Chautauqua Lake Association’s New Equipment Helps Clear Lake of Debris

November 5, 2008

When West Ellicott resident, Dora Cicchini, discovered a mammoth willow tree had fallen into an area of Chautauqua Lake in front of her home, she called several state agencies for help. She was informed the tree’s removal would be her responsibility. She then called the Chautauqua Lake Association for advice. Not long after, a large orange harvester with hydraulic arms and clam-shell graspers arrived and removed the tree before sunset.

Thanks to a grant from the Sheldon Foundation, a new piece of heavy equipment called a Hydro-Mate, is now part of the CLA’s fleet of harvesters. “This machine will provide us with the power to remove and haul fallen trees, sediment and other debris from the lake,” Paul Swanson, CLA general manager said. “It will be of great service for lakeside residents, boaters and tourists because it will help us keep the lake clean and safe.”

The Hydro-Mate went into the water in August and has been hard at work ever since, Swanson said. “Our crew is a lot more efficient with this equipment when it comes to removing unsightly debris from the lake.”

Besides the Sheldon Foundation, the Chautauqua Lake Management Commission also played a vital role in obtaining the equipment for the CLA according to board member, Terry Turner. “The CLMC identified a need for shoreline clean-up equipment and worked with the Sheldon Foundation to provide the proper funding for the CLA. We were very happy with the end result.”

Lakeside residents appear to be happy as well. “Removing that willow would have been a huge and expensive undertaking for me,” Cicchini said. “I am grateful to the CLA for providing this wonderful service for those living near and on the lake.”

The CLA is a not for profit organization and relies on funds from private donations, foundations and grants. They also depend on town, village, state and county funding administered through the Chautauqua Lake Management Commission. For more information please contact the CLA at 763-8602.