Lake Experts Help to Create Awareness of Proper Shoreline ManagementAugust 5, 2011
The presentation included reports on continued scientific research in working with herbivores and their effect on in-lake plants along with an in-lake plant assessment. The main point of the discussion highlighted the critical role that the shoreline serves in maintaining a healthy lake and that it is important to preserve existing natural shorelines while taking action to restore altered shorelines to a natural condition. The presenters described the shoreline’s role in providing habitat for insects and how those insects play a necessary role in the life cycle of the lake and its fishery. A review of the results of the recently completed National Lakes Assessment was presented by Scott Kishbaugh, Director of the joint New York Department of Environmental Conservation and New York State Federation of Lake Associations’ Citizens Statewide Lake Assessment Program which the Chautauqua Lake Association has participated in for over 25 years. This national research showed that Chautauqua County’s lakes are not alone in their struggles and efforts for needed conservation. “Well-managed shorelines are a must for healthy lakes,” Kishbaugh said. “Natural habitats for plants, birds and insects are enhanced by a natural and undisturbed shoreline.” Kishbaugh is the senior author of the book Diet for a Small Lake: A New Yorkers Guide to Lake Management and also conducted the national assessment where 909 lakes across the country were studied. “After all the data was collected and analyzed the most significant finding from the study was how significantly poor shoreline management affected the overall biology of the lake, water cloudiness and algae levels.” Kishbaugh spoke about how lakeside residents should stop and think before modifying their shorelines. "Having a perfect lawn can sometimes be the downfall of a healthy lake. People need to lighten up on lawn chemicals and think about what they do to the water quality of the lake.” In addition to shoreline maintenance as it relates to residents' lawns and yards, Kishbaugh also addressed how the use of in-lake plants can also benefit both a lake's health and its beauty. “Limiting the use of lawn chemicals, planting a rain garden and opting for natural landscaping are ways every homeowner can contribute to keeping a healthy lake,” he said. The second half of the presentation was led by retired Cornell University Biologist Bob Johnson. He spoke of aquatic plants and important insects as well as examples of current shoreline preservation work being done. He encouraged planting shoreline vegetation to limit nutrients that find their way into the lake and how such vegetation provides a healthy habitat for insects that feed on nuisance vegetation. “Insects use emergent and riparian vegetation to hide from predators,” Johnson said. “Weevil and moth populations have a significant effect on submerged aquatic weed growth.” He sited how the recent increases in population of these insects have had a dramatic effect on reducing the growth of nuisance vegetation like Eurasian milfoil. “The literal invasion of milfoil we experienced in 2006 is virtually gone, levels are at their lowest in recent years,” he said. Johnson was formerly associated with the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department of Cornell University and currently is a principal in Racine-Johnson, Inc. He is contracted by the Chautauqua Lake Association to record and monitor the aquatic plant and herbivore communities in Chautauqua Lake and to perform lake related research. He stressed how getting actively involved in shoreline management is the single most important thing people can do to maintain a healthy lake. "The more we know about our lake, the better we can take care of it," he said. The Chautauqua Lake Association continues to provide the public with scientific presentations and information to create awareness of how proper shoreline management can significantly affect the health of the lake. The CLA’s primary goal is to ensure the natural beauty, safety and utility of the lake as a recreational resource. |
Two of New York State’s leading authorities on lake science recently talked about the significant connection between shoreline management and lake health at a presentation given at the Jane A. Gross Opera Center across from Chautauqua Institution sponsored by the Chautauqua Lake Association.