Do you have talent and/or experience with web page development or maintenance?
The Owasco Watershed Lake Association is looking for help to give our OWLA.org web-site a "refresh".
OWLA has had a web-site for over 10 years. The folks who originally put it together did a great job and we always had a lot of comments on how useful the information was that we hosted there. Unfortunately we have not dedicated a lot of time to evolve the site as the organization has grown. We are now looking for help to give our OWLA web-site a "refresh".
We have volunteers available to help guide an experienced person build the content for a more evolved OWLA.org web site. So if you are one of those interested folks or know someone who is, please contact me at owlanews@gmail.com.
- Lakeman
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Nuisance Invasive Species
In recent years, Nuisance Invasive Species have become a growing threat in New York State. They cost taxpayers millions of dollars in damages to our environment each year and and some can even harm our health.
What is an Invasive Species? According to the NY Invasive Species web site; “An invasive species is a species that is not native to the ecosystem under consideration, and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health which outweighs the species' benefits.
Most of us are familiar with some of the aquatic invasive species like the Zebra mussel, but terestrial invasives are becoming even a bigger threat to our yards, gardens, farms and forests in upstate NY. Experts are growing very concerned with our newest threats the Asian long-horned beetle and the Emerald ash borer.
Aquatic invasives are still a big concern for all of us here in the Finger Lakes. Folks who live and recreate on Owasco Lake are all familiar with invasives like eurasion milfoil and zebra mussels. Other invasives like the water chestnut, spiny water flea and japanese knotweed are becoming more widespread and we should all be aware of what to look for and how to properly remove them.
I encourage you to learn more about the threat from some of the newest invasive species through the links I have listed at the end of this blog. In the future, we will also try to keep a seperate "sidebar" of Invasive links on this blog.
http://nyis.info/
Fingerlakes Prism aquatic invasive species site:
http://www.nysgextension.org/ans/fl-prism/FL-PRISM-Aquatics.html#
link to: SeaGrant NATIONAL AQUATIC NUISANCE SPECIES CLEARINGHOUSE
http://www.aquaticinvaders.org/nan_ld.cfm
What is an Invasive Species? According to the NY Invasive Species web site; “An invasive species is a species that is not native to the ecosystem under consideration, and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health which outweighs the species' benefits.
Most of us are familiar with some of the aquatic invasive species like the Zebra mussel, but terestrial invasives are becoming even a bigger threat to our yards, gardens, farms and forests in upstate NY. Experts are growing very concerned with our newest threats the Asian long-horned beetle and the Emerald ash borer.
Aquatic invasives are still a big concern for all of us here in the Finger Lakes. Folks who live and recreate on Owasco Lake are all familiar with invasives like eurasion milfoil and zebra mussels. Other invasives like the water chestnut, spiny water flea and japanese knotweed are becoming more widespread and we should all be aware of what to look for and how to properly remove them.
I encourage you to learn more about the threat from some of the newest invasive species through the links I have listed at the end of this blog. In the future, we will also try to keep a seperate "sidebar" of Invasive links on this blog.
- Lakeman
link to NY State Invasive Species web site:
http://nyis.info/
Fingerlakes Prism aquatic invasive species site:
http://www.nysgextension.org/ans/fl-prism/FL-PRISM-Aquatics.html#
link to: SeaGrant NATIONAL AQUATIC NUISANCE SPECIES CLEARINGHOUSE
http://www.aquaticinvaders.org/nan_ld.cfm
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Documentary on the Global Water Crisis at APT
The Auburn Public Theater will be presenting the movie "Flow" on Friday February 27, and Saturday February 28. This is a documentary about the global water crisis that covers a variety of topics including politics, pollution, and human rights.
Come out and become informed through Irena Salina's award-winning documentary investigation into what experts label the most important political and environmental issue of the 21st Century - The World Water Crisis.
Show times are at 8pm both nights, cost is $5, $4 on the APT web site (scroll down for information about "Flow"):
http://www.auburnpublictheater.com/cinema.html
link to the movies web-site:
http://www.flowthefilm.com/
Come out and become informed through Irena Salina's award-winning documentary investigation into what experts label the most important political and environmental issue of the 21st Century - The World Water Crisis.
