There are many aquatic plants living in Chautauqua Lake; Some of these are beneficial native species, while others are introduced species which can have negative repercussions on recreational, environmental, and economic aspects of the lake. A series of free public programs are being offered to help people learn how to differentiate between plant types and learn what we as individuals and as a community can do to prevent the spread of invasive species in Chautauqua Lake.
Early identification of target species, combined with quick, focused actions, can prevent an outbreak from becoming unmanageable. These free programs focus on public education and the future development of an effective Early Detection Volunteer Taskforce. By providing easy-to-use educational materials and offering both basic informational and in-depth training sessions that are concentrated on the priority invasive species most likely to impact Chautauqua Lake in the near future, interested volunteers, homeowners, recreational lake users, professionals, and anyone who is interested can become part of an early detection monitoring network and contribute to improving the health and sustainability of Chautauqua Lake.
Basic Informational Sessions
May 30th 7:00pm-9:00pm Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History, Jamestown NY
June 5th 6:00pm-7:00pm Lawson Center on Chautauqua Lake, Bemus Point, NY
June 9th 12:00pm-1:00pm Long Point State Park, Bemus Point, NY
June 9th 12:00pm-1:00pm Chautauqua Marina, Mayville, NY
Citizen Science Trainings with Free Kayak Field Component (RSVP required)
May 25th 10:00am-4:00pm Carlson Community Center, Mayville Lakeside Park, Mayville NY
June 9th 10:00am-4:00pm Long Point State Park, Bemus Point, NY
For more information, visit https://rtpi.org/what-are-these-weeds/ Or contact Elyse Henshaw at 716-665-2473 ext. 231 or ehenshaw@rtpi.org
This project is a collaboration between the Chautauqua Lake & Watershed Management Alliance (Alliance) and the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History. Funding was provided from the Environmental Protection Fund as administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, through the generous support of Senator Catharine Young. Chautauqua County provided support in the form of a pass-through grant to the Alliance.
