FLPOA NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2022
One if by land and two if by sea and I on the opposite shore will be ….
THE FRIENDS LAKE AQUATIC PLANT CONTROL DISTRICT
Mr. Revere was concerned with one threat and the course it might take. We are threatened by two major threats simultaneously-one by land and the second by sea. The warming of land is, at a minimum, a contributor to the Algae Blooms that have occurred on our Lake during the past three summers. While Brant, Loon and Schroon Lakes aren’t seas, they and other nearby lakes are potential sources of aquatic invasive species, which have caused significant problems within their waterways. The discussion of the Algae Blooms will be handled elsewhere in this newsletter, here we will focus on the invasive species threat.
The most prominent invasive is Eurasian Watermilfoil, a submerged perennial that looks like many native aquatic plants, grows in a variety of depths, sediment types, and flowing conditions and has infected 101 ADK lakes. Variable Leaf Milfoil, in many ways similar to Eurasian, has infected 49 lakes. Plant fragments, which break off easily, cascade the spread of the vegetation on a particular lake and can be transported from lake to lake on watercraft, boat trailers or fishing gear.
These fragments can start new populations, which form dense mats that degrade habitat and significantly reduce recreational activities: swimming, fishing and boating. Swimming, boating and kayaking on infected lakes are difficult if not impossible as the plant spreads along shore lines and into larger depths. Plus, these activities tend to breakoff plant segments that float to other points before they settle on the bottom and propagate.
Once milfoil becomes well-established within a waterway, it is very difficult and costly to remove. There are a variety of control methods used to manage milfoil infestations including physical, mechanical, biological, and chemical techniques. There is only one semi-official report of the elimination of this species on a NYS lake.
What other ADK lakes are doing to address the problem: The Town of Chester engages in invasive species control with both Loon Lake and Schroon Lake through their respective taxing districts. According to the Town, contracts for Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM) control amounted to an average of $7,480 per week in the 2016 fiscal year. (This is a 2016 per week average, the inflationary impacts occurring over multiple years would result in higher costs.)
The Town of Brant Lake expends more than $100,000 per annum to control invasive plants. Brant, Schroon and Loon Lakes, with public access, have received additional public funding in the form of grants to assist in invasive aquatic species. The Town of Minerva has spent $70,000 a year to control milfoil on its like named lake which is smaller than ours. Saratoga and Ballston Lakes have resorted to measures such as “mowing the lawn” to enable swimming and boating in portions of the Lakes.
What Friends Lake can do to address the problem: As a private lake we were informed that Friends Lake would not be eligible for financial assistance similar to Brant/Schroon/Loon. Further, the scope of these mitigation costs far exceeds the resources of the FLPOA which is supported by $35 annual dues paid by about 60% of the landowners who have access to the Lake. In the past, FLPOA dues have been used to: successfully challenge excessive development on the Lake through litigation up to the NYS Court of Appeals, perform costly modifications to our dam, monitor water quality, support both volunteer and professional invasive plant surveys and multiple other efforts to protect the Lake and promote a sense of community around it.
In collaboration with the Town of Chester Board, there is a proposal for the establishment of the Friends Lake Aquatic Plant Control District (FLAPCD), in accord with Article 12-A of the NYS Town Law. The purpose of the FLAPCD is to provide the structure and means for protecting and maintaining a high level of water quality in Friends Lake for all properties that have legal access to the Lake. The establishment of an Aquatic Plant Control District allows funds to be raised by tax levy to prevent, mitigate and control aquatic invasive plants.
Why Now? As a result of the FLPOA’s monitoring and testing activities, we can report that we are invasive free, which we believe is attributable to the absence of public boat access. We also believe that “chance favors the prepared” and the membership would be best served by establishing the District now. Afterall, to date this process has already taken more than 6 years of discussions with the Town. In the absence of an infestation, the intent is to set up the District and gradually build a fund balance in a designated account, over multiple years, to be used in a timely response to an infestation. Recently, we were informed by DEC of the presence of an invasive snail near our dam, evidencing that we cannot reasonably anticipate the exclusion of an invasive plant infestation in the coming years.
Before the Town would fully entertain the establishment of such a district, at the direction of the Town attorney, it required the creation of an easement for access to the Lake. The DeLuke family has graciously provided an acceptable easement across their property which was accepted by the Town in July. Note that the easement is approximately 12 feet wide, insufficient for any other purpose than providing access to the Lake.
