October 1, 2020: Final Report
2020 was a tremendous success despite the many challenges. We kicked off our season mid-May, launching equipment and completing a small dredging project at Crosswinds. From there we jumped right into our debris clean-up which included a two-day shore clean up in the Vukote area. The week of June 1, the remainder of our equipment was mobilized, and we began training operators. Next, we tackled the early Curly Leaf growth in the southern basin. Then moved on to regular lake wide activities.
103 tons of spoils were removed from Crosswinds. Eight truckloads = 80 tons of nearshore build up was removed from Vukote plus twelve additional truckloads of woody debris was removed from the lake during our spring clean-up enabling safe waterways for all lake users.
Early June as we launched equipment, we also began training our new operators. By June 8, we had split into two crews and began our regular activities with harvesters and shore crews. In the early weeks we focused on problematic areas then began our circular routes around the lake. Due to the abundance of curly leaf in the southern basin we kept crews in these areas much longer than expected. By early July all three crews were following their circular routes as shown on our website. This allowed ALL areas to be services multiple times throughout the summer.
650.5 truckloads were removed in 2020 equaling 6,505 tons or 13,010,000 pounds!
Work plans were posted each Monday on Facebook and our website. We posted mid-week updates and detailed reports on Fridays. In addition to the Alliance GPS units on our harvesters, we initiated GPS on all equipment via the existing radio system. This provided for more accurate weekly reporting. Partnerships, fundraising and new membership continued even through this difficult time. We have had almost $42,000 in new contributions from 310 new donors. Though our typical community events were cancelled we enhanced our Facebook presence and public relations. This included several LIVE videos and many articles about what the CLA is all about.
Our annual flare sale was the only event held this year. We thought lighting the lake is a tradition homeowners could do while following governmental safety guidelines. It was a wonderful success and beautiful to witness so many participants even without the typical commercial firework displays.
Our scientific studies continued with Ecologist Bob Johnson as well as our CSLAP water quality monitoring program, our HAB monitoring program and year five of our AIS spread prevention program; this year we expanded the program to Barcelona Harbor. We saw a huge increase in boat activity! Formal reports are not yet complete from the state. In August we had recorded over 16,000 surveys compared to 8,791 surveys in 2019. The lake was BUSY!
CLA staff and seasonal crews are trained annually in water safety, awareness for invasive species currently found in Chautauqua Lake and potential new dangers. Staff attends state and national conferences to promote up to date techniques, methods and potential new challenges. Operators use mechanical harvesting to maintain growth in waterways and to clear navigational lanes. Shore crews travel the water’s edge to remove floating and washed up vegetation. This beautifies our waters and shores; helps prevent regrowth of aquatic vegetation while reducing the nutrients. In addition these actions discourage the foul odors and assist with flow. All of this helps reduce HAB’s from occurring. We have found this unique technique of using harvesters and shore crews to be the most effective and cost-efficient way to manage the aquatic vegetation population found in Chautauqua Lake.
Our automated near shore collectors/skimmers have proved to be a huge asset to the shore crews. They worked alongside the traditional barge crew. In addition, we offered support to the Town of Chautauqua’s mobi-trac program this year. We found the mobi’s to be much faster in heavy build-up areas than the traditional CLA shore crews, however shoreline grooming was needed by CLA crews following their work along with providing dedicated unloading support without which their efficiency would be greatly diminished. Together we made a great team with excellent results. They greatly assisted our shore crews in problematic areas. When working together with our crews the results were amazing.
We feel that the service rendered by the Chautauqua Lake Association in 2020 met the maintenance needs of Chautauqua Lake providing a scenic natural wonder for residents, business owners and visitors.
Outcome/Results
The 2020 Operating Budget submitted with our grant was based on 3 fully staffed crews, extended hours, additional post-season work. Due to funding restrictions some of that intended work plan did not become a reality in 2020. There were not extended hours or post-season work; we had limited seasonal staff. We did have five harvesters actively working from three locations plus shore crews in each location. These crews worked extremely hard to meet lake needs; clearing the waterways for safe, pleasurable boating and lake activities.