Show times are at 8pm both nights, cost is $5, $4 on the APT web site (scroll down for information about "Flow"):
http://www.auburnpublictheater.com/cinema.html
link to the movies web-site:
http://www.flowthefilm.com/
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Upcoming OWLA Board Meeting - Strategy Session
Board of Directors & Members,
Spring is on the way, and now is the time for the OWLA Board and interested members to develop a 2009 Plan of Action for special events and activities to celebrate and protect Owasco Lake.
Please mark your calendar, start thinking of ideas, and plan to come for a:
Strategy Session for OWLA Board and interested OWLA Members
Date: Saturday, February 28 (March 7 if we experience bad weather)
Time: 10 am – 12 noon (w/continental breakfast included, starting at 9:15)
Place: Springside Inn
Meeting Topic: "Planning A Summer to Remember"
Goal: Identify objectives, support activities, tasks and assignments, estimate costs, timetables, event activities, dates, and so forth.
During the session, each chairperson (or your representative if you can't attend) can have 5-10 minutes to outline 2009 goals and plans for his/her committee. Then we will all work together to outline a plan for upcoming events, such as: Owasco Lake Day (including speaker to invite), Ring of Fire, Welcome to Summer on Owasco Lake, Adopt a Shoreline, Membership, Finances, and any other informational meetings/special events.
The outcomes of this meeting include: A Summer Calendar of Events, Projects (including Project Leaders and Timetables for each), Distribution of information on Lake Care (such as How to Landscape and Still Protect the Lake and other environmental concerns).
Building on our successes, we need your active participation in leadership and guidance to engage the community in preserving and protecting Owasco Lake. Your help is essential for success.
This meeting will replace the regular OWLA March 4 meeting, and we will plan to roll out the 2009 Plan of Action at the April 1 OWLA meeting.
(This message was sent from Norma Leone who is setting up this exciting 2009 planning session, Please contact Norma Leone or Joe Wasileski if you have any questions.....)
Spring is on the way, and now is the time for the OWLA Board and interested members to develop a 2009 Plan of Action for special events and activities to celebrate and protect Owasco Lake.
Please mark your calendar, start thinking of ideas, and plan to come for a:
Strategy Session for OWLA Board and interested OWLA Members
Date: Saturday, February 28 (March 7 if we experience bad weather)
Time: 10 am – 12 noon (w/continental breakfast included, starting at 9:15)
Place: Springside Inn
Meeting Topic: "Planning A Summer to Remember"
Goal: Identify objectives, support activities, tasks and assignments, estimate costs, timetables, event activities, dates, and so forth.
During the session, each chairperson (or your representative if you can't attend) can have 5-10 minutes to outline 2009 goals and plans for his/her committee. Then we will all work together to outline a plan for upcoming events, such as: Owasco Lake Day (including speaker to invite), Ring of Fire, Welcome to Summer on Owasco Lake, Adopt a Shoreline, Membership, Finances, and any other informational meetings/special events.
The outcomes of this meeting include: A Summer Calendar of Events, Projects (including Project Leaders and Timetables for each), Distribution of information on Lake Care (such as How to Landscape and Still Protect the Lake and other environmental concerns).
Building on our successes, we need your active participation in leadership and guidance to engage the community in preserving and protecting Owasco Lake. Your help is essential for success.
This meeting will replace the regular OWLA March 4 meeting, and we will plan to roll out the 2009 Plan of Action at the April 1 OWLA meeting.
(This message was sent from Norma Leone who is setting up this exciting 2009 planning session, Please contact Norma Leone or Joe Wasileski if you have any questions.....)
Saturday, February 7, 2009
What is the WQMA?
Are you aware that there is a central agency in Cayuga County that watches over water quality in our watershed? The Cayuga County Water Quality Management Agency oversees water quality issues in all areas of the county. The agency is made up of local, county and state agencies as well as Lake Associations in the county. The agency representatives and citizen volunteers provide a very important service in helping manage water quality in our county.
