Are you frustrated by the infighting between lake organizations and wondering why we can't work together? The issue boils down to a small but dedicated group opposing the use of aquatic herbicides for managing established invasive weeds. They claim not to oppose the use of herbicides, but endorse a position statement that supports chemical controls only for new invasives, while protecting species like curly-leaf pondweed and Eurasian watermilfoil. Elsewhere, these species are almost universally viewed as harmful to lake ecosystems and recreational activities, and most lakes attempt to actively manage or eradicate them.
Representatives of the CCC, CLA, and CWC have publicly opposed a long-term management plan, specifically one that includes herbicides as a key strategy. Recently, board members from these organizations criticized the NCSU plan in a letter to the New York DEC. While some points may offer constructive feedback, the majority of the letter undermines efforts for collaborative lake management, appearing to lobby for obstacles or delays rather than a genuine scientific review. Further, the spirit of the review was completely inappropriate for what is meant to be a working framework for integrated lake management, and not a submission to a scientific journal.
The CWC and CLA play crucial roles in lake health, and their missions are valuable—except for their divisive anti-herbicide stance. The CLP has repeatedly reached out for cooperation without success. It's time to unite for effective lake management. Please consider contacting these organizations directly to voice your support for collaboration:
CWC: whitney@chautauquawatershed.org
CLA: doug@chautauqualakeassociation.org
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