Monday, November 23, 2015

OWLA Meeting - Wednesday, December 2

  Owasco Watershed Lake Association Meeting       
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Springside Inn at 7:00 PM

Agenda
Welcome Members and Guests
 
Call to Order
   
I.        Roll Call Sheet
II.      Approval of November 4, 2015 Minutes - Gilda Brower
III.    Financial Report - Jeff Trescot 
IV.    Committee Reports             
            A.  Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council - Jim Beckwith
                  1. Owasco Lake Management Plan - Jim Beckwith; Bob Brower
            B.  Communication - Carolyn Hiza
            C.  Water Testing/Monitoring - Ken Kudla; Drew Snell
            D.  Strategic Planning Update- Bob Brower
            E.  Membership Update - Rosemarie Romano
                  1. Cove Captains; Watershed Kit - Jean Canizzo; Linda Vitale
            F.  Ad Hoc Notification Group - Jean Canizzo; Bob Brower; Linda Vitale

V.      Old Business 
              A.  March to Lake Day 2016 - Bob Brower
              B.  Lake Day - Rick Nelson
              C. Whole Farms Best - Practices - Ken Kudla
              D.  Cayuga County Budget - Jim Beckwith
 
VI.    New Business
              A.  Manure Management Working Group - Jim Beckwith
              B.  Owasco Yacht Club; Cayuga County Sportsman's Club - Jim Beckwith
              C.  Other
VII.  Wrap-up (next meeting; assignments; agenda planning items)
 
Adjourn

We value your opinions and ideas regarding OWLA and encourage you to participate in OWLA meetings.

Friday, November 20, 2015

Come see the Owasco Flats Nature Reserve - Sunday Nov. 29th

You are invited to come take a walk with some of the Owasco Flats Nature Reserve (OFNR) Board members.  We would like to meet you in person and show you what your membership means to us and the Reserve.

We’re taking a hike!  Come join us on Sunday, November 29, 2015 at 1:30pm to hike the Owasco Flats 1.6 mile loop trail at the Owasco Flats Nature Reserve.  Several board members will be there to meet you and talk about improvements that were made at the Owasco Flats over the past few years.  Rain date is December 5th.

Directions:  From Moravia, go approximately 3.5 miles up Route 38 (west lake road). From Auburn, take Route 38 about 18 miles to Cascade and the parking area and kiosk is on your left. We will meet at the Route 38 parking area (at the kiosk) at 1:15 pm.   The walk takes about an hour.

The trail takes you on the old Lehigh Valley Railroad track, along the Owasco Inlet north up to Owasco Lake and back to the railroad track.  The trail is flat, and can be muddy this time of year, so wear your boots.  Donuts and cider will be provided at the picnic table, which is located to the left of the parking lot, immediately after our walk.  If you are not interested in taking a hike, you are welcome to meet us for refreshments around 2:30 pm.  We hope to see you there!

Best regards, 
  
Sandie Doran
President of the OFNR, Inc.

Monday, November 16, 2015

Public hearing on the budget meeting on Wednesday, November 18th at 6:00 PM,

November 15, 2015

Dear Members of OWLA,

We need OWLA represented at the  on the 6th floor of the Cayuga County Office Building so we can prove to the County that there is support for Owasco Lake. County legislators are making budget decisions at that meeting. If you can not attend this meeting, please send an email or letter to your County legislator, demanding support.

The County is cutting funding to Owasco Lake through the Soil &Water Conservation District budget, Cornell Cooperative Extension budget, and Planning; Health Department budgets. These cuts will affect Owasco Lake because all four departments spend part of their budgets on helping Owasco Lake survive. It is imperative that we let legislators know the importance of funding to protect Owasco Lake.

To reach your legislator click here: Cayuga County Legislators

For additional information from a story in The Citizen, click here: Citizen article

We also remind you that the next public meeting of the Manure Management Group is on Monday, November 16th at Cayuga Onondaga BOCES, 1879 West Genesee Street, Auburn, NY, 13021, at 7:00 pm.

