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President's Message:
May 2008
A Message from the CLA President - The Ice is Off the Lake
As of April 5, 2008, the ice is off the lake, changing the focus of the attention of the Chautauqua Lake Association (CLA) from winter maintenance and repair of its equipment to lake operations. Over the winter, the CLA has been busy overhauling, painting, repairing, and performing other maintenance on all of its equipment. As the fleet of eight harvesters, three transport barges, and other equipment has aged, the winter maintenance requirements have increased significantly. Many of the harvesters and barges exceed 20 years of age and are beyond the manufacturers’ estimates of their useful life of operation. The continued productive use of this equipment is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the CLA staff each and every winter.
With the change of weather, the hiring of the seasonal employees has begun. Last year, the CLA employed 54 seasonal individuals in its lake maintenance operations. This number far exceeded past seasons because of the operation of a second shift. While the costs imposed by a second shift are of significant concern, the benefit from the improved condition of the lake was readily apparent to everyone. Accordingly, the CLA again intends to operate a second shift in both weed harvesting and shoreline cleanup. The weed harvesters and transport barges will be on the lake from 7:00 a.m. Monday through Friday each and every week of the summer. The shoreline cleanup crews will also work from 7:00 a.m. to dusk Monday through Friday, as well as on Saturday mornings until noon. Last year, for the first time, the CLA completed the entire perimeter of the lake before the end of July and was able to return to problem areas throughout the remaining portion of the summer season. The CLA expects that to be the case this year as well.
Through the generosity of the Sheldon Foundation, the CLA has purchased a Hydro-Mate AM 2000 dredging machine. This new machine will be used to dredge areas where streams flow into the lake depositing silt and other sediment. The machine will also assist in shoreline cleanup in areas difficult to access with the other equipment.
Like every other business and household, the CLA is concerned about the high cost of fuel. Operating the equipment from dawn to dusk necessarily means that fuel is one of the largest expenses for the CLA. The CLA relies on the support of municipalities, foundations, and generous individuals to support its operations. Your past contributions and continued support are critical to the success of each summer season.
Sincerely,
Tad Wright
Chautauqua Lake Association President
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