Weed Treatment on Conesus!

[SethV]

I was forwarded this email, does anyone have more information? We need to fight this!! The author of the below text is Ray Rogers:

Sir, For the past four years I have been activly fighting the use of Aquathol K in Conesus lake. The application has and will be scheduled for the week before bass season and this year the Conesus Lake Association (CLA) has the backing of the County. Even more troubling is that Livingston County has released their Watershed management plan which also intends a 2005 application of tons of Aluminum Sulfate (alum), in an attempt to control the algea blooms. This plan at the county level has been masterminded by Geneseo's town supervisor. He has even appointed a watershed management supervisor who came from the CLA. The plan books are very difficult to obtain and I feel that now is the time to start to organize. Alum kills fish by fouling the gills and the magnitude of this is incredible. I am a member of the Avon Anglers but do not represent them. I do hope to have a meeting in Lakeville, NY in the near future to discuss all these issues and possible ways to slow this train down. My e-mail is; fordstake @ hotmail.com and my phone is unlisted at (585) 243-5624. The time for action is now before the DEC is pollitically forced to allow this. Look for the article which is supposed to be in the D&C in Rochester in the near future. I hope we can make a difference.

[wnybassman]

Well, if we hear of an upcoming meeting, I would be happy to accompany you!

I have heard of the Conesus Lake Watershed Management plan for the last couple years. That plan consists of many different plans. One is to limit farmers within the watershed to spread their liquid manure, try to reduce algea blooms (which I don't see as a problem on that lake compared to others) and go after the zebra mussles (good luck!!) are a few of the high points. There is a website for this, not sure what it is at the moment.

This other chemical weed control is news to me, but sounds like it has been on the burners for awhile. When I first read it, it sounded remarkably similar to what they did on Waneta Lake last year. Somehow the Lake Association there got around the DEC and were able to put the chemicals in themselves. BUT, instead of killing just the exotic weeds, they put way too high of a "dosage" in and killed every living plant in the lake. This year, neighboring Lamoka Lake was to have the same thing done, but the DEC apparently stepped in and said let's wait and see what happens to Waneta before attempting it again. The fishing on Waneta changed so much last year, that York Bass Club did not schedule ANY tournaments there this year, and this was one of their favorite stops.

If the cottage owners don't like the weeds on Conesus Lake (which again, they really are not that big of a problem there) wait until the weeds are gone and every bassboat on the lake is pounding docks because that is the ONLY cover on the lake. They will just LOVE that!!!

Some info on Aquathol K
http://www.aquaweed.com/aquathol.htm

I'll dig for that link to the CLWM Plan

[flippindocks]

Noel- You bring up a great point.... DOCKS..., Kill The weeds, I say, Kill em all, LOL. Just kidding They can really mess up the whole ecosystem of the lake by doing this, weve seen it happen in other lakes... I never thought Conesus was that bad with weeds????

[Sea Jack]

Yeh, I'm pretty surprised they are talking about Conesus too.

For one thing, the Algae blooms there are not comparable to the algae mats they get on Honeoye.

I don't know if you guys saw this in the newest BASSMASTER magazine, but they were going to spray Guntersville, but the federations in the surrounding states organized a sit in with bassboats. There were 700 rigs and the line was more the 3 1/2 miles long. Oh yeh, they did not spray the lake. I thought that was pretty cool.

[JOHN G]

good luck on this guys, stick to your guns!!!

[TVal]

Was an artical in todays paper about a proposal to treat Highland lake with herbicide to kill off excessive milifoil growth. In the talking stages now.
I'll keep a eye out for further info.
Tim

[CUS]

Weed control and the whole process for making that happen is not a strong topic of mine, but I would be willing to listen and elevate as required.

In addition if someone has accurate contact data and logical information that spells out the objectives for the treatment, who was contacted, permits that were issued, and factual information as to why this shouldn't be done I would be more than happy to try to learn all I can about the topic and draft up a letter for review by the New York State BASS Chapter Federation.

I have no problem expanding my horizons of knowledge, my biggest concern is that I'm fed anacdotal data and recounts of stories... you know the "I heard this... " but when asked for facts nobody can give me any. Ran into that once early on with Tickets being issued for powerloading and not once has one of the elusive tickets emerged... So if you have factual data PLEASE BRING IT UP and we'll start dissecting it to figure out a plan of action.

The NYSBCF is trying to solidify its position in the legislative arena, so we need to make sure we are speaking in terms that are factually accurate and logical.

Let me know how I can help and I will do my best to get up to speed on this...

Mike Cusano, NYSBCF
Conservation Lobbyist

[wnybassman]

Apparently there is an Avon Anglers meeting regarding this topic on May 5th. I tentatively plan on going as of right now. If actual data is presented, I will be sure to take note and pass it along to those of interest.