Thank you for your continued support.

James L Beckwith, President
Owasco Watershed Lake Association

Saturday, October 31, 2015

OWLA Meeting Wed. Nov. 4th, 2015

Owasco Watershed Lake Association Meeting
November 4, 2015
Springside Inn at 7:00 PM
Draft Agenda
Welcome Members and Guests

Call to Order
 
I.        Roll Call Sheet

II.      Approval of October 7, 2015 Minutes - Gilda Brower

III.    Financial Report - Jeff Trescot
       
IV.    Committee Reports

            A.  Ad Hoc Notification Group - Bill Phillips; Bob Brower
            B.  Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council - Jim Beckwith
                  1. Owasco Lake Management Plan - Jim Beckwith; Bob Brower
            C.  Water Testing/Monitoring- Ken Kudla; Drew Snell
            D.  Strategic Planning Effort - Bob Brower
                      (Set date for planning meeting)
              E.  Membership Update - Rosemarie Romano
                  1. Cove Captains; Watershed Kit - Jean Canizzo; Linda Vitale
                  2. Membership Assistance

V.      Old Business

              A. Update on Grants including Dutch Hollow and "Ask" - Bob Brower
              B.  March to Lake Day 2016
              C. Whole Farms Best-Practices

VI.    New Business

              A.  County Budget Meetings - Jim Beckwith; Rick Nelson
              B.  Meeting with County Manager - Jim Beckwith
              C.  Other

VII.  Wrap-up (next meeting; assignments; agenda planning items)

Adjourn
We value your opinions and ideas regarding OWLA and encourage you to participate in OWLA meetings.

Saturday, October 24, 2015

Large amounts of Foam on Owasco Lake this fall

Many times we observe "foaming" conditions on Owasco Lake. This year seems to be especially active for large amounts of it. In the fall, dropping water temperatures can accelerate decomposition of plant life and algae which causes the creation of foam. Andrew Snell; Owasco Watershed Inspector has a nice article describing the situation in the Auburn Citizen Newspaper this week.

Take a read of the full article here: http://auburnpub.com/lifestyles/eco-talk-owasco-lake-foam-caused-by-seasonal-decomposition/article_c7d02b6d-391c-5156-81d8-ad45992dcfb1.html

Friday, October 2, 2015

OWLA Meeting Wednesday October 7th, 7pm

Owasco Watershed Lake Association Meeting
October 7, 2015
Springside Inn at 7:00 PM

Draft Agenda
Welcome Members and Guests

I.        Roll Call Sheet
  
II.      Approval of September 2, 2015 Minutes - Gilda Brower
  
III.    Financial Report - Jeff Trescot
         
IV.    Committee Reports
  
            A.  Membership Update - Rosemarie Romano
                  1. Cove Captains; Watershed Kit - Jean Canizzo; Linda Vitale
                  2. Membership Assistance
B.  Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council - Bob Brower
                  1. Owasco Lake Management Plan - Bob Brower
            C.  Water Testing/Monitoring- Ken Kudla; Drew Snell
            D. Strategic Planning Effort - Bob Brower
  
V.      Old Business 
              A. Update on Grants including Dutch Hollow and "Ask" - Bob Brower
              B.  Ad Hoc Notification Group
              C. Whole Farms Best-Practices
  
VI.    New Business
              A. March to Lake Day 2016
              B. Other
  
VII.  Wrap-up (next meeting; assignments; agenda planning items)
  
Adjourn

We value your opinions and ideas regarding OWLA and encourage you to participate in OWLA meetings.

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Owasco Lake Water Quality Buoy

Photo by John Halfman - FLI

For the second year in a row Owasco Lake has had a water quality monitoring buoy recording important water quality data. If you are on the lake you can't miss the yellow platform located about half way down the lake between Burtis and Koenig points. The buoy that was placed and maintained by the Finger Lakes Institute at Hobart William Smith College, provides seasonal monitoring of several key water quality parameters.