There is a lot more information on the WQMA at the web site link listed below:
Take care..............................Lakeman
Cayuga County Water Quality Management Agency Description (from their web site :http://co.cayuga.ny.us/wqma/description.htm)
Mission
The mission of the Cayuga County Water Quality Management Agency is to protect and improve the quality of water in Cayuga County.
Function
The Cayuga County Water Quality Management Agency (WQMA) was established in November 1990 by the Cayuga County Legislature to provide a correlated approach to water quality management in Cayuga County. The agency's primary functions are to provide a vehicle for comprehensive planning combined with realistic implementation of goals for effective water quality management programs; to coordinate the efforts, activities and responsibilities of member agencies and organizations; and to increase public awareness and participation in water quality and quantity issues.
Goal
The goal of the County WQMA is to establish and implement a coordinated water quality program which identifies and addresses nonpoint source pollution and protection of groundwater resources in Cayuga County.
WQMA Meetings
The WQMA meets on a regular basis, on the 1st Thursday of the month throughout the year at 10 am. All meetings are scheduled for the Natural Resource Center at 7413 County House Road, Auburn.
WQMA Meeting Schedule 2009:
- Date - Time
January 8 - 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
February 5 - 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
March 5 - 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
April 2 - 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
May 7 - 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
June 4 - 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
July 2 - 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
August 6 - 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
September 3 -10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
October 1 - 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
November 5 - 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
December 3 - 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
2008 OWLA water testing results from Dick Coalson
Each summer for over 15 years,, OWLA has been conducting water sampling around the Owasco Watershed. The data is used by various agencies to monitor overall water quality in Owasco Lake, as well as to spot possible issues in our watershed.
This program would not be possible without our volunteers and the support of the City of Auburn to test the samples each week. I want to personally Thank Dick Coalson for providing his time and leadership to keep this program active in recent years. Dick has provided this summary and we hope to post the actual data to the OWLA web site in the near future. If you would like further information on this years data or the program contact us at owlanews@gmail.com.
Stay warm! (Spring is just around the corner................)
- Lakeman
2008 OWL WATER SAMPLING DATA ANALYSIS REPORT
INTRODUCTION
During 2008 water samples were collected from 28 sites by 20 volunteers around the lake from June 18th through August 27th. The sampling volunteers were assisted by James Soucy, an AmeriCorps volunteer, who picked up the samples around the lake each week as well as took the samples for the four City of Auburn sites. James transported the samples to the laboratory at the Auburn Sewage Treatment Plant and also did the actual testing of the samples for coliform and turbidity under Andy Roche’s supervision. The sampling volunteers also measured air and water temperatures and noted wind direction and relative strength. They recorded the sky condition, algae citings, and also reported any unusual observations during the week. All of the information was entered in a computer spreadsheet for later analysis. Rainfall data was provided by Anthony DeCaro from the Auburn Weather Monitoring Station at the Water Filter Plant on Swift Street. The daily data was converted into weekly totals and entered into the database after the sampling season was done.
SUMMARY
The overall conclusion reached from an analysis of the data is that the bacterial water quality of Owasco Lake remains good. The summer of 2008 was another wet year which may be the reason that the fecal Coliform numbers are lower generally than previous years. The weed growth also was not as vigorous this year with the exception of the curly-leafed pond weed that peaked in the late spring displaying areas near the shore that looked brown in color. The Eurasian milfoil was not as prevalent this year as in past years. Algae were noted in a number of areas this year with the blue-green and brown predominating. Generally, if algae were seen at a particular site in June, they were present for the rest of the samplings. Water temperatures seemed to track the rainfall data with a 1 week shift frequently displayed. Even with all the rain recorded this year, the water temperature reached 28 degrees Centigrade on July 16th. Three sites reported that temperature on July 16th. The high temperatures seem to be at odds with the amount of rainfall but it was suggested that the rains came in short, heavy bursts
generally followed by clear, sunny periods.
