Officials Meet To Discuss Weeds
By DENNIS PHILLIPS
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9/21/2006 - LAKEWOOD — Each year, the weed problem in Chautauqua Lake is becoming worse.
That is the message Bill Evans, Chautauqua Lake Management Commission chairman, is still trying to express to local, state and federal officials as he tries to raise enough awareness of lake issues to pay what he sees as an increasing price to clean up the mess.
On Wednesday, County Executive Greg Edwards was joined by state Assemblyman William Parment, D-North Harmony, and representatives from U.S Sen. Charles Schumer’s office, U.S. Rep. Brian Higgins, D-South Buffalo and State Sen. Cathy Young, R-Olean, to take a firsthand look at the problems facing Chautauqua Lake with the commission’s chairman and explore the possibility of federal, state and county financial assistance.
The CLMC was created about a year ago to create, implement and monitor a comprehensive lake and watershed management plan to protect and enhance the health, ecology and uses of Chautauqua Lake and its watershed.
In August, the commission passed its 2007 action plan, with a $567,360 price tag, which Edwards said he plans to find money for in the 2006-07 budget, which will be released Wednesday.
Evans said the commission — made up of nine various lake organizations — passed the 14-step action plan to take the first steps to alleviate the weed problem. Evans said the weed problem discourages swimming, fouls boat motors and fishing lines, produces noxious odors and may reduce real estate values. Less than one percent — .76 percent — of the county’s total square footage comes from property along Chautauqua Lake. However, this small fraction of county land accounts for 26 percent of the total assessed evaluation of land.
The chairman said the commission’s plan needs to be put in place to ensure the weed problem doesn’t continue to grow.
‘‘It’s time for Chautauqua County to take leadership in handling this problem,’’ Evans said.
That is the message Bill Evans, Chautauqua Lake Management Commission chairman, is still trying to express to local, state and federal officials as he tries to raise enough awareness of lake issues to pay what he sees as an increasing price to clean up the mess.
On Wednesday, County Executive Greg Edwards was joined by state Assemblyman William Parment, D-North Harmony, and representatives from U.S Sen. Charles Schumer’s office, U.S. Rep. Brian Higgins, D-South Buffalo and State Sen. Cathy Young, R-Olean, to take a firsthand look at the problems facing Chautauqua Lake with the commission’s chairman and explore the possibility of federal, state and county financial assistance.
The CLMC was created about a year ago to create, implement and monitor a comprehensive lake and watershed management plan to protect and enhance the health, ecology and uses of Chautauqua Lake and its watershed.
In August, the commission passed its 2007 action plan, with a $567,360 price tag, which Edwards said he plans to find money for in the 2006-07 budget, which will be released Wednesday.
Evans said the commission — made up of nine various lake organizations — passed the 14-step action plan to take the first steps to alleviate the weed problem. Evans said the weed problem discourages swimming, fouls boat motors and fishing lines, produces noxious odors and may reduce real estate values. Less than one percent — .76 percent — of the county’s total square footage comes from property along Chautauqua Lake. However, this small fraction of county land accounts for 26 percent of the total assessed evaluation of land.
The chairman said the commission’s plan needs to be put in place to ensure the weed problem doesn’t continue to grow.
‘‘It’s time for Chautauqua County to take leadership in handling this problem,’’ Evans said.
For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com
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