650.5 large truckloads = 6,505 tons, or 13,010,000 pounds of nuisance aquatic vegetation was removed along with over 37,000 pounds of nutrients from Chautauqua Lake by the CLA crews this season. Crews were located in Mayville (upper lake), Long Point (mid lake) and Lakewood (lower lake).
Challenges or New Findings
2020 was an enormous challenge before we even hit the water! On March 20, when we are typically beginning to review applications and create our summer work plan the CLA, like many businesses, were forced to lock its door. Though we were later deemed essential, year-round staff had already been temporarily laid off. As our annual fund drive was being mailed our office was closed. Staff continued to work remotely addressing the ever-changing needs, new ideas and day-to-day activities. During those long hours from home employee safety and proper PPE were revealed, activity plans were formed, and seasonal employees found and remotely trained. What we have always done in the past was no longer on our minds. This year was like no other and returning to normal was not expected in the near future.
We did not allow those challenges to prevent us from doing our job and providing a usable lake for all. The newly installed Motorola GPS system on all of our equipment provided us with daily activity knowledge and more accurate crew locations for our detailed weekly reports. This also allowed us to easily locate all equipment at any given time. That assisted us in keeping homeowner’s informed as to when we would arrive.
Also, new this year we had each of the crews follow a fixed circular route rather than skip around. Though this took a little getting used to, and we were told repeatedly that “that’s not the way we have operated in the past” we continued to stick to the plan and work the plan. Each Monday a work plan was created and made public. Crews were informed where they were headed at their morning meetings. We worked the plan all week. On Friday afternoons detailed reports were posted on FB and our website. By mid-summer the public caught on and our frequent calls asking when we would be in areas lessened. They were replaced by “happy notes,” stating what a great job our crews were doing. Another Success! Following the circular routes allowed crews to visit ALL areas of the lake. If an area was in good shape crews would pass through quickly. When areas had a greater need crews would spend additional time there. No areas were missed and this resulted in very satisfied lake users and home owners.
In August CLA hosted AECOM for an algal bloom remediation demonstration project. AECOM was a contractor working with US Army Corps of Engineers HABITATS (Harmful Algal Bloom Interception, Treatment and Transformation System) pilot study. They were demonstrating new technology for removing and disposing of HABS.
2020 was year five of our AIS spread prevention program. We had boat stewards working various launches around Chautauqua Lake, Cassadaga Lake and Lake Erie from May-September. Boaters were educated and provided information on aquatic invasive species and spread prevention. Our stewards recorded the information from lake users on iPads and uploaded the information to a NYS database. This program is part of a 3-year grant awarded to the CLA by NYSDEC. 2021 will mark the sixth and final year of our current funding. We hope to find additional funding to secure this worthy program into the future.
Another challenge that we need to address is the replacement of our equipment. Much of our equipment is over 40 years old. Though things look much newer the reality is at some point we must replace rather than continuously repair.
Work Summary: September 8 – 11
This week equipment was moved from our Mayville and Long Point locations to the CLA shop. While moving south, harvesters serviced a few areas of concern along their way. Those areas included Point Chautauqua, YMCA Camp in Dewittville, Stow from the bridge to Ferry and upper Stow and Loomis Bay to Smith Boys.
The Mobi-Trac program will continue to run for two additional weeks. This week they completed the east shore of Warner Bay then crossed to the west side of the lake heading north from Sandy Bottom to Irwin Bay. Next week they will continue through Mayville and along the east shores of Hartfield and Dewittville Bay.
TO DATE:
CLA has removed 650.5 large truckloads = 13,010,000 pounds!!
Mobi program has removed 137.5 harvester loads = 1,375,000 pounds
Thanks for a GREAT summer!
Work Summary: August 31 – September 3
This marks the final week of regular service – what a summer!
Lakewood harvester continued south along the east shore from Greenhurst/Sunnyside to Townline Road. Shore crews continued north along the west shore through Burtis Bay.
Long Point harvester continued along the east shore through Bemus Bay to the bridge. Shore crew continued along the east shore from Maple Springs to Liberty Street along Lakeside Drive.
Mayville harvester continued from the west shore of Orchard Terrace to Mayville Park the made his way to Sandlewood Drive. Shore crews continued along the east shore through Hartfield Bay.
Mobi’s completed Dewittville Bay then headed south to Long Point.
