Loon Lake, Steuben County, NY

Some folks have asked the Alliance if they could give a memorial gift that would be placed at the Loon Lake Preserve. Some Memorial benches and trees have already been donated. If you visit the Preserve, you will see these gifts labeled with a plaque designating the person or family that is recognized by the memorial.

We have done some research on donation of trees. Our research is not complete, but it looks like a memorial tree donation would cost in the range of $225 to $500. This cost includes some long term maintenance and a plaque with an inscription designated by the donor.

Benches and chairs are always welcome memorials:

A bench could be donated for $900. This amount includes a plaque, delivery and some long term maintenance.

A chair could be donated for $580. Again, this amount includes a plaque, delivery and some long term maintenance.

Someone suggested that since some folks walk their dogs at the Preserve that installing one or more doggy “poop” stations might make sense.

If someone wanted to donate one of these (maybe not as a memorial), a high-end station could be donated for $660. This amount does take account that there would be an ongoing cost to replenish the “poop” bags. (photo below)

A mid-range station could be donated for $480. (photo below)

If you would like to donate something to the Preserve, contact Bob Reynolds at 585-213-4226 or at rerhere@hotmail.com and we’ll work out the details.

Hunt Engineering presented their latest information on the Loon Lake sewer study implementation that they have been working on for some time. Much new information was presented.

See below for the full Presentation.

One of the messages discussed at the Western New York Federation of Lakes Regional Conference was the importance of small-lake stories.  Small lakes such as ours, often go unnoticed because these lakes are not water sources, nor impaired enough to warrant grant awards large enough to fund preventive management techniques. However, many of our small-lake neighbors are achieving great things, and NYSFOLA would like to highlight these projects or stories.

            So began our journey to the regional conference to present and stand mighty among the larger lake projects.  The Water Quality Committee members, as well as a large group from our two associations were present to add to a storyline, that included all the past and present lake improvement projects. These projects fill our toolbox with techniques and knowledge that bring us closer to developing an appropriate “diet” for our small lake.

            Of special interest was an update on the Aeration Pilot Program that included the study of deep-water storing of phosphorous, and how it impacts hazardous bloom activity. We also highlighted how and at what level the diffused aerators in our pilot cove have impacted water quality/HABS/ and the decrease of loose muck.

            The pilot program has operated for one and a half seasons. We will operate again next season to complete our pilot. The committee will be reviewing the results, mid-study, to formulate 2023 objectives. Some of the results that will influence our objectives are:

• Accumulation of nutrients and phosphorus in the deep water that increase as the summer progresses
• Early set up of the low oxygen level and the accumulation of algae abundance at this mid-depth level
• How the two processes above increase the likelihood of HABS
• Do indicators of slightly higher dissolved oxygen and pH, changes in nutrient patterns due to the aerator circulation, and minimal loose muck impact, create a positive enough effect to warrant operation of the aerators at our shorelines

            We appreciated the opportunity to share our journey at this conference.  A full copy of the PowerPoint will be posted with this article on the Loon Lake website. You may also check out the website for future updates on this project as we move toward completion in 2023.

            Let’s create more stories to tell about our lake!

Loon Lake Water Quality Committee

Joe Carlson

Doris Gross

Maureen Morsch

Alice Publow

Cathy Saxton

Bernie and Paula Thoma

Brockport Environmental Studies Friends

If you would like a copy of the Powerpoint presentation, contact Paula Thoma at PaulaThoma@yahoo.com

Loon Lake is meant to be enjoyed, however, we ask all residents and visitors to realize that a lot of residents live here every day, 365 days a year. Loon Lake is NOT a resort community like Cancun, Mexico! Residents have jobs, children, pets etc. and have to get up early for work, daycare, pet care, medical appointments…the list goes on. We are not all on vacation; we are living our DAILY LIVES.

If you rent your Loon Lake property or if you are a renter or guest to our area or if you are a cottage owner and resident of Loon Lake, please take the time to read the following list of Irksome Issues. The points listed below were contributed by Loon Lake residents.

1. New York State requires a boater’s license for anyone 14 years old and up. Younger children should NOT be driving a boat or jet ski. https://parks.ny.gov/boating/education.aspx
2. New York State requires boat registration. https://dmv.ny.gov/registration/register-boat Jet skis also require registration!
3. Loon Lake has a no wake zone of 100 feet from shore. Jet skis should follow that distance as well! Jet skis have been seen flying into our various coves at high speeds very, very close to shore and swimmers. Jet skis have been seen playing tag/racing with each other. We have video! Many feel it is just a matter of time before someone gets injured or worse. Please review boater safety with your family members as well as your short term renters! Please keep an eye on your teen jet ski operators.
4. Loon Lake has a proud history and culture of fishing. (The Loon Lake Association has had a well funded fish fund for years!) Please do not be rude to the fishermen by racing around their canoes or boats on jet skis.
5. Bonfires or campfires are never to be left unattended. Our cottages are very close together in spots. One spark (even from a cigarette) can start a fire that will burn down one or more cottages. Drown your fire before leaving the property or retiring inside for the night; do not leave any live fire unattended.
6. Keep the noise down! Late night parties and loud music interfere with residents’ daily lives and responsibilities. Again for those in the back: Loon Lake is NOT a resort community. We expect the July 4th holiday to be noisy with fireworks. (We even pay for a fireworks display on the 4th.) However, private fireworks on any other evening is disruptive and rude. Please be considerate.
7. Please keep your speed down while driving. Many of us walk on our narrow, curvy roads. Children ride bikes and scooters. Dog walkers are numerous. Strollers abound. PLEASE keep your speed down.
8. Please do not wash your dog(s) or shave your human legs and other body parts in the lake. Don’t empty your half filled beer or soda cans into the lake. Don’t dispose of your cigarettes in the lake. We can see you!
9. Pick up after your dog(s). The Town of Wayland has a leash law as well.
10. Please do not burn your garbage (plastic, etc.) in your fire pit or barrel. It is against New York State law.https://cceschuyler.org/resources/new-york-state-open-burning-laws We do not want to inhale toxic fumes. If you have renters, you should be providing garbage receptacles or the like. You can report polluters by calling the DEC hotline at 1-844-332-3267.
11. Please inform your guests and/or short term renters where they should park their cars. Many residents report their own parking spots being used by others. If you are expecting a large crowd, make sure you consider where your guests will park. Blocking the road(s) is not an option.

The Loon Lake Association has no power to regulate what homeowners do. If you have a problem with a neighbor, please speak directly to them about it. Have a problem with a short term renter? Speak to the cottage owner about it. Do you have the phone numbers of your neighbors?

As listed in the Annual Loon Lake Association Directory, the New York State Police in Wayland can be reached at 585-728-2200. The Steuben County Sheriff in Bath, New York can be reached at 800-252-0820. 911 is the number for all immediate emergencies. The Town of Wayland website can be found at http://www.townofwayland.org You can find elected officials’ contact information there.

If you would like to add anything to the Irksome Issues list, please email loonlake14826@yahoo.com You just can’t make this stuff up.

~Maryalice Kilbourne 9/22