At our meetings, concerns have been raised about current unauthorized use of existing Lake access points and measures to limit them. The easement is a limited conservation type which allows the town access only for the purpose of mitigating invasive aquatic plants. In addition, the Town Supervisor has indicated that the Town will not incur the costs associated with clearing the existing vegetation, including trees, within the Easement, and thus limiting Lake access, until it is necessitated by the presence of an invasive aquatic plant in the Lake.
What we need from you: The Town will mail all affected property owners a “Notice of Public Hearing for the Formation of the Friends Lake Aquatic Plant Control District” this month indicating that a public hearing will take place as part of the March 8 Town of Chester Board Meeting. The Town will be posting a Map, Plan and Report on its website in advance of the meeting which will contain a map of the Lake indicating the affected parties, a listing thereof, a more detailed description of the matters presented herein, and the cost to the typical property. Please join in supporting this action by contacting the Town Board to assert your support for this important initiative that is intended to protect the Lake for our and future generation’s use. Attending the Zoom Public Hearing and voicing your support, if you are comfortable, would be greatly appreciated by the FLPOA Board.
To review the map, plan and report, access the Town of Chester website:
http://www.townofchesterny.org/
Invasive Aquatic Plant Survey
Maintaining the quality of Friends Lake is a main concern to all property owners and the primary purpose of the Friends Lake Property Owners Association. One of the main threats to any lake is the presence of invasive aquatic plants. Though there are many invasive plants, the most well-known is Eurasian Milfoil. As of yet, there are no invasive aquatic plants in Friends Lake. This is due to two main reasons. First, Friends Lake is 100% private. That means there is no public access for watercraft which is the primary vehicle for the spread of invasive plants. Secondly, for well over a decade, the Lake has been systematically surveyed every summer looking for invasive plants. Aggressive surveys of the lake should lead to early detection and mitigation of problems associated with invasive plants.
The Lake is surveyed three different ways. Each year a group of approximately twelve dedicated individuals survey a portion of the lake looking specifically for invasive plants. Most of the volunteers have been trained by the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APIPP). During the summer, between July 15 and September 15, the volunteers survey their section using visual observation, aqua scope observation and rake tosses depending on the depth of the location being surveyed. Plants are identified to determine if they are invasive.
Three years ago, FLPOA joined a group of other lakes that were being surveyed each year to determine the growth of invasive species. These surveys are conducted under the guidance of the Adirondack Park Agency. 205 GPS waypoints on Friends Lake were developed. Each year the type and abundance of vegetation is determined, recorded and uploaded to the Adirondack Park Agency. This survey is being used to identify the changes in invasive plant growth in the different lakes. Since Friends Lake does not have invasive plants, we serve as the control lake. This is the second survey that happens each year and is conducted in addition to the first method.
The third way the lake gets surveyed occurs when FLPOA contracts to have the lake professionally surveyed. The methods used are identical to what our volunteers do. The difference is that the professional is used to seeing plants that do not belong. This method occurs every two to three years and costs about $2,000 each time. Having an expert look what is in our lake is well worth the cost.
The survey group is led by Bruce France and new members are always welcome. Training is offered by Bruce and APIPP; more information can be found at: https://adkinvasives.com/
You can reach Bruce here. More information can be found conducting an internet search for Adirondack Park API.
Algae Blooms
The US Geologic Services is conducting a study of the Algae Blooms on the Lake which have occurred over the past 3 years, by collecting water and lake bottom soil samples. It is comparing these to the samples collected on neighboring Brant Lake which has not experienced blooms. Samples were taken in: June, August, September and October. The very tight protocols that are employed by the USGS provide that there will not be a written report until 2023. The USGS team leader has volunteered to speak at our Annual Meeting in July 2022 which should be informative for our membership who have raised many questions.
Cyanobacteria (aka blue-green algae) are a class of bacteria which perform photosynthesis. Recently, these common bacteria have been multiplying in bodies of water throughout the world encouraged by warmer temperatures and elevated nutrient levels. Studies show those elevated levels are tied to fertilizer and organic waste runoff, leaking septic systems and other human pollution sources.
Multiplying rapidly in the presence of organic and inorganic nutrients, the bacteria may appear as a scum floating on the surface. On the surface of FL, they usually dissipate within 24 hours but may also color and reduce water clarity. They typically die off during the winter months leaving an organic residue that decays on the lake bottom reducing oxygen levels in the water and negatively affecting fish habitat. The decayed material may also create soil conditions on the lake bottom more conducive to invasive species.
