2020 Annual Meeting

The 2020 Chautauqua Lake Association Virtual Annual Meeting was held on Monday, December 7, 2020 at 6pm via zoom.

The theme of the evening was “Preserving Chautauqua Lake for Future Generations.” Live and pre-recorded guest speakers share their Chautauqua Lake experiences and advice. There was also be a review of 2019 activities and a glimpse at 2020 by our President. 

Annual Meeting Agenda

Monday, December 7, 2020 at 6pm
Virtual Meeting via Zoom

Pre-Recorded Public Workshop Series

Partnership Regional Invasive Species (19.18 minutes)

Andrea Locke, Coordinator
Western New York Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (WNY PRISM)

Andrea will be speaking on Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) and the importance of Spread Prevention. Andrea has knowledge in ecology, conservation, stewardship and program development.  As a coordinator for WNY PRISM Andrea has extensive experience developing techniques for managing invasive species and increasing resistance for future invasion. As one of her many responsibilities she is involved with the boat steward program which CLA has partnered with at two Chautauqua Lake launches.

Racine Johnson Aquatic (20.51 minutes)

Robert Johnson, Ecologist
Racine-Johnson Aquatic Ecologists

Chautauqua Lake’s Aquatic Plants and the Importance of Species Diversity”.  Presentation will describe the seven most important aquatic plants in Chautauqua Lake and their value as part of the lake ecosystem.  These plant species taken together make up part of the macrophyte community essential to the overall health of this large, shallow, nutrient-rich lake.  Two additional non-native species that have no place in Chautauqua Lake are noted.

Robert Johnson, Ecologist and owner of Racine-Johnson Aquatic Ecologists will discuss aquatic plant identification. Bob has nearly 20 years of experience monitoring Chautauqua Lake’s plant community, its unique diversity and its benefits to water quality and the fishery. Bob works on lakes throughout New York State primarily on aquatic plant ecology and plant growth management.  He retired from the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Cornell University where he managed the Cornell University Research Ponds and conducted aquatic plant research for 40+ years.  

Preserving and Protecting – 30 years and counting (20.48 Minutes)

Carol Markham, Conservationist
Whitney Gleason, Water Quality Program Manager
Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy    

As we celebrate our 30th year, the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy remains committed to preserving and enhancing the water quality, scenic beauty and ecological health of the Chautauqua region. Looking forward, we are working diligently to address the nutrient and pollution runoff that fuels excessive aquatic plant and algae growth by conserving forests and other natural landscapes, which science has shown to be the most effective way to protect water quality in streams, lakes and groundwater.

Carol and Whitney work closely together at CWC. They will be presenting a brief session on preserving the lands and protecting the waters of Chautauqua’s Watershed. Their activities at CWC include the rain gardens, natural buffers and educating the public about lake friendly landscaping and lawncare. 

6PM: Live Meeting

Meeting Handouts:

  • 2020 Report on 2019 Activities – available upon request
  • 2019 Minutes – 2018 Operations – available upon request


I. Paul O. Stage, CFP® – President

  • Annual Meeting
  • Welcome & Call to Order
  • Salute to the Flag

II. Rudy Mueller, MD, Vice President

  • Proxies on File, Proof of Notice, Determination of Quorum
  • Minutes of 2019 Annual Meeting

III. Deborah E. Moore, CPA – Treasurer

  • 2019 Financial Report

IV. Paul O. Stage, CFP® – President

  • President’s 2019 Report & Status
  • Update on 2020 Programs
  • General Business Session
    • Ratification of Acts of the Officers for the 2019 Year
    • Comments From The Membership
  • Introduction of speaker

V. Guest Speaker for the LIVE Meeting

Jon Schmitz, Archivist & Historian
Chautauqua Institution

“The Lake Side of History”

Jon Schmitz, Archivist & Historian for the Chautauqua Institution will be speaking on the history of Chautauqua Lake. Jon has lived throughout the United States and Canada as well as briefly in Germany and England.  He has been employed as an Archivist for 26 years.  Jon holds many honors both educationally and professionally and is currently a member of the Academy of Certified Archivists. 

Jon has spoken publicly on a variety of subjects, both on history and archival practice. He is the author of several articles and the co-author of The Chautauqua Institution: A Postcard History (2011). Jon has also participated in several documentaries, as well as being interviewed on CBS Sunday Morning, NPR radio, Voice of America, and on local radio and television programs.

VI. Paul O. Stage, CFP® – President

  • Closing Statement
  • Adjournment

Please contact the CLA office with any questions or concerns at 716.763.8602 or email heather@chautauqualakeassociation.org.