CLA Supports Legislation to Ban Phosphates

May 6, 2009

Lakewood, N.Y. -- Rick Constantino, Chautauqua County Watershed Coordinator, will be the keynote speaker at the Chautauqua Lake Association’s Annual Dinner to be held at 5 p.m. on June, 29, 2009 at the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club.

CLA members, directors, volunteers and political dignitaries will review what the organization accomplished in the past year and hear about its future goals. CLA President, Chris Yates said with more than 1600 members and friends, the CLA is an important part of the lakefront community. “The CLA is thriving only through “the generous contributions of the community, private foundations and county government. We need support from all these sources to continue to provide quality lake maintenance for all those who use and enjoy Chautauqua Lake.”

Yates stressed the ongoing need of cooperation and collaboration of all lake organizations to achieve common goals. “We are pleased to have Mr. Constantino of the County Watershed Committee as our speaker for our annual meeting. By sharing thoughts and ideas within the various lake organizations, this shows we can all work together to ensure our lake will continue to thrive and stay healthy.”

Rick Constantino is the Chautauqua County Watershed Coordinator and is employed at the County Department of Planning and Economic Development. Previously he received a Bachelors of Science degree in Environmental and Forest Biology from the College of Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse University, and was employed for nine years at a natural resource consulting firm. As the watershed coordinator he is responsible for the organization of watershed planning efforts, education programs, and the implementation of projects that focus on yielding clean lakes, rivers and streams. The various projects that he works on include watershed management plans, stream and lakeshore stabilization projects, and educational programs. These tasks are accomplished by networking with agencies, organizations and citizens to develop effective watershed management goals. The benefits of watershed management can include improved surface and ground water quality, reduced risk of flooding, enhanced recreation potential, and improved community health.

For more information on the Chautauqua Lake Association’s annual meeting, please call 716-763-8602 or e-mail virginia@chautauqualake.org.