[Monstrzr2]

Fight it! If this is you also ill be back this coming week, i want to test ur new boat out see whose is faster, sure mines a lil tin boat but a 90 horse on a 17ft aluminum moves pretty well....

[Rob J in WNY]

It's all a matter of relativity.

You see, there are are all these "impossible issues" (zebra mussels, attempting to control upstream/watershed farming practices, etc.).

Then along comes the quick idea to dump chemicals into the water to control the naturally occurring aquatic vegetation. Sounds easy (compared to the others), and it's highly probable that most of the people on the CLA, as well as those involved with Livingston County, don't realize the importance of aquatic vegetation to the ecosystem, so it sticks out as an obvious move on their "agenda." To them, it's "dump the chemicals - problem solved. Next..."

It's so one-sided that there needs to be a voice of reason to oppose it, and it will have to come from people who "like" weeds - us (since the plants, fish and other wildlife can't speak out for themselves). And it has to come a sense of urgency, unity, and, most of all, supporting data to convey the fact that the biology of the lake will be adversely affected by the removal of its vegetation.

I, too, agree the Conesus does not have a significant weed/algae problem, and it stands to reason that, since its waters are constantly leaving and being replemished, not only does the treatment need to be repeated (as often as "needed"), but there is the question of how it will affect the ecosystem downstream from the Conesus outlet as well. And what about the quality of the water for animal, as well as human, consumption?

I also saw that Bassmaster article on Guntersville. That was quite impressive. When I read it, I thought of this post. If there's a rally, I just may have to break out with the "MicroBass" and look cool with the rest of the supporters in their shiny, glass bass rigs.

Seth (or anyone), please keep us informed on this.

Tight Lines...

[CUS]

All,

I contacted Doug Stang of the NYS DEC about the weed control issue that this thread is about... his response was to me informative as he first addressed this particular "application" of weed control and then he went over the "process" for applying for weed control permits. Lastly, he mentioned that the Regional DEC Office is who to contact in regards to "voicing" your opinions on weed control at various bodies of water.

Below is the letter I received on this issue:
Mike, I checked with our Region 8 Fisheries Manager, Webster Pearsall, and he relayed that no Aqualthol K treat will occur in Conesus Lake this year. The Conesus Lake Association has contacted the DEC regarding a possible alum treatment, but it unlikely that such a treatment would occur prior to 2005.

Permits for application of herbicides are handled via the DEC Regional Offices - generally via the Environmental Permits Office. Fisheries staff comment on the permit applications are try to develop criteria for the application of the herbicides to minimize any harmful effects to fish/ aquatic fauna (provided the permit is approved - many are denied). Depending on the size of the treatment and the concurrence/ opposition with regard to the permit application, there may be a public meeting/hearing set up and there often will be a public notice about the intended action.

The best way to weigh-in on these potential treatments is via the Regional DEC Office.

Also note, I sent him a follow-up note in regards to the effects of using alum to treat weed and the statements made regarding that it kills fish... I want to know the DEC's stance on that.

So, if you have heard that an application/permit has been approved for weed killing on Conesus in 2004 WE NEED TO INVESTIGATE IT, cause based on what I was told that doesn't seem true. Please get hard copies of the "approved" permits and I will personally elevate up the food chain.....

Thanks
Mike Cusano, NYSBCF
Conservation Lobbyist

[SethV]

Mike,

Thanks for the info, you do a great job with the conservation lobby!

I will put together a summary soon, but my wife went to the Watershed Council Meeting yesterday. A couple of points of interest:

1. They want to do Aquathol this year, but recoginzed that due to opposition it is unlikley that any permit would be approved. A permit has not been applied for at this time.
2. They DO want to put 1.5 million dollars worth of Alum in the lake in 2005. They are going to be asking Albany for $$ to do this. They were very worried about people voicing opposition to this as it would possibly eliminate their funding in Albany. The "reason" they want to do Alum is a phosphorus imbalance in the lake.

They did not know my wife was "opposed" to weed control, she went in as a homowner on the lake interested in weed control. They are trying to keep things really quiet at this point. I will pass along facts as we get them. I am thinking we will need to write a few letters and such to Albany to block the funds.

Thanks!
Seth

[CUS]

Seth,

What you and your wife are doing is exactly what I want to see others do... GET INVOLVED. By getting involved and getting on various LAKE ASSOCIATIONS and other "boards" we can hear first hand information.

Let me hear what Doug says about the Alum treatment... and if you have information about who in Albany is supporting this that would also be great to know.

The NYSBCF once we have some more facts will send a letter out to the REGION 8 DEC and others in ALBANY and I will at that time urge other clubs and NY BASS members and NYSBCF members to do the same. By trying to keep things quiet tells me that people know it may not be too well received.... SO LET'S SEE IF WE CAN TURN UP THE VOLUME WHEN THE TIME COMES!!!

Thanks for the support Seth!!!

Mike