Owasco Lake has been facing more water quality impairments in recent years. The water quality buoy provides much-needed daily measurements critical to understanding the environmental processes within the lake. This information will be used to recommend best management practices and develop watershed management strategies focused on improving water quality in Owasco Lake.

Read the complete buoy story at:  https://flihappenings.wordpress.com/2015/09/14/exploration-and-education-water-quality-monitoring-goes-high-tech-on-owasco-lake/

Monday, August 24, 2015

Owasco Watershed Lake Association Meeting - September 2nd

Owasco Watershed Lake Association Meeting
September 2, 2015
Springside Inn at 7:00 PM

Draft Agenda
Welcome Members and Guests
 
Call to Order

Presentation:
    Cayuga County Soil and Water Conservation District Advanced
    Agriculture Technologies
      Presenter:  Jason Cuddeback, Conservation Tec/Grazing Specialist
   
I.        Roll Call Sheet
II.      Approval of August 5, 2015 Minutes - Gilda Brower
III.    Financial Report - Jeff Trescot    
IV.    Committee Reports
            A.  Membership Update - Rosemarie Romano
                  1. Cove Captains; Watershed Kit - Jean Canizzo; Linda Vitale
                  2. Membership Assistance
B.  Communication - Carolyn Hiza
            C.  Organizational Committee Reports
            D.  Water Testing/Monitoring- Ken Kudla; Drew Schell
V.      Old Business
              A.  Lake Levels - Ed Wagner
  B.  Asian Clams - Ed Wagner        
              C.  Dutch Hollow project - Charlie Greene
VI.    New Business
              A.  Strategic Planning effort
              B.  Ad Hoc Notification Group
              C. Whole Farms Best-Practices          
VII.  Wrap-up (next meeting; assignments; agenda planning items)

Adjourn

We value your opinions and ideas regarding OWLA and encourage you to participate in OWLA meetings.

Friday, August 7, 2015

Watershed Restoration Project stalled

The Auburn Citizen is reporting today that Dutch Hollow Brook Watershed Restoration Project has been stopped pending release of funds by NY state. This project is hoped to have significant effect in preventing nutrients from entering Dutch Hollow Brook and Owasco Lake. We hope our state Leaders will act quickly to complete the funding for this important project.

Read the full article here:
http://auburnpub.com/news/local/dutch-hollow-watershed-restoration-project-stalled-until-state-funding-appears/article_9dfa5b28-212c-5d2c-928b-cd08d6490324.html

Link to the original project funding announcement article from April 2014:
http://auburnpub.com/blogs/eye_on_ny/seward-visits-owasco-announces-grant-for-dutch-hollow-brook-restoration/article_1d2813f3-0ef8-51e2-9841-aefa82b78fae.html

Saturday, July 11, 2015

New Algae Bloom found in Owasco Lake

A blue-green algae bloom has been found on the west side of Owasco Lake. The bloom was confirmed on Friday (7/10/15) by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, was found on the west side near Peterson Point in Fleming, which is close to the intersection of state Route 38 and Stone School Road.

Blue-green algae blooms produce toxins that could pose a health risk to people and animals. Consuming water containing high levels of blue-green algae has been associated with damaging effects to the liver and nervous system in pets, livestock and people, according to the Cayuga County Health Department.

Some guidelines from the Cayuga County Health Department for dealing with blue-green algae:
      - People should suspect that blue-green algae could be present in surface water that is visibly discolored or that has surface scums.
       - People and pets should not swim in surface water that is discolored or has surface scum. If contact does occur, wash with soap and water or rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove algae.
         - Avoid bathing, showering or washing dishes in untreated surface water that is experiencing an algae bloom.
      -  Do not let your pet drink water experiencing blue-green algae blooms.