This program would not be possible without our volunteers and the support of the City of Auburn to test the samples each week. I want to personally Thank Dick Coalson for providing his time and leadership to keep this program active in recent years. Dick has provided this summary and we hope to post the actual data to the OWLA web site in the near future. If you would like further information on this years data or the program contact us at owlanews@gmail.com.
Stay warm! (Spring is just around the corner................)
- Lakeman
2008 OWL WATER SAMPLING DATA ANALYSIS REPORT
INTRODUCTION
During 2008 water samples were collected from 28 sites by 20 volunteers around the lake from June 18th through August 27th. The sampling volunteers were assisted by James Soucy, an AmeriCorps volunteer, who picked up the samples around the lake each week as well as took the samples for the four City of Auburn sites. James transported the samples to the laboratory at the Auburn Sewage Treatment Plant and also did the actual testing of the samples for coliform and turbidity under Andy Roche’s supervision. The sampling volunteers also measured air and water temperatures and noted wind direction and relative strength. They recorded the sky condition, algae citings, and also reported any unusual observations during the week. All of the information was entered in a computer spreadsheet for later analysis. Rainfall data was provided by Anthony DeCaro from the Auburn Weather Monitoring Station at the Water Filter Plant on Swift Street. The daily data was converted into weekly totals and entered into the database after the sampling season was done.
SUMMARY
The overall conclusion reached from an analysis of the data is that the bacterial water quality of Owasco Lake remains good. The summer of 2008 was another wet year which may be the reason that the fecal Coliform numbers are lower generally than previous years. The weed growth also was not as vigorous this year with the exception of the curly-leafed pond weed that peaked in the late spring displaying areas near the shore that looked brown in color. The Eurasian milfoil was not as prevalent this year as in past years. Algae were noted in a number of areas this year with the blue-green and brown predominating. Generally, if algae were seen at a particular site in June, they were present for the rest of the samplings. Water temperatures seemed to track the rainfall data with a 1 week shift frequently displayed. Even with all the rain recorded this year, the water temperature reached 28 degrees Centigrade on July 16th. Three sites reported that temperature on July 16th. The high temperatures seem to be at odds with the amount of rainfall but it was suggested that the rains came in short, heavy bursts
generally followed by clear, sunny periods.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Owasco Lake Watershed Rules
Did you know that there is a set of laws specifically written to protect the Owasco Lake Watershed?
Section 1100 of the Public Health Law, section 104.1 of Part 104 of Title 10 (Health) of the Official Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of New York sets forth rules that outline the conditions and types of activities allowable within the watershed. The Owasco Watershed Rules and Regulations also set forth the conditions to be met by agricultural and business practices, including how such activities may be conducted, to ensure a pure and safe drinking water supply for Auburn and surrounding towns.
Under the Public Health Law, the City of Auburn is charged with conducting inspections and providing enforcement under these rules. Various other groups and agencies assist the city in this oversight, but the City of Auburn Watershed Inspector is resposnible for any specific citations written under this law. OWLA, Individual Towns , Cayuga County Health Dept., WQMA among many others , monitor activities in the watershed and report any potential problems to the Watershed Inspector for followup.
For more information, go to the following web-sites:
link to the Owasco Lake Watershed Inspector:
http://co.cayuga.ny.us/wqma/owascoinspector/
link to the official Owasco Lake Watershed Rules:
http://www.co.cayuga.ny.us/wqma/projects/watershedrules.pdf
Section 1100 of the Public Health Law, section 104.1 of Part 104 of Title 10 (Health) of the Official Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of New York sets forth rules that outline the conditions and types of activities allowable within the watershed. The Owasco Watershed Rules and Regulations also set forth the conditions to be met by agricultural and business practices, including how such activities may be conducted, to ensure a pure and safe drinking water supply for Auburn and surrounding towns.
Under the Public Health Law, the City of Auburn is charged with conducting inspections and providing enforcement under these rules. Various other groups and agencies assist the city in this oversight, but the City of Auburn Watershed Inspector is resposnible for any specific citations written under this law. OWLA, Individual Towns , Cayuga County Health Dept., WQMA among many others , monitor activities in the watershed and report any potential problems to the Watershed Inspector for followup.
