Schumer Tours Lake

September 14, 2007

On the heels of securing money to thwart the invasive weed Eurasian Milfoil that is rapidly spreading throughout Chautauqua Lake, today U. S. Senator Charles E. Schumer visited the lake for a firsthand look at the damage and to announce a new full-out assault to permanently eliminate the destructive weed. The unabated spread of the noxious weed, particularly in the Goose Creek section of the lake, is wreaking havoc for local boaters, residents and tourist while jeopardizing property values in the area. Schumer today unveiled a comprehensive plan for a long-term, permanent solution that will protect the lake’s future.

Today, Schumer called on the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) to implement a comprehensive watershed study to provide solutions to permanently uproot the weed. He also announced new legislation that will prevent the introduction of invasive species into lakes and other bodies of water, undertake early detection and rapid response to threats of invasive species, conduct outreach to local communities that are effected by invasive species, and perform research on the various types of invasive species and the most effective methods to prevent their spread and to eradicate them.

“While we’ve taken steps to try and minimize the reach of these weeds, it is time we look seriously at a long-term solution to terminate this invasive species once and for all,” said Senator Schumer. “Unless we examine the best way to permanently eradicate this devastating weed from Chautauqua Lake, it will continue to pose a threat to local boaters, tourism and the value of property surrounding the lake. “Chautauqua Lake is the gem of Chautauqua and we need to be doing everything we can to keep it clean, safe, and beautiful.”

The rise of the Milfoil, which has spread exponentially in the Southern Basin of the lake, has led to concerns over human and aquatic health, noxious odors, unsightly tangles of weeds on the shore, and clogged, un-navigable waterways for recreational boaters. This invasive species of plant has placed an enormous hardship on local governments and homeowners who are concerned their property values will plummet due to the Milfoil’s unsightly appearance and foul odor.

The weeds have been particularly problematic in the Goose Creek section of the Lake. Goose Creek is the largest tributary into Chautauqua Lake’s South Basin, where the Eurasian milfoil problem is most prevalent. Massive erosion from Goose Creek’s 27.5 miles of banks is causing silt to be carried downstream and redeposited, feeding the Milfoil problem, reducing water depths, and causing property loss and damage. Without an erosion mitigation program in place, the weeds are spreading as depths in the lake and creeks become shallower and more sunlight permeates beneath the surface.

Today, Senator Schumer announced he is calling on the Army Corps to conduct a watershed study that will examine the long-term problem posed by the weeds and will offer solutions to permanently eliminate it.

He also announced legislation that will authorize the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force (ANS) to identify the highest risk pathways for introduction of aquatic invasive species into US waters and to implement management strategies to reduce the spread of these species. It will also require the National Invasive Species Council to develop a comprehensive plan to create a national system of ecological surveys for rapid detection of aquatic invasive species, as well as a Federal Rapid Response Team to assist in rapid response measures and provide training to state, tribal, and regional rapid responders.

In addition, EPA will develop regulations to evaluate effective treatment methods of invasive species that will protect human health, public safety, and the environment. Finally, it will authorize aquatic invasive species research, particularly on the rates and patterns through which non-indigenous aquatic species spread through the U.S. aquatic ecosystems and it will establish a research, development, and demonstration program to create a wide set of environmentally sound methods and treatment tools for detecting, preventing, controlling and eradicating aquatic invasive species.

Finally, Schumer announced that the full Senate Appropriations Committee approved the Energy and Water Development FY08 Appropriations Bill which includes $1 million for the Chautauqua Lake, New York Aquatic Plant Control to share with two other national projects. Federal funds will be used to combat an invasive aquatic plant control problem.

“Chautauqua Lake’s recreational industry, on which the regional economy depends, has been impaired despite the best efforts of local officials to address the problem. It is time we take off the gloves and uproot this problem once and for all” added Schumer.

In May, Schumer was successful in bringing representatives from the Army Corps of Engineers to visit the Chautauqua Lake area on May 21 to see first hand the damage caused by the rapid spread of the Eurasian Milfoil. In February, Schumer had called on the United States Army Corps of Engineers to immediately step in to counteract the rapid growth of invasive weeds.

Invasive species are non-native plants, animals, insects or other organisms that can cause harm to the environment, farm land, crops, bodies of water, and even human health. Invasive species are a form of biological pollution and are recognized as one of the leading threats to biodiversity in Upstate New York. Invasive species attack all aspects of Upstate New York’s agricultural and environmental sectors and have been around since the beginning of international commerce.

Schumer was joined by County Executive Greg Edwards, Vice President of Chautauqua Lake Association Chris Yates, and Bonnie Pascholski from the Loomis Bay Association.