If you suspect a blue-green algae bloom, call the Cayuga County Environmental Health Division at (315) 253-1405.

See the entire Citizen article at: http://auburnpub.com/news/local/health-department-blue-green-algae-bloom-found-on-west-side/article_457d9cf9-8b29-5871-886a-e37e7d38eb8d.html

Thursday, June 25, 2015

OWLA - July 1st meeting

Owasco Watershed Lake Association Meeting
July 1, 2015
Springside Inn at 7:00 PM
Special Meeting Agenda

Welcome Members and Guests
Call to Order


I. Roll Call Sheet

II. Approval of June 3, 2015 Minutes - Gilda Brower

III. Financial Report - Jeff Trescot

IV. Proposal for Owasco Flats / Finger Lakes Land Trust- Jim Beckwith

V. Identification of Invasive Species and Training: Guest Speaker:
Michele Wunderlich, Associate Planner,
Cayuga County Department of Planning and Economic Development

VI. Removal of Invasive Species: Lance Robson, New York State Fish and Wildlife Management Board, Chairman

VII. Committee Reports
A. Membership Update - Norma Leone; Rosemarie Romano
1. Report on Pilot Program - Jean Cannizzo and Linda Vitale
B. Communication - Carolyn Hiza
C. Lake Day June 24, 2015 Follow-up - Rick Nelson
D. Water Testing/Monitoring- Ken Kudla; Drew Snell
VIII. Wrap-up (next meeting; assignments; agenda planning items)

Adjourn
We value your opinions and ideas regarding OWLA and encourage you to participate in OWLA meetings.

Monday, June 15, 2015

Owasco Lake Day on June 24th at Emerson Park



 The Owasco Lake Watershed Association and several co-sponsors will host the 8th annual Owasco Lake Day on Wednesday, June 24th from 2- 7 PM, “rain or shine”, in and around the Pavilion at Emerson Park in Owasco, New York.

 The event will once again include free admission and parking, free guided pontoon boat rides, a variety of family activities and children’s games, and many hands-on educational exhibits. The pontoon rides will launch and recover at the Park’s boat launch area. The family and children activities will be located under-cover on the south porch of the Pavilion. They have been expanded to include pottery painting, backyard bass fishing, animal pelts, fossils, bean bag toss game with prizes, making food chain bracelets or pin-on badges to wear, and looking at the Lake’s water under a microscope, as demonstrated by several Auburn High School students.

 The Resource Fair, inside the Pavilion, has over twenty environmental and water related organizations committed to displaying detailed information about their missions.

A welcome and introductions from OWLA President Jim Beckwith will start verbal presentations at about 5 o’clock.

Following these words, our first speaker will be: Dr. John Halfman, from the Finger Lakes Institute at the Hobart and William Smith Colleges. He will present his annual analysis of the condition of Owasco Lake based on the results of the data from the 2014 sampling. He will pay particular attention to the accelerated aging of the lake (expanding weed growth and blue-green algal blooms) that are likely caused by excessive nutrients (phosphorus) from human activities throughout the watershed. Dr Halfman has been guiding the study of Owasco Lake for many years. His work is supported by the Cayuga County Water Quality Management Agency, the Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council (OWLMC), and the Owasco Watershed Lake Association (OWLA).

more info: http://www.owla.org/composite%20lake%20day%20info.pdf

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Agenda for the June OWLA Meeting

Owasco Watershed Lake Association Meeting       
June  3, 2015
Springside Inn at 7:00 PM
Agenda:

- Welcome Members and Guests
- Call to Order
 
I.        Roll Call Sheet
II.      Approval of April 1, 2015 Minutes - Gilda Brower
III.    Financial Report - Jeff Trescot
IV.    Committee Reports
            A.  Membership Update - Norma Leone; Rosemarie Romano
1. Cove Captains - Jean Cannizzo
            B.  Communication - Carolyn Hiza
            C.  Lake Day June 24, 2015- Rick Nelson
            D. OWLA Board Elections - Ann Robson
            E. Water Testing/Monitoring- Ken Kudla; Drew Snell
V.      Old Business
            A.  Dutch Hollow Project  - Charlie Greene
            B.  Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council - Jim Beckwith
            C.  Finger Lakes Regional Watershed Alliance Meeting - Bob Brower
            D.  Water Quality Management Association Update - Bob Brower
            E.  OWLA's Strategic Plan Status - Kathy Cappella
            F.  Whole Farm Best Practices Partnership - Ken Kudla and Rick Nelson
G.  Manure Spreading Advisory Committee, Plans and Progress -
Mike Didio, Peter Caplan, and Ken Kudla
H.  Lake Level Regulations - Bill Phillips
I.    Status of OWLA's Enhanced Watershed Actions Program in NYS
                    2015-2016 Budget - Bob Brower

VI.    New Business
VII.  Wrap-up (next meeting; assignments; agenda planning items)
       
- Adjourn

We value your opinions and ideas regarding OWLA and encourage you to participate in OWLA meetings.

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Elections for OWLA Board Member seats

At the Wednesday, June 3, 2015 OWLA General Membership meeting, elections for Board Member seats will take place. All OWLA members are encouraged to attend and place your vote.

We meet at 7pm at the Springside Inn, Rte. 38.

The OWLA Nominating Committee presents the 2015 Slate of Nominees for OWLA Board Member positions. The term is June 2015 – 2018.

Following is information on each nominee. For additional information on OWLA visit www.owla.org.

- Bob Brower seeks the opportunity to continue work on the restoration and protection of Owasco Lake, as is the mission of OWLA. “I see this as a way of serving an additional commitment to the Finger Lakes Region, a purpose that differs only in scale from OWLA’s mission. If I am to return to the OWLA Board, I expect that the three year period of service will include exciting progress on membership, funding, new organizational partnerships, and additional administrative capacity. The point of all this of course is to put this organizational progress in service to the mission. As the current Vice-President I am given the amazing opportunity to work with OWLA’s multiple programs and dedicated volunteers. All of this helps link the organizational aspects to the mission and brings me great personal satisfaction. "

- Terry Lattimore seeks reelection to the board. He has 30 years experience working in the Environmental field dealing with Fortune 100 companies in all aspects of reducing their exposure to environmental liabilities by setting up many waste minimization programs that utilized recycling and alternative manufacturing practices.

- Ken Post has always been awed by the beauty of our environment in its pristine state and saddened by what can happen to it as a result of unregulated development. The condition of our lake is a reflection and constant reminder of what is happening in our society. People who seem to be uncaring about environmental issues are often unaware of the effects of their own actions or the cumulative environmental impact of communities without adequate safeguards for that environment. He became a member of OWLA primarily to educate himself and has become more aware of the issues concerning the lake. He has learned quite a lot and also sees the need to raise the level of community awareness concerning our environment.

- Lance Robson is the current Chairman of the NYS Fish and Wildlife Management Board. This board advises the State of New York and landowners on matters of fish, wildlife and habitat management and sporting access. He is a member of the working group developing and implementing the Adirondack Regional Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program and a member of the Great Lakes Climate Change Scenario Planning working group. He is involved in several other habitat and water quality initiatives, invasive species introduction and spread prevention efforts.

- Keith Welch writes; Dear OWLA members. Thanks for your consideration in the upcoming election of your Board. I would like to remain on the slate for the following reasons: my positions of Deputy Supervisor in the Town of Scipio, Scipio representative to the Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council, Chair of the Cayuga County Planning Board and a Cayuga County Legislature appointment to the five county consortium, Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board, ensures that I am at the table with many players in the quest to save our lake. These opportunities for advocacy are not something to take lightly and Owasco Lake is always at the base of any discussion.

