Some warm temperatures in April sparked a lot of activity on the lake, though it slowed a bit when snow, rain and cold returned in early May.

You can see the “signs of Spring” on the lake when you drive over the Chautauqua Lake Bridge. A lot of docks have been put in and even a few boats are now up on lifts. By Memorial Day things will be at full-tilt and the lake will be buzzing with activity.

There has also been a notice sent out that several towns and villages around the lake are again seeking an herbicide treatment permit from the DEC. As in past years, this involves a relatively small area where weeds are the worst…primarily in the south basin of the lake. The herbicide applications will be conducted in two phases–one dealing with the early maturing curly-leaf pond weed, and the other for Eurasian watermilfoil that blooms later in the summer.

On the political side of things, there has been a major announcement from Mayville that the County will be investing some of its federal ARPA funding to support the Jefferson Project, an ongoing scientific research program being conducted to better understand the lake. There is always some resistance to spending money on “studies,” but, in this case, I view it as an important investment. As with something like medical research, we need multi-year comparative research if we are really going to come to better understand the chemistry and ecology of our lake.

It also looks like the existing bed tax which benefits the lake, will be extended by the state Legislature. I was a bit surprised by the re-writing of the current law which took place in Albany. Usually, this type of local bill is written and submitted by the local government concerned — in this case, the county. However, whatever it takes to get it done and to the governor’s desk is the priority. So, let’s hope that it gets renewed and passed in this legislative session. The lake needs it.

As to long-term projects which will benefit the lake, the Sewer District is now nearing completion of its Phase I expansion up to Stow on the west side of the lake. Homeowner hook-ups are now underway and are expected to be completed this year.

Even better news is that activities have started to commence Phase II of this project, which will extend sewers from Stow to the Fish Hatchery at Prendergast Point. This will complete sewers on the west side of Chautauqua Lake. A public meeting was conducted on May 6th at the North Harmony Town Hall where the engineering firm involved explained the various steps which can be expected as this extension of the sewer system gets underway.

It was an excellent presentation. There was a large turn-out and many good questions were asked. It was especially beneficial that the meeting was held on a Saturday. The timing made attendance easier for non-residents and for those who come here primarily on weekends this time of year.

Rolland Kidder is a Stow resident.