An image of algae and plant growth in a portion of Chautauqua Lake in Aug. 2011. The image is used by the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy to show the need to cut the nutrients to the lake which fuels plant and algae growth. The photo does not reflect the overall health of the entire lake, as the majority of Chautauqua Lake is in much better condition. (Photo by Scott Alperin/courtesy of the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy)
MAYVILLE – Chautauqua Lake is facing a legitimate crisis and something needs to be done about it. That was the general sentiment during Wednesday night’s Chautauqua County Legislature meeting as 17 members of the public urged lawmakers to approve a resolution that would provide $100,000 to help to fight the growing weed problem on Chautauqua Lake, and another $100,000 to help find a long-term solution to the weed problem. The money would come from the $10 million reconciliation that was recently discovered in the 2011 county budge.
Those who spoke comprised a cross section of the public, from property and business owners to full-time and part-time residents. They also included people from throughout the county – including the Chautauqua Institution, Dewittville, Bemus Point, Lakewood, Celoron and Jamestown.
A majority of lawmakers agreed with the residents, but also felt the county was not in a financial position to afford giving that much money to the Chautauqua Lake Association (CLA), considering it is facing a $12-13 million budget shortfall next year. As a result, the resolution was amended so that $80,000 would be given to the CLA – $30,000 from the county’s two-percent bed tax fund along with $50,000 from its fund balance. The funding is contingent on the CLA providing $20,000 in matching funds. That would provide a total of $100,000 – which the CLA says would help to bring on an additional weed-harvesting crew on the lake for the remainder of the summer. The resolution passed by a vote of 14-10.
Audio from last night’s meeting, including comments from the public as well as some of the discussion from lawmakers, will be featured during WRFA’s Community Matters program, airing tonight at 6 p.m. and Sunday at noon.
Dear WRFA staff, the “CWC” photo was taken in August 2011 by Scott Alperin. CWC has used it to show the need to cut the nutrients to the lake which fuels plant and algae growth. This is both algae and plant growth. The majority of Chautauqua Lake is in much better condition than this.
Thank you for the info John. I saw the image on the CWC facebook page and assumed it was taken this year. I will update the caption on the image to reflect when and why it was taken, as well as attribute the photographer. If you wish us to no longer use the image, it can be pulled at your request. Again, thank you for your comment and following our blog.
– Jason Sample
WRFA Public Affairs Director