ALBANY – Officials from throughout the Hudson Valley traveled to Albany to meet with State Senator Peter Harckham (D, Mt. Kisco) as well as environmental advocates, where discussion centered on the growing challenges facing lake communities.
Environmental challenges are affecting lakes statewide with harmful algal blooms, wastewater and aging septic systems, invasive species such as water chestnuts and zebra mussels, stormwater runoff, road salt usage, and the maintenance of earthen dams.
“As climate change and continued development place new pressures on our lake associations, we must adapt our water management strategies to meet these evolving challenges since a reliable, resilient water supply is fundamental to public health, environmental stewardship, and the long-term economic vitality of our communities,” Harckham said.0
Funding challenges were also addressed since many lake associations operate in small communities with limited tax bases, making it difficult to raise sufficient resources for ongoing maintenance and restoration.
Participants also said the administrative demands of state grant applications create barriers.
Brendan Wiltse of the Lake George Association noted that despite being the state’s largest lake association, the organization does not apply for state grants due to the complexity of the process and called for streamlined application systems.
Ken Belfer, president of the Mohegan Lake Improvement District reminded those in attendance that most lake associations were all volunteer. “Oftentimes we don’t know where to go to get help with lake environmental problems,” he said.
Joe Scapoli, watershed inspector for the City of Peekskill added, “The protection and restoration of lakes is a mutual goal. By understanding problems, establishing relationships, sharing knowledge, and developing solutions that positively impact both recreational value and drinking water quality, we will protect our shared resource for generations to come.”
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