The Woods 6021 State Rte 21, Naples NY
The annual western conference of NYSFOLA was held Saturday October 25th and 75 interested members attended including 7 from Loon Lake Association and Loon Lake Watershed Improvement Alliance. For more information on NYSFOLA see https://nysfola.org/2025-western-regional/
The conference was a mix of valuable topics starting with an overview of Invasive Mussels and Harmful Algal Blooms by Dr Kim Schultz, Professor at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Dr Schultz explained the difference between Zebra and Quagga mussels, their orgin and proliferation in the US and the longer term effects of each. Her research is indicating that while these mussels appear to ‘clean’ the water they cause of variety of issues by destroying native mussels, ingesting good algae and expelling the algae that can cause toxic blooms or HABs. Quagga mussels also embed themselves deep in sediment, making their elimination especially difficult. As of this writing, Loon Lake has no reported mussels.
The second presentation was Transforming Lawns to Landscapes for Healthy Lakes, presented by Laurie Broccolo, owner of Broccolo law and Landscape and Trustee of Saunders Finger Lakes museum. Laurie explained the importance of rain gardens, using naturally wet or uneven land for native plants that do not require regular maintenance and encourage the birds and insects that provide a healthy landscape and decrease the mosquito population. She encouraged the use of rain gardens instead of French drains and discussed waterfront options that diffuse water and minimize grass showing multiple examples of local waterfront projects.
The third topic was presented by Andy Ernst the Chair of the Conesus Lake Association and Mary Underhill, the Conesus Lake Watershed Manager and Planner of Livingston County. Andy and Mary discussed the importance of building a lake community and working closely with local and state governments to achieve mutually beneficial goals. Andy discussed how the Conesus Lake Association welcomes new members with a package that includes a newsletter (twice a year) a directory that includes advertising for local services and a sticker for each year of membership. Their annual dues are $30 year. They keep a listing of volunteers and keep in touch via email and social media. Mary focused on how local governments works well with the association by requesting input on key discussions.
After lunch Lindsey Ayers, the Program Manager for Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association and Liz Kreitinger, Executive Director, Cayuga Lake Watershed Network, walked us through the programming they have been developing for grades 3-11. Their goal is to develop a repository for environmental education. They also recommended ProjectWET as a resource for educational programs. See https://www.projectwet.org/
Microbial Source-tracking was discussed by Michael Schummer who described a study that tracked microbials entering lakes through stream inlets. He explained that as food passes through an organism it picks up the DNA from the host, that can be used to identify the source type. The study looked for four categories, human, avian, ruminant ( ie cattle and deer) and canine. Samples were taken from designated streams at different times of year and weather conditions. The data can reveal such things as failed septic systems, or improper application of manure. Once nutrient sources are identified, remediation can be made.
The last session was Animals to Humans: Managing Nutrient in Watersheds by Megan Webster, District Manager, Ontario County Soil and Water Conservation District who
discussed methods to manage various waste products. She talked about covered holding pits for farm manure, that can apply manure slurry directly into the soil at the correct times for maximum absorption as well as other agricultural best management practices. She also talked about Ontario Counties regulations for septic systems.
Bob’s notes:
I got some disjointed info. on septic systems. There is a 50/50 shared replacement cost for septic systems sponsored by the NYS Environmental Facilities Corp. and NYS DEC.
There is such a thing as OTN inspectors who use deep hole testing, percolation testing and dye testing. I got a name of Megan Webster.
The NYS DOC has something to do with testing under DOH Sec 201(1)(1) Appendix 75-A.
Canandaigua lake has a 5-year inspection program. Town Boards basically have the responsibility.
All in all a very valuable day! We left with new energy, ideas and contacts for our lake. For more information on NYSFOLA see https://nysfola.org/2025-western-regional/
Jean
Loon Lake, Steuben County, NY 