Seaplanes on the Lake
In response to some inquiries by the membership, we have addressed the questions we received to Mr. Kent of the State Pilots Association, who informed us that:
- Friends Lake is open according to the SPA Water Landing Directory
- The FAA has responsibility for a seaplane in the air (although likely no flight plan is required for the plane in question);
- The NY DEC is the regulator with responsibility for it on the water — it controls riparian rights;
- If the seaplane were to touch land (beaching, docking, etc.), the relevant land authority (in our case, Chestertown) would be the relevant ruling body;
- Once it touches down on the water, it is generally treated as a boat in terms of right of way, etc.
- It appears that the plane in question is an Icon A5 which is the same plane that Roy Halladay (the MLB Hall of Fame pitcher) was flying when he crashed and perished off the Gulf coast of Florida in 2017;
- Mr. Kent stated that seaplane pilots are particularly attuned to invasive species and take special precautions to avoid transmission, while reiterating what we have long been told, it is difficult for invasives to survive even a direct lake to lake trip on a seaplane;
- As to safety issues, Mr. Kent assured me that Friends Lake is more than adequately sized to safely land a seaplane on, particularly one the size of the Icon A5 (it is a 2-seater that fits on a boat trailer) and that FAA rules require maintaining a safe distance from anyone on the lake while airborne.
Septic Systems and Blue Green Algae
An Algae Bloom was discovered on the Lake on August 10 and a report and sample were transmitted to the State Department of Environment Conservation. The water sample results indicate: Confirmed Bloom: DEC staff determined that conditions fit the criteria of a HAB, based on visual observations, digital photographs, and/or water sampling results. It also was classified as Small Localized: Bloom affects a small area of the waterbody, limited from one to several neighboring properties.
As was indicated in the last newsletter, this Algae is natural, has been with us for billions of years and requires warm, calm water, sunlight and food – potassium and nitrogen-to trigger a bloom. This event marks the third bloom in 5 years, including two in 2015 and 2019. While not all blooms are harmful, as the planet and the Lake warms, it is feared that the blooms will appear more frequently and may no longer be small and localized and, potentially, evolve into harmful blooms.
- On Friends Lake there are two apparent sources of these blooms, road runoff and septic systems. We have sought the advice of Marine Biologists with Ph.D.’s who assert that our problem is related to septic tanks. Septic tanks should be cleaned every 4 or 5 years by a waste hauler. A faulty tank may be discovered by its appearance as ground water on the property and is frequently accompanied by noxious odors. However, tanks may fail without any such evidence as the wastewater is emptied directly into ground water, thereby fouling the source of drinking water.
- Septic testing products are relatively inexpensive. Simply type: leak tracer dyes, in a search engine like Google or Bing etc. to find products and have them home delivered.
The FLPOA will continue to stress the need to limit or, hopefully, eliminate Algae Bloom in its meetings and communications with Members. The first step in this effort is to impress on all the need to maintain household septic systems. Also, we ask that the Presidents of the smaller “neighborhood associations” on the Lake place this issue on their agendas, and stress its importance in discussions with their members, some of whom are not members of the FLPOA. The frequency of these blooms is increasing. If this trend continues, the duration of individual blooms may also increase and this may lead to new and more harmful blooms in the future.
SAFETY GUIDELINES
The Board has reviewed the Guidelines provided on the website and made several modifications which are in response to inquiries we received over the course of the summer. Our website will be edited to reflect these changes:
Objective:
To create an environment for safe and courteous use of the lake that will ensure maximum enjoyment for all. Persons using the lake are asked to be respectful of the rights of others and adhere to common sense rules of courtesy
Considerations:
- Water Safety – Keep close watch on children playing in or around the lake.
- Fire – The Town of Chester Volunteer Fire Department 911 or (518) 494-2662 will respond to emergencies, however it is very prudent to keep sufficient and up-to-date fire extinguishers available for any fires. Camp fires are a potential danger if not carefully watched.
- Medical Emergencies – 911, The Town of Chester does maintain an emergency response vehicle. Urgent Care is available in Warrensburg, NY, and is provided by Hudson Head Waters(518 761-0300). The center has limited operating hours.
- Water Contamination – Keep gas and lubricants out of the lake. Avoid spills. Do not use fertilizers around the water. Ensure septic systems are kept in good condition.
New York State/Warren County/Town of Chester Rules and Regulations
- Introduction and transport of aquatic invasive species into Warren County water bodies are illegal (Also See Guidelines Below).
- Every pleasure boat must have a personal flotation device for each person on-board. Children under 12 years of age must wear a PFD while on-board.
- No one may operate a boat on the waters of New York State while intoxicated or impaired, either through the use of alcohol or drugs.
- All motorboats must be registered with the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Use of personal water craft (Jet Ski) is prohibited by Town of Chester ordinance.
- Recreational boats must display required navigation lights between sunset and sunrise.
- Starting January 1, 2020 all boat operators will be required to carry a NYS boating safety certificate. This law is being phased in by age. Check web site for more information. https://www.boat-ed.com/newyork/
- Non-motorized boats have the right of way at all times. All motorboats must yield right away to sail boat, a boat engaged in fishing, canoes, kayaks, wind surfers, paddle boats, paddleboards and swimmers
- A New York State Law prohibits speed in excess of 5 mph (no wake) when within 100 feet of a raft, dock, sailboat, canoe, kayak, anchored boat and the lake shoreline. The boat operator is responsible for damages caused by the boat’s wake, including shore line, boats, rafts and/or docks.
- Boats towing a water skier, tube or other similar device, must have on-board an observer who is watching for the person(s) being towed. The observer must be at least 10 years of age.
- Dumping of any waste, litter, garbage, fuel, oil or sewage into the lake is prohibited.
- Cover boat must accompany all persons swimming more than 100 feet from shore. Scuba divers should have a partner, marker buoy and required flags.
- Swim floats and moorings must be kept within 50 feet of shore.
- Town of Chester has a leash law. If you have a dog and it’s off your property, it must either be leashed or under your complete control.
Lake Guidelines
- Any and ALL Boats, trailers, fishing gear must be thoroughly cleaned (props, bottom, live wells, etc.) before launching into a lake to avoid transference of invasive species. A washing station is available at the boat launch on Loon Lake.
- It is suggested that property owners do not allow renters to launch their own boats into Friends Lake. If you allow launching make sure boats have been cleaned. Add to rental agreements.
- Any activity requiring the use of motor boats at high speeds, including water skiing and tubing should be limited to periods after 8 am and before sunset.
- Motorboats should not be operated at speeds in excess of 40 mph, so as not to endanger others.
- The launch and return route of a boat to its dock should not infringe upon rights of neighbors. Skiers’ approaching the slalom course should wait outside the course at minimum wake until those using the course have left.
- Never release non-native fish, plants or animals into the lake.
- Do not feed ducks or geese as ducks or geese can cause swimmers itch.
When the Lake is Frozen
- Always check the ice depth before venturing on the ice, since over the past few years the number of bubblers in use on the Lake has increased.
- Warn people with signs if you are using a “bubbler” system or other devices to prevent local freezing.
- If a bubbler is employed please ensure that its settings are such that it does not impede the use of the Lake by adjoining neighbors or pose a threat to their health or safety.
- Keep ropes or preferably a ladder close by while on the ice.
- Mark all raised docks with flags or warning ribbons.
- Mark fishing holes when not in use.
- Don’t take a chance and drive vehicles on the ice, unless it 5 inches thick for snowmobiles or 8 inches thick for a motorized vehicle.
We ask that all residents, guests and renters adhere to the above guidelines and rules to create an atmosphere of safe and friendly usage of the lake for all concerned. Please post these guidelines in a visible spot where owners/renters/visitors will see and follow these regulations for Friends Lake.
Sky Lanterns
In a related matter, we received a message concerning sky lanterns from a former Board member: “In a recent evening trip around the Lake, I encountered a sky lantern that had been lit, released and then landed in the Lake. It is about the size of a garbage bag which is what I thought it was initially. The body is made of paper and the base is a metal ring with cross braces. I fished it out of the Lake and it still had smoke residue inside it. Please ask our members and friends to not use these lanterns. They pose a fire risk as they are flame driven. They pose a safety risk for aquatic animals and birds who could get tangled up in the metal frame. Also, they pose an environmental risk to the lake as only part of it is biodegrade and it adds chemicals from the flammable components and burned gas that is trapped inside when it lands in the lake.”
Review of the financial books:
Every few years we have our financial records independently reviewed. As was the case the last time this review was undertaken, Dave Kadish and Wendell Lorang will meet with Dave Lewis to conduct the review.
Adirondack Center of Loon Conservation
On August 27 about 20 members of the FLPOA attended a ZOOM presentation by Hyla Howe, a staff member of the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation. The Center provides science-based knowledge of loon ecology to Adirondack residents and visitors throughout the year.
To learn more about the work of this important not-for-profit entity please visit : https://www.adkloon.org/adklooncenter Recommend that you visit this site and open, the section on Loon vocalizations in which the sounds and meanings of the various Loon calls are identified.
Citizens Statewide Lake Assessment Program and Friends Lake APIPP Effort
- The volunteer work to obtain multiple water samples for CSLAP over the course of the summer were conducted by: Larry Estill, Lou Fortin, Hali and Steve Holmes, John Hodgson, and Kristen Von Ogtrop. Thank you for your assistance in this yearly sampling program.
- This process was also employed to collect algae bloom samples which were sent to DEC for analysis.
- If you wish to assist next year contact Larry
- In addition, we wish to acknowledge the effort of Bruce France and Tom Parent in conducting numerous plant surveys on various places of the Lake over the course of the summer.
Bubblers
Unfortunately, as time seems to fly at increasing speed, winter and winter sports may be next on members’ ADK agenda. Over the course of the winter and ensuing months, property owners have complained that the use of bubblers on adjoining properties have prevented them from walking or skiing on the Lake’s surface and pose a significant safety risk.
For those of you who may employ bubblers, we thought it timely to remind you of notes contained in the previous newsletter:
- In years past, owners have lost dogs to drowning on the Lake due to bubbler use. This year, according to several reports, another dog became perilously close to losing its life.
- Members ask that bubbler users please reduce their equipment settings so that the range of impact is limited to controlling the ice adjacent to their property only. Adjoining neighbors have been denied access to the Lake through their property because of the use of bubblers by their neighbors.
- A different system, than those currently in use by many, has been suggested by a member. The consists of a perforated hose which is anchored to the Lake bottom in a configuration to protect the dock and is attached to an air compressor that pushes air that bubbles to the surface. The system controls the formation of ice consistently within property boundaries. Once installed you just unplug the air compressors for summer, making its operation simple and efficient.
Last year the Association purchased Bubbler Warning Signs which were provided to Members at cost. If you are interested in obtaining signs this year, please email us by OCT. 10, 2020.
2020 Census
Seasonal and second home owners should complete a census form for every property they own. It is very important that every property be counted and the FLPOA membership includes many seasonal and second home owners. Please fill out the form for each property you own but use only part of the time per the following instructions:
1. Visit www.my2020census.gov.
2. Enter the Census ID or address for your secondary property.
3. Enter “0” for the number of people living at this property.
4. Hit Next, and when a “soft error” occurs, click Next again.
5. Select “No” when asked to confirm no person lives at this property.
6. Select primary reason – for example, “Seasonal.”
7. Complete!
For more information, please go to 2020census.gov.
Please feel free to forward this message to your friends who own second or seasonal homes on the Lake or elsewhere in the Adirondacks.