Learn more about Wetlands

Our Wetlands:  A Community Treasure

The Cayuga Lake Watershed Network and the Montezuma Audubon Center in Savannah, NY will host talks and a tour about local wetlands on April 9^th, 2011.  For complete details on the ***free*** Symposium please see www.cayugalake.org

Refreshments and coffee         9:00 am 

Welcomes and Introductions  9:30 am 

Presentations                          10:00 am.

Lunch                                      1:10 pm

Walking Tour                           2:00 pm

Howard Goebel, from New York State Canal Corporation (NYSCC), will talk about the challenges of managing lake levels, especially during heavy rains or snowmelt.  The Canal is managed for recreational activities, protection of property and maintenance of habitat – it is a daunting mission.

Sarah Fleming, from Ducks Unlimited, will review the status of water fowl populations in the area and the importance of Montezuma to these birds.  Ducks Unlimited mission is to conserve, restore, and manage wetlands and associated habitats for North America's waterfowl.

Zachary Odell will cover The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) role in wetland management.  TNC has acquired more than 3,000 acres of property at Montezuma.  TNC partnered with Ducks Unlimited in 2000 to expand the refuge.  It also owns the Carncross Salt Marsh within the refuge. 

Tony Eallonardo will talk more about the salt marsh; its history, cultural and economic impacts and unique species. 

There will also be a chance to talk to representatives from the Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Bureau of Wildlife, Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, Montezuma Audubon Center, Cayuga Lake Watershed Network and the Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Organization.

Coffee will be provided from 9-9:30 by the Friends of Montezuma.  During this time there will be an opportunity to purchase a lunch, or you may bring your own.  Refreshments mid-morning are being provided by the Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization. A walking tour of the Audubon Center grounds will start after lunch. 

This event is being coordinated by the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network and Montezuma Wildlife Refuge, with additional support from the Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization, Friends of Montezuma, the Audubon Center, and the DEC.  All of these organizations are dedicated to protecting the quality of our water resources.

Contact Andrea VanBeusichem at 315-568-5987x228 or Andrea_VanBeusichem@fws.gov or

Judy Pipher at jlpipher@pas.rochester.edu with any questions.