To date:
Mayville Crew removed 151 large truckloads = 3,020,000#
Long Point Crew has removed 257.5 large truckloads = 5,150,000#
Lakewood Crew has removed 209 large truckloads = 4,180,000#
Mobi-Trac Support assisted in removing 124 harvester loads = 1,240,000 #
Total of 617.5 large truckloads = 12,350,000#
Work Summary: August 24 – 28
This week Mayville harvesters continued their route along the east shore from Point Chautauqua to the Lutheran Camp. Then crossed to Prendergast Point on the west side of the lake and began working north to Orchard Terrace. Shore crews began at Mayville Park and continued through the park area to Sea Lion Drive and south along the east shore to Sandlewood Lane.
This week Long Point harvesters continued south along the east shores of Lakeside Drive from the area of South Frontage to the Village Casino. Shore crews worked north along the west shore from the Sportsman’s Club to Prendergast Point. Then crossed to the west side and began working south from the Lutheran Camp to Maple Springs.
This week Lakewood harvesters worked in Loomis Bay then crossed to the east side of the lake and worked south from the Cheney Farm to Greenhurst. Several days were spent in the Greenhurst area. Shore crews continued south along the east shore from Elmhurst Avenue to Denslow. They then crossed to Celoron Park and began working north along the west shore to Burtis Bay.
This week Mobi-trac’s worked south from Mayville Park around the east side of the lake to Dewittville Bay.
TOTALS TO DATE
Mayville Crew has removed 140 large truckloads = 2,800,000#
Long Point Crew has removed 249.5 large truckloads = 4,990,000#
Lakewood Crew has removed 200 large truckloads = 4,000,000#
Mobi-Trac Support assisted in removing 111 harvester loads = 1,110,000 #
Total of 589.5 large truckloads = 11,790,000#
Work Summary: August 17 – 21
This week LAKEWOOD harvester completed his route along the west shore. He then took a trip to the outlet to clean out McCrea Park launch and the canals used for kayak launching. Shore crews continued south along the east shore from Griffith’s Bay to Elmhurst Ave.
LONG POINT harvesters worked along the west shore from the Stow Ferry to Chautauqua Institution Bell Tower. Then then crossed to the east shore and began working south from the Lutheran Camp to Warner’s Bay. Shore crews worked along the west shore from Ashville Bay to just below the Bridge.
MAYVILLE harvesters and shore crew completed their route along the west shore from Mayville Park to Chautauqua Institution Bell Tower. They then began their route along the east shore from Mayville Park to Hartfield Bay.
MOBI-TRAC’s completed all of Bemus Bay working The Bridge to Long Point along Lakeside Drive. They then crossed to the west shore and worked from the Power Boat Club to Irwin’s Bay.
TOTALS TO DATE:
LAKEWOOD removed 182 truckloads = 3,640,000 pounds
LONG POINT removed 242.5 truckloads = 4,850,000 pounds
MAYVILLE removed 123 truckloads = 2,460,000 pounds
MOBI’s removed 98 harvester loads = 980,000 pounds
TOTAL TRUCKLOADS = 547.5 = 10,950,000 POUNDS
Work Summary: August 10 – 14
This week, Mayville harvesters made their way through Dewittville Bay. Then worked in front of Mayville Park from Sea Lion Drive to the Marina. Shore crews continued to make their way around the east side of the lake to Dewittville Bay.
Long point harvesters completed the East side to Cheney farm then crossed to Ashville Bay and worked north along the west shore almost to the ferry. Shore crews began just below Shore Acres and completed the east shore to Cheney farm. Today they began working north from Ashville Bay to Longview.
Lakewood harvester spent most of the week completing Loomis Bay. They stopped just south of Ashville Bay. Shore crews completed the west shore to Ashville Bay then crossed to the Cheney farm and worked South along the east shore to Griffith’s Bay.
Mobi-Tracs completed the east side of the lake from the YMCA Camp to Long Point. They then worked from Tom’s Point to the Bridge along the west side of the lake. Then crossed back to the east side and worked from the bridge to the Villa.
