Summer 2022 Update and News
Dear Friends of Chateaugay Lake,
With the unofficial start of summer in the rear-view mirror, we wanted to share some updates with you. Most importantly, the milfoil control program will continue again this year with hand-harvesting, plant surveys and mapping, and activities for supporters and volunteers. Here are some dates to keep in mind.
Hand-Harvesting Plans
SCUBA divers will be on Chateaugay Lake for six weeks this summer, hand-harvesting invasive Eurasian watermilfoil. They will focus on removing milfoil from areas of dense growth and high boat traffic. This will help keep boating lanes clear and reduce chopping the plant into fragments–the main way it spreads. Here is this season’s work schedule:
Week of June 13 Boat Launch
Week of June 20 Sand Bar/Upper Narrows
Week of June 27 Lower Lake Inlet
Week of July 5 Lower Lake Inlet
Week of July 11 Upper Lake/South Inlet
Week of July 18 Upper Lake/South Inlet
The divers work Monday-Thursday (except for the Independence Day holiday when they will work Tuesday-Friday) and are on the water from about 8:30 am until 5:30 pm.
Boaters Beware! Look for Diver Down Flag
If you see the Diver Down flag, go slow and stay clear. The milfoil divers work from a “hookah rig” that has air lines going to each diver. Beware of running over the lines and harming the divers or even hitting them by accident! When you see the flag or the hookah rig, steer clear. Stay outside of the buoys marking the dive area. Please alert your family members and visitors to this important safety info.
Milfoil Management Plan Update
Last summer, we conducted a comprehensive plant survey of the lake. A major reason for conducting the plant survey was to update our milfoil management plan. This includes assessing the feasibility of newly available milfoil control methods such as ProcellaCOR EC. This product was approved for use in the Adirondack Park in 2020 following approval by the EPA and New York State. It acts by mimicking plant growth hormone to cause plant cells to rapidly lengthen and become fragile so the plant dies. It is very effective against Eurasian watermilfoil but does not affect native aquatic plants except for native milfoils. It is effective at low concentrations, well below the safe drinking water threshold, and does not require restrictions on potable water supply, swimming, fishing, or irrigating turf grass.
ProcellaCOR use is strictly regulated by the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) and NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), but initial results are promising. So far, it has been tried in Minerva Lake in the Adirondack Park with good results. We are monitoring this and other projects to see how effective and long-lasting it is.
We are very grateful for the close relationship we have with our sister organization, the Chateaugay Lakes Association ( https://www.facebook.com/chateaugaylakesassociation/ ), as well as the town boards of the three towns that surround the lake (Bellmont, Ellenburg, and Dannemora). All contribute to and are supportive of the efforts of the Chateaugay Lake Foundation. As we evaluate the results of the survey, please be assured that we will communicate our proposed way forward.
Seeking Prize Donations for Summer Raffle
Our Protect the Lake raffle is happening again this year! The raffle has been generously supported over the years with prize donations from local artists, artisans, and businesses. Do you have an item or service that you could donate? Please get in touch! Contact us at: info@chateaugaylakefoundation.org .
Raffle tickets will be sold at the Owlyout Bar and Restaurant and other locations around the lake, with the raffle drawing taking place on Sunday, August 21st at the WSCS Camp.
Chateaugay Lake Celebration Set for Sunday, August 21, WSCS Camp
Last year’s celebration with ice cream from Stewart’s Shops and music by Fulton’s Folly was so much fun we are doing it again! Fulton’s Folly features Chateaugay Lake musicians Erena and Steve Fulton and friends, with a repertoire of country and soft rock classics from the ‘60s to present day. The event goes from 2 – 5 pm, with the drawing for our summer raffle starting at 4 pm. Mark your calendar!
Check Out the CLF Website
Our new mobile-friendly website, www.chateaugaylakefoundation.org, is up and running. You can check there for updates! And please “like” our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ChateaugayLakeFoundation . Enjoy the lake this summer and we look forward to seeing you and hearing from you.
Sincerely,
The Chateaugay Lake Foundation Board