Widely known for our in-lake maintenance program, the Chautauqua Lake Association is responsible for seasonal harvesting of annual nuisance aquatic vegetation. We also provide safe waterways for lake users by removing debris and clearing clogged navigational lanes. This method has proved to be the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly action for years, helping the community preserve Chautauqua Lake for future generations.
In addition, the Chautauqua Lake Association offers a unique near shore and shoreline service that assists lakefront owners with the burden of cleaning their shores. Between our regular visits we ask that homeowners help keep their lakefronts clean. Clearing the floating and piled vegetation keeps the natural flow and reduces unwanted odors. If large piles are accumulated, we offer shoreline pickup weed disposal services to businesses and homeowners. Simply contact our office and piles will be collected when we are nearby.
The Chautauqua Lake Association has also performed successful dredging projects on lake tributaries and are investigating other needed dredging work. Dredging projects must be permitted prior to any actions being taken by the CLA. In addition, we are exploring the possibility of offering additional shoreline assistance programs in response to the public concern about the need to increase shoreline maintenance.
Each season, the CLA publishes activity reports outlining work completed throughout the season.
Our number one priority is to keep Chautauqua Lake clean and safe for everyone to enjoy. Here are some of the ways we accomplish that:
Debris Cleanup
Annually, the CLA provides safe waterways for lake users by removing woody debris and clearing clogged navigational lanes. This cleanup occurs in the Spring, prior to our regular season activities and following any devastating storms.
Harvesting
The Chautauqua Lake Association is responsible for seasonal harvesting of annual nuisance aquatic vegetation. When funding allows, six large harvesters work from three locations, following a circular route to ensure no area is overlooked. As water depth and spacing allows, all developed areas are harvested around docks and navigational channels are made.
Shoreline Service
In addition, we offer a unique near shore and shoreline service that assists lakefront owners with the burden of cleaning their shorelines. As funding allows, we utilize two skimmers and 5-6 barges to collect floating and piled vegetation. Between our visits we recommend that homeowners do their part and help keep their shores clear. This enhances the shores, increases flow, and minimizes the unwanted smells that can occur.
Shoreline Pickup
Between our visits many homeowners take advantage of our shoreline pickup. A simple call to our office and we will stop when we are nearby to pickup and dispose of piled vegetation.
Mobi Trac Support Program
Since 2020 the CLA has partnered with the Town of Chautauqua and offered support vessels to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the Mobi Tracs. These amphibious machines can be seen traveling the lake’s perimiter assisting with the removal of near shore build up. Their forks scoop the vegetation and load it onto a CLA support vessel. The CLA then transports the material to an offloading site and hauls it away. This special program is a great addition to the CLA’s regular near shore program.
TO SUBMIT A REQUEST TO HAVE YOUR LILY PADS HARVESTED …
Did you know that each summer the CLA transports harvested weeds to nearby farms to be used as fertilizer?
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