Monday, April 27, 2015

OWLA monthly meeting - May 6th, 7pm

Owasco Watershed Lake Association Meeting
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Springside Inn at 7:00 PM

Agenda:

Welcome Members and Guests

Call to Order

Presentations
1.  School Recognition Award
2.  Scott Kishbaugh, New York State DEC
      "Blue Green-Algae Monitoring Plan"

I.        Roll Call Sheet
II.      Approval of April 1, 2015 Minutes - Gilda Brower
III.    Financial Report - Jeff Trescott
IV.    Committee Reports
            A.  Membership Update:  Norma Leone; Rosemarie Romano
            B.  Communication: Carolyn Hiza
            C.  Lake Day June 24, 2015: Rick Nelson
            D. Nominating Committee Report: Ann Robson
            E. Water Testing/Monitoring: Ken Kudla; Drew Snell
V.      Old Business
            A.  Organizational Reports
            B.  Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council: Charlie Green
C.  Finger Lakes Regional Watershed Alliance Meeting: Bob Brower
            D.  Water Quality Management Association Update: Bob Brower
            E.  OWLA's Strategic Plan Status: Kathy Cappella
            F.  Whole Farm Best Practices Partnership: Ken Kudla, Rick Nelson
G.  Manure Spreading advisory Committee Plans and Progress: Mike
        Didio, Peter Caplan,  Ken Kudla
VI.    New Business
              A.  Status of OWLA's Enhanced Watershed Actions Program in NYS
                    2015-2016 Budget: Bob Brower
VII.  Wrap-up (next meeting; assignments; agenda planning items)
Adjourn

We value your opinions and ideas regarding OWLA and encourage you to participate in OWLA meetings




Updates at www.owla.org

Thursday, April 2, 2015

SENATORS HERALD STATE FUNDING FOR OWASCO LAKE


ALBANY, 04/01/15:  State Senators John DeFrancisco, Mike Nozzolio and James L. Seward announced today that the new state budget includes a major win for one of Cayuga County’s key natural resources.

The senators announced that $600,000 in state funding has been awarded to the Owasco Watershed Lake Association to support ongoing and long-term efforts to improve water quality throughout the watershed.

Senator James L. Seward said, “Local officials have already embarked on a responsive path toward rejuvenating Owasco Lake and my senate colleague and I are pleased to assist in continuing the work.  This grant will further enhance the ability of the Owasco Watershed Lake Association and other stakeholders to make notable improvements to this prime source of drinking water, recreational activity, and future economic development.”

Senator Mike Nozzolio said, “As State Senator representing the Finger Lakes region, the health of our lakes has always been one of my top priorities.  Owasco Lake is one of our region’s most unique and magnificent environmental jewels and decisive action needs to be taken to prevent further pollution of the lake. I am pleased my colleagues and I were able to secure this funding to help preserve and revitalize Owasco Lake, ensuring its protection, and securing its potential, for generations to come.”

Senate Finance Chairman John A. DeFrancisco said, “The funding for Owasco Lake is one of many measures included in the state budget that reaffirms our strong commitment to protecting New York’s natural resources.  I was pleased to work with the senate team from Cayuga County to secure this vital funding and to help enrich our community.”

Thursday, March 26, 2015

OWLA April Meeting Wednesday April 1st

Owasco Watershed Lake Association Meeting 
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Springside Inn at 7:00 PM