TOTALS TO DATE:
Lakewood Crew has removed 170 truckloads = 3,400,000 pounds
Long Point Crew has removed 221.5 truckloads = 4,430,000 pounds
Mayville Crew has removed 106 truckloads = 2,120,000 pounds
Mobi Trac’s have removed 86.5 harvester loads = 865,000 pounds
TOTAL OF 497.5 TRUCKLOADS = 9,950,000 POUNDS have been removed from Chautauqua Lake
Work Summary: August 3 – 7
This week CLA crews are completing their fourth trip around Chautauqua Lake. We are beginning to see a little more growth above the bridge heading north. Not to worry crews are addressing these needs and will be to your areas soon.
Lakewood harvester has been working in Sherman’s bay/Vukote area on the west shore most of the week. Shore Crews completed the east shore from Townline road to Denslow. Then crossed to Celoron heading north along the west shore stopping on Friday near Smith Boys.
Long Point harvesters continued south from Maple Springs to Long Point. Then working along Lakeside Drive through Bemus and Oriental Park around Shore Acres to the Cheney Farm. Then began the area from Stow Ferry to the bridge. Shore crews Completed the west shore from the Power Boat Club to Prendergast Point then crossed to the Lutheran Camp and worked south along the east shore to the Bridge.
Mayville harvesters and shore crew continued their route around the northern end from Webs to Bird & Tree to Sea Lion Drive continuing south along the east shore to Dewittville Bay. Shore crews are slightly behind the harvesters on this route. They stopped in the Wooglin area.
This week the Mobi Tracs worked south along the east shore from the Vikings to Long Point. They then crossed and began north along the west shore from the Power Boat Club back to Mayville Park. From there they continued their route around the northern end to the east shore heading south to Dewittville Bay.
TOTALS TO DATE:
Mayville Crew has removed 91 large truckloads = 1,820,000#
Long Point Crew has removed 193.5 large truckloads = 3,870,000#
Lakewood Crew has removed 159 large truckloads = 3,180,000#
Mobi-Trac Support assisted in removing 73.5 harvester loads = 735,000#
**mobi track loads are recorded with the crew they are working with.
Total of 443.5 large truckloads = 8,870,000#
Work Summary: July 27 – 31
This week crews continued their routes around Chautauqua Lake. Many areas are seeing us for the third time.
Mayville harvesters and shore crew continued south along the east shore from the YMCA camp to Mission Meadows. They then crossed and worked from the Mayville Park through the marina to Chautauqua Institution along the west shore.
Long Point harvesters completed Ashville Bay then moved to the Stow Ferry working north along the west side to Prendergast Point. Once they reached Prendergast they crossed to the east side working south from the Lutheran Camp to Maple Springs. Shore crews continued south along the east shore from Lakeside Drive to the Cheney Farm. They then crossed to Ashville Bay working north along the west shore to the Stow Ferry.
Lakewood harvester continued north along the west shore from Celoron to Vukote. Shore crews continued north along the west shore from Goose Creek to Ashville Bay. They then crossed to the east side of the lake working south from the Cheney Farm to Townline Road.
TOTALS TO DATE:
Lakewood – 149 Large Truckloads = 2,980,000 pounds
Long Point – 177.5 Large Truckloads = 3,550,000 pounds
Mayville – 72 Large truckloads = 1,440,000 pounds
Mobi Trac Program – 63.5 Harvester loads = 635,000 pounds
TOTAL: 398.5 Large Truckloads = 7,970,000 pounds!!
Work Summary: July 20 – 24, 2020
Due to the predicted storms we had to revise our work schedule slightly this week. Thankfully the expected weather did not happen and crews remained working however locations were slightly modified to keep crews close to their base locations.
This week we moved a second harvester and a near shore machine to our Mayville location. These crews worked as they headed north from Long Point. Mayville Harvesters worked from Big Inlet through Dewittville. Then in the Mayville Park area. Then back around from the Park to Hartfield Marina. Shore Crews continued working south from Hartfield Bay through Dewittville Bay.
Long Point harvesters continued along the east shore from Share Acres Marina to the Cheney Farm. Then crossed to Ashville Bay Marina. They then worked west shore from the Ferry in Stow to Longview. Shore Crews worked from where they left off near Cheney’s Point north along west shore to CI Bell Tower. Then then worked north from Warner Bay to the Lutheran Camp. Today they began the route again from Lakeside south into Bemus stopping near Liberty Street.
The Lakewood harvester continued south along Old Fluvanna to Denslow Ave. Then crossed to service the Celoron marinas working north. The Lakewood shore crew Completed the end of Burtis Bay and continued north along the west shore of Lakewood to Sherman’s Bay and ending at the start of Vukote.
Mobi-Trac program worked this week from Mayville Park through Hartfield to Dewittville Bay stoping near the YMCA Camp.
Totals to date: 357.5 large Truckloads = 3575 tons = 7,150,000 POUNDS
MAYVILLE removed 54 large Truckloads = 1,080,000#
LONG POINT removed 165.5 large Truckloads = 3,310,000#
LAKEWOOD removed 138 large Truckloads = 2,760,000#
MOBI-TRACS removed 53 harvester Loads = 530,000 #T
Work Summary: July 13 – 17, 2020
Another great week on Chautauqua Lake! Crews have been hard at work covering many areas this week. Thursday due to the anticipated storm crews were moved from regular activities along their routes to areas closer to their “home” base. The safety of our crew is top priority. Though they continued to work through the rain throughout the day keeping them close was the best option.
Mayville Harvesters worked from Hartfield Bay around Sea Lion Drive. They continued around Mayville Park and the Marinas to Irwin Bay and then on to Chautauqua Institution Bell Tower. Harvesters are now heading back around Sea Lion Drive south along the east shore.
Mayville Shore Crews continued south through Big Inlet and Hartfield Bay to Shorelands on the east shore.
Long Point Harvesters continued north from Whitney Bay to Chautauqua Institution Bell Tower. They then crossed to Lake Chautauqua Lutheran Camp and worked south along the east shore through Maple Springs to Lakeside Drive. They continued through Bemus Bay and into Oriental Park and stopped just around the Shore Acres Point just before the marina.
Long Point Shore Crews completed the last of Phillips Mills/Colburn area on the east side of the lake. They then crossed to Ashville Bay marina and headed north along the west shore to Cheney’s Point.
Lakewood Harvesters completed the west shore from Vukote to Ashville Bay marina. They then crossed to Cheney’s Farm and began heading south along the east shore stopping at Old Fluvanna Rd.
Mobi-Tracs worked from the Power Boat Club along the west shore all the way to Mayville Park. They then continued along the east shore from Mayville park to the YMCA Camp Onhysa.
TOTAL TO DATE: 303.5 Truckloads = 3035 Tons = 6,070,000 Pounds
Lakewood Crew has removed 129 Truckloads = 1290 Tons = 2,580,000 Pounds
Long Point Crew has removed 145.5 Truckloads = 1455 Tons = 2,910,000 Pounds
Mayville Crew has removed 29 Truckloads = 290 Tons = 580,000 Pounds
Mobi-Trac Support assisted in 37 harvester loads = 185 Tons = 370,000 Pounds
**mobi track loads are recorded with the crew they are working with.
Work Summary: July 6 – 10, 2020
Lakewood Harvester Crews completed Old Fluvanna then crossed to the marinas in Celoron and back north along the west shore through Lakewood to Vukote. Lakewood Shore Crews work continued along the east shores from White Wall/Driftwood Rd to Greenhurst.
Long Point Harvester Crews continued north along the west shore from Cheney’s Point to Whitney Bay. Long Point Shore Crews completed Lakeside Drive then picked up where they left off at the Shore Acres canal heading south through the marina to Yost Road.
This week we began working out of Mayville Park with our third crew.
Mayville Harvester Crews worked from the YMCA Camp in Dewittville to Knight Road in Hartfield. Mayville Shore Crews worked from Mayville Park along the east shore Big Inlet.
The CLA and Mobi-Trac program worked with the Mayville crew this week. Those Crews worked from Mayville Park to Chautauqua Institution on the west side of the lake. Then from Mayville Park to Long Point along the east side of the lake.
TO DATE: 259.5 Large Truckloads have been removed from Chautauqua Lake = 5,190,000 Pounds!!!