For more information, go to the following web-sites:
link to the Owasco Lake Watershed Inspector:
http://co.cayuga.ny.us/wqma/owascoinspector/
link to the official Owasco Lake Watershed Rules:
http://www.co.cayuga.ny.us/wqma/projects/watershedrules.pdf
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Proposed Ban on Phosphorus fertilizer
There is a very interesting article in today's Syracuse Post-Standard detailing a proposed law in Cazenovia to ban fertizlizers with Phosphorus. Ten years ago there were not very many alternatives to phosphorus laden fertilizers. Today it is much different. Most home centers and hardware retailers carry Zero-phosphorus fertilizers. In Cayuga County, you can contact the Soil and Water Conservation District for a ZERO-phosphorous fertizlizer for your lawn. We encourage you to try them.
Cazenovia is one of the first CNY municipalities to consider an outright ban on Phosphorus based fertizlers. It will be interesting to watch what the community's response will be.
Phosphorus run off to Owasco Lake is documented as one of our biggest issues relating to water quality. What do you think about the proposal? Should we try it in the Owasco Lake Watershed?
Get out and enjoy the snow....
- Lakeman
Link to Post_Standard article:
http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2009/01/cazenovia_seeks_to_ban_use_of.html
Link to the proposed law:
http://townofcazenovia.org/content/Generic/View/26
Cayuga County Soil and Water Conservation District's Fertilizer offer:
Watershed Friendly Fertilizer
The Cayuga County Soil & Water Cons. District has available at a reduced price, a ZERO-phosphorous fertizlizer for your lawn. 50 lb. bags are only $10.00 The formulation will provide sustained color and hardiness while eliminating the potential negative effects that excess phosphourus has on water quality. A great way that you can help improve water quality in our watershed.
Contact the CC Soil & Water Cons. Dist.
at 315.252.4171 ext. 3 for more information.
Cazenovia is one of the first CNY municipalities to consider an outright ban on Phosphorus based fertizlers. It will be interesting to watch what the community's response will be.
Phosphorus run off to Owasco Lake is documented as one of our biggest issues relating to water quality. What do you think about the proposal? Should we try it in the Owasco Lake Watershed?
Get out and enjoy the snow....
- Lakeman
Link to Post_Standard article:
http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2009/01/cazenovia_seeks_to_ban_use_of.html
Link to the proposed law:
http://townofcazenovia.org/content/Generic/View/26
Cayuga County Soil and Water Conservation District's Fertilizer offer:
Watershed Friendly Fertilizer
The Cayuga County Soil & Water Cons. District has available at a reduced price, a ZERO-phosphorous fertizlizer for your lawn. 50 lb. bags are only $10.00 The formulation will provide sustained color and hardiness while eliminating the potential negative effects that excess phosphourus has on water quality. A great way that you can help improve water quality in our watershed.
Contact the CC Soil & Water Cons. Dist.
at 315.252.4171 ext. 3 for more information.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Happy New Year!
We hope you all had a nice Christmas and Holiday season. I had a nice break from work and other obligations, with plenty of time to spend with fanily and friends.
The new year is here and we want to get off to a strong start. Our Next OWLA Board of Directors Meeting to kick off 2009, will be held on Wed. evening February 4th, 7pm at the Springside Inn. The meeting is open to the public, so come and see what we are all about.
(I'll post an agenda from Dr. Joe Wasileski later in the month)
REMINDER - No January Meeting! (Get out and enjoy the snow! - we are!)
Take care,
Lakeman
The new year is here and we want to get off to a strong start. Our Next OWLA Board of Directors Meeting to kick off 2009, will be held on Wed. evening February 4th, 7pm at the Springside Inn. The meeting is open to the public, so come and see what we are all about.
(I'll post an agenda from Dr. Joe Wasileski later in the month)
REMINDER - No January Meeting! (Get out and enjoy the snow! - we are!)
Take care,
Lakeman
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