Agenda

Welcome Members and Guests

Call to Order

I.    Roll Call Sheet
II.    Approval, March 2015 Minutes - Gilda Brower
III.  Financial Report - Jeff Trescot
IV.  Committee Reports
A. Membership: Rosemarie Romano, Norma Leone
B. Communication - Carolyn Hiza
C. March to Lake Day, March 7, 2015: Bob Brower
          Pledge to staff, Moravia Central School District
D. Lake Day Committee, June 24, 2015: Rick Nelson
E. Nominating Committee: Ann Robson
F. Water Testing/Monitoring: Ken Kudla, Drew Snell
V.      Old Business
Organizational Reports:
- Owasco Lake Watershed Mgt Council: Jim Beckwith
- Finger Lakes Regional Watershed Alliance: Bob Brower
- WQMA Update: Bob Brower
- OWLA Strategic Plan Status: Kathy Cappella
- IGNITE and OWLA: A pending collaboration: Ken Kudla
- Whole Farm Best Practices Partnership:
Ken Kudla and Rick Nelson
- Manure Spreading Advisory Committee, Plans and Progress:
Mike Didio, Peter Caplan or Ken Kudla
VI.    New Business
A. The Status of the OWLA Enhanced Watershed Actions Program in the NYS 2015-16 Budget
B. The Proposed NYSDEC Harmful Algae Bloom (HABS) Pilot Monitoring Program
VII.  Wrap-up (next meeting; assignments; agenda planning items)
Adjourn

We value your opinions and ideas regarding OWLA and encourage you to participate in OWLA meetings.
Updates at www.owla.org

Thursday, February 26, 2015

March to Lake Day

March to Lake Day
Saturday, March 7, 2015, 9 am-12:30 pm
 
Symposium and Workshop
The Bisgrove Theatre
Cayuga Community College
197 Franklin Street
Auburn NY, 13021
 
Dr. John Halfman of the Finger Lakes Institute at Hobart and William Smith Colleges will present a description of the condition of Owasco Lake, based on new data collected in 2014, and compare its condition to the other Finger Lakes.

Dr. Greg Boyer, Director Great Lakes Research Consortium, Professor of Biochemistry and Chair, Department of Chemistry SUNY- College of Environmental Science and Forestry will present an overview of the relationship between phosphorus levels and algae blooms, including attention to cyanobacteria.

Dr. Elizabeth Moran of EcoLogic will present an overview of her current efforts to update the Owasco Lake Management Plan (2000). She and colleagues will also help Interactive breakout groups discuss and provide input to this work.
 
Update on Enhanced Watershed Action Program "The Ask"
(letter writing campaign to NYS Representatives)

Free and open to the public.
Additional information:

Monday, February 9, 2015

Please help us help Owasco Lake!

Dear OWLA Members,

Under the leadership of the OWLA Board of Directors and OWLA Members, we have an opportunity to obtain state funding for Owasco Lake in the 2015 NYS budget.  The funding, if included in the budget, will address the need to decrease phosphates, blue green algae and invasive species in the Lake. We need your support by sending letters to our state representatives as rapidly as possible, within the next 10 days.

It is important for our state representatives to understand and support the funding request made by OWLA members for the 2015 NYS budget (The Ask).

As an OWLA member and (or just a) person concerned with the cleanliness and health of Owasco Lake, we need you and anyone else who cares about Owasco Lake to write a letter (long or short) to the representatives listed. The letter should state how important our budget funding request is for the survival and health of Owasco Lake, as the monies will assist and help in the cleanup of the Lake.

The most effective method to get the state representatives' attention is a personal letter (hand written, typed, word processed).  It is important that letters be written for the survival of the Lake as we know it, for it is not only used for recreation, but it is our drinking water.

Please! Help to save Owasco Lake by sending your letter within the next two weeks.

The letter is to request the inclusion of the Owasco Lake funding in the 2015 NYS budget.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
An example of a letter would be:

I write this letter to request the inclusion of Owasco Lake funding in the 2015 NYS budget.  Immediate action for funding would assist in addressing the degradation of the lake in its impaired state (phosphates, blue green algae, and invasive species).

It is important that action needs to be taken to help provide monies in the 2015 NYS budget to address the phosphorus runoff, phosphorus in the Lake, blue green algae blooms, and related invasive species for Owasco Lake's health.

Thank you for your support of the Owasco Watershed Lake Association (OWLA) efforts to restore Owasco Lake and immediately begin to reverse its degradation on behalf of all of us in the Central New York Region.