Long Point Crew has removed 133.5 large truckloads = 2,670,000#
Lakewood Crew has removed 114 large truckloads = 2,280,000# Mayville Crew has removed 12 large truckloads = 240,000#
Mobi-Trac Support assisted in removing 14 harvester loads = 140,000 #
**mobi track loads are recorded with the crew they are working with.
Work Summary: June 29 – July 3, 2020
This was a very busy week for CLA’s in-lake maintenance crews as everyone prepares for the July 4th holiday!!
Lakewood Harvester Crews worked south along the east shore starting at Bellview Road harvesting all the way through Greenhurst to Old Fluvanna.
Lakewood Shore Crews worked through Burtis Bay to Celoron Park. They then began following the path of the harvesters along the east shores from Bellview Road to White Wall.
Long Point Harvester Crews completed the east shores near Phillips Mills and Colburn area then headed across the lake to Ashville Bay and continued north along the west shore from Ashville to Cheney’s Point.
Long Point Shore Crews completed Oriental Park area to Shore Acres canal. They then went where they left off on Lakeside Drive and began working north from the cemetary to South Frontage Road.
This week began the CLA and Mobi-Trac Support program. CLA offered a support vessel for more efficiency of this program.
Those crews completed the entire length of Lakeside Drive, through Oriental Park to the Shore Acres canal. They cleared the canal then moved to the west shore servicing the Hadley Bay Area, lower and upper Stow to the Sportsman’s Club. They then worked the backside of Long Point into Warner Bay.
TO DATE: 220.5 Large Truckloads have been removed from Chautauqua Lake = 4,410,000 Pounds!!!
Work Summary: June 22-26, 2020
Lakewood harvesters worked this week along the west shore from the CLA shop north to Goose Creek. Lakewood shore crew also worked on the west shore from Sherman’s Bay to Burtis Bay.
This crew removed 25 large truckloads = 500,000 pounds
Long Point harvesters worked from the Casino north along Lakeside Drive. Then south from the Casino to Phillips Mills/Colburn area.
Due to the winds on Wednesday, they also harvested one afternoon in Hadley Bay heading south.
Long Point shore crew worked from Cheney’s Point north to the Stow Ferry, the Casino north to the “y” on Lakeside near the cemetery, then from the Casino south to the Villa.
This crew removed 14 large truckloads = 280,000 pounds
This week CLA removed 39 truckloads = 780,000 pounds!
TO DATE – Lakewood crews have removed 84 Truckloads
TO DATE – Long Point crews have removed 99 Truckloads
TO DATE TOTAL – 183 Truckloads = 3,660,000 pounds
Work Summary: June 15-19, 2020
Lakewood harvesters completed the area from Greenhurst to Fluvanna then moved to the marina’s in Celoron. On Friday they completed the marina area and began traveling north up the west side of the lake harvesting along the way. Lakewood shore crew finished the lower east side and traveled to Ashville Bay where they began traveling south towards Lakewood.
Lakewood crews removed 31 Large Truckloads this week!
Long Point harvesters worked all week in the Stow area. On Friday they began working just below the bridge on the west side of the lake in the Hadley Bay area. Shore crews completed work on the east side of the lake Monday and traveled to Ashville Bay where they began traveling north towards Stow.
Long Point crews removed 51 Large Truckloads this week!
Weekly Total: 82 Large Truckloads = 1,640,000 pounds
Total to date: 144 Large Truckloads = 2,880,000 pounds
Almost 3 millions pounds removed by CLA in the first 2 weeks!!!!
Work Summary: June 8-12, 2020
34 large truckloads were removed by Long Point Crew from the Shore Acres area. Harvesters cut around docks and created navigational lanes through overgrowth in that area. Shore crews cleared near shore areas from Shore Acres south towards Colburn along the east side of lake.
38 large truckloads were removed by Lakewood Crew. Crews first harvested in Burtis Bay and the new hotel then moved to Greenhurst and worked south towards Fluvanna along east side of the lake. Shore crews worked in those same locations.
Weekly Total: 62 Truckloads = 620 Tons = 1,240,000 pounds
Work Summary: June 1-5, 2020
This past week CLA shore crews have cleared woody debris from Chautauqua Lake. Our harvester operators began cutting the curly leaf in the southern basin. This week was used to launch equipment and train new operators as they tackled over-growth.
