerned about the new state wetlands law, and the possibility that Burtis Bay will be declared a wetland, due to the negative impacts that would have on homeowners and the South Basin as a whole.

M. LaTone indicated that a lot of people are concerned about that and letters are being written to the DEC.

A discussion followed of the criteria used to classify areas as wetlands.

IX. Adjourn

D. Emhardt made a motion to adjourn the September 14, 2023 meeting. The motion was seconded by E. Barnes and was passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 5:02 PM.

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The Alliance Board of Directors passed a motion to approve these 9/14/2023 Meeting Minutes on 10/12/23.