Chautauqua Lake Association Executive Director Douglas Conroe reports that two publications on 2020 lake ecological conditions have been received and are posted on the CLA’s website. The reports were prepared by Racine-Johnson Aquatic Ecologists based upon the results of their 2020 in-lake scientific monitoring program. The CLA has contracted annually since 2002 with Racine-Johnson personnel to independently monitor and assess lake ecological health conditions.
Racine-Johnson performs similar services on multiple New York State lakes. The firm’s principal, Robert Johnson, is a retired Cornell University faculty member and Cornell Ponds Manager. Johnson is a member and former president of the Northeast Aquatic Plant Management Society (NEAPMS), has served on the board of directors and as editor of their newsletter for several years. The highest professional award from the NEAPMS, the Aquatic Plant Science Award, was presented to Mr. Johnson in 2005 and 2017 recognizing his scientific contributions to understanding the ecology of the non-native plant species Eurasian watermilfoil and Hydrilla. He regularly presents his scientific findings on aquatic plant studies at regional and national conferences. Additionally, Johnson provides training programs to aquatic professionals on aquatic plant identification of important non-native invasive plants and common native species.
This first report presented to the CLA, details findings observed from the firm’s late spring lake monitoring. The second report details finding from the firm’s fall lake monitoring and serves as a final report for the firm’s year-long work. Findings are explained both in 2020 terms and in perspective to the firm’s 18 years of observations. The reports are posted on ChautauquaLakeAssociation.org
The Chautauqua Lake Association is a not-for-profit 501 (c ) (3) charitable organization whose mission is to provide effective and efficient lake maintenance services for the benefit of all Chautauqua Lake users. As the “Steward of the Lake,” the CLA serves to promote and facilitate the ongoing scientific monitoring of Chautauqua Lake and its ecosystem. The CLA’s priority is to keep Chautauqua Lake safe, fun, clean and ecologically healthy for residents and visitors alike.