Cordially,
(please be sure to sign your name)
A list of representatives is at the end of this email
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Please let us know that you have done this so we can keep track by copying your letter of support to me.

Thank you in advance for taking the time from your busy schedule to make this both your priority and our accomplishment.

We have a real opportunity for funding to help us address the health of Owasco Lake. Your help and the communities help can make it happen.

Cordially,

James L. Beckwith, President
OWLA

***********************************************************

OWLA State Representatives: district and Albany offices:

Senator Michael F. Nozzolio
119 Fall St
Seneca Falls,NY 13148
(315) 946-4948

Albany Office
188 State Street, Room 503, Capitol Building
Albany, NY 12247
Phone: (518) 455-2366
Fax: (518) 426-6953

Senator John A. DeFrancisco
333 E. Washington St.
800 State Office Building
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 428-7632

Albany Office
416 Capitol
Albany, NY 12247
Phone: (518) 455-3511

Senator James L. Seward
235 N. Prospect St.
Herkimer, NY 13350
 607) 758-9005

Albany Office
172 State Street Room 430, Capitol
Albany, NY 12247
Phone: (518) 455-3131

Assemblyman Gary D. Finch
69 South St.
Auburn, NY 13021
315-255-3045

Albany Office
LOB 448
Albany, NY 12248
518-455-5878

Assemblyman Bob Oaks
10 Leach Rd.
Lyons, NY 14489
315-946-5166

Albany Office:
Capitol 444
Albany, NY 12248
518-455-5655


Thursday, January 29, 2015

Owasco Watershed Lake Association Meeting, Wednesday February 4th

OWLA Monthly Meeting at the Springside Inn at 7:00 PM

Agenda:
Welcome Members and Guests

Committee Reports:
Communications: Carolyn Hiza
Membership: Rosemarie Romano, Norma Leone
March to Lake Day - March 7, 2015:  Bob Brower
Lake Day - June 25, 2015:  Rick Nelson
 
Old Business:
Water Testing: Ken Kudla, Drew Snell
Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council: Jim Beckwith
Finger Lakes Regional Watershed Alliance Meeting: Bob Brower
Water Quality Management Association Update: Bob Brower
Strategic Plan: Kathryn Cappella, Bob Brower, Jim Beckwith
Updates on Voted Actions: Jim Beckwith, Bob Brower
 
New Business:
Meeting with Cayuga  County Chairman, Michael Chapman
 
We value your opinions and ideas regarding OWLA
and encourage you to participate in OWLA meetings.

Saturday, January 3, 2015

OWLA Meeting Wednesday January 7th, 2015

Owasco Watershed Lake Association Meeting      
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Springside Inn at 7:00 PM

Agenda:
Welcome Members and Guests

Business Meeting:
Committee Reports:
Communications:   Carolyn Hiza
Membership:  Rosemarie Romano, Norma Leone
Report on Watershed Section/packets: Bob Brower
Water Testing:   Dick Coalson, Charlie Greene, Ken Kudla
Strategic Plan: Kathryn Cappella, Bob Brower
March to Lake Day and Lake Day:   Rick Nelson, Bob Brower
Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council:  Jim Beckwith
Cayuga Co. Water Quality Management Agency:  Bob Brower

Old Business:
Finger Lakes Land Trust Open House followup: Jim Beckwith
Update on William Cooke OWLA visit/letter/proposal to Governor Como: Funding Request for Critical Watershed and Restoration Actions of OWLA: Bob Brower , Jim Beckwith
Report on Sewer District 3 (passed):  Jim Beckwith
Petition: No Manure on Frozen Ground:  Rosemarie Romano

New Business:
Waterkeeper Alliance Conference: Peter Caplan, Bob Brower

Guest Speaker:
Doug Young, Spruce Haven Farm - “Working with Farmers to Accelerate
Lake Restoration”