Some varieties of cyanobacteria produce toxins which have adverse health effects upon persons exposed and can be fatal to dogs who ingest it. These unique algae growths are called Hazardous Algal Blooms (HAB). Since toxicity cannot be known without testing, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) advises that all algal blooms should be avoided while swimming, boating and fishing and by pets. In severe cases, on other bodies of water, local fish kills from toxins and hypoxia have been observed. The deterioration of water quality directly affects all forms of usage and enjoyment of the Lake.
Water Quality Committee
The FLPOA President, asked Bob DeLuke, a past President, to form a Water Quality Committee of Lake residents to research and address the algae problem. They will prepare, in conjunction with the Board, recommendations to help control or eliminate the occurrence of blooms on the Lake. It will be modeled after those on several other lakes in the area including Lake George, Schroon Lake and Ballston Lake. The committee has met twice and will continue over the winter to gather information from experts and persons involved with lake management on neighboring lakes.
One of their first initiatives will be a public information outreach effort to make all members of the lake community aware of the issue by providing information regarding the health hazards of HAB’s, sources and control methods for organic runoff, lawn fertilizer recommendations, inspection and maintenance of septic systems and other related topics. The Association will continue to work diligently in addressing this issue and we encourage your participation in the process.
Development Committee
At the August meeting of the FLPOA board, the formation of a committee focused on supporting responsible development around Friends Lake was approved. Board members, John Hubbe and Valerie Kay and long-time member of the FLPOA, Terry Mooney were appointed to the committee. Since the committee’s formation, members met to brainstorm how we can best serve the Friends Lake community which resulted in a mission statement, set of goals and activities which were recently presented to the Board of the FLPOA for consideration.
While the ultimate mission of the committee will be to support and promote responsible development of lands around Friends Lake, we also recognized that responsible development not only relates to development of land around the lake but observing the drafting, enforcement and interpretation of laws and regulations that may impact the ecology and quality of life on and around Friends Lake.
Our key goals for now will focus on collaboration and awareness. We want to help inform the FLPOA members and the Board, as best we can, about development activities and to help build awareness and foster a sense of stewardship related to the protection of Friends Lake. We have established some preliminary activities which will include monitoring and attending as needed, various town, county and state planning and zoning board meetings. We will communicate matters that may impact Friends Lake, our community, and hopefully help members who may be considering development.
The Committee has established the following:
MISSION
To support responsible development of lands around Friends Lake. Responsible development not only relates to development of land around the lake but also to actively observe the drafting, enforcement and interpretation of laws and regulations regarding the ecology and quality of life on and around Friends Lake.
PROPOSED GOALS
Collaboration on responsible development. Become a conduit of information, by providing our best efforts to validate and inform the FLPOA and Members of development activities that come to our attention.
AWARENESS
Build Awareness and Stewardship related to protection of Friends Lake. Inform on best practices/guiding principles that are development focused (property development/changes including impact on septic, tree removal including changes to yard/fertilizer usage, dock size & mooring)
Prepare and distribute best practices and guiding principles to be a good steward for the preservation, safety and legacy of Friends Lake. Team up with other committees for content. Create periodic calls to action related to development and stewardship of the lake. Explore creating an exclusive Stewardship Club whereby FLPOA members sign up to be good stewards of Friends Lake and establish some goals/KPIs for success.
Short Term Rentals
Owners of properties that are used for short-term rental in Warren County were required to collect the county’s 4 percent occupancy tax beginning on September 1, 2020. The Warren County Treasurer’s Office began accepting occupancy tax payments directly from property owners on that date, so owners were required to register with the Treasurer’s Office and calculate, collect and remit the tax per guest stay for rentals going forward. Penalties of up to 5 percent, plus interest, can be imposed for non-payment under the Warren County Occupancy Tax Law. Short-term rentals are defined as a rental of 30 days or shorter in duration.
Information and registration forms can be found at www.warrencountyny.gov/treasurer/bedtax.php
There is a working group composed of representatives of several lakes and local businesses, including realtors. Airbnb and other short-term rentals provided by Lake property owners have led, in some instances, to serious disputes between the renters and adjoining property owners concerning noise and late-night celebrations. Frank Doberman is a member of the group, which is in the initial organizational stage, which aims to develop procedures to deal with these issues.
Proposed Local Septic Tank Law
On the evening of 11/18 and in the morning of 11/19 the County Board of Supervisors held public hearings regarding this Law. The bill in question would require that with respect to transfers of property located within 250 feet of specified water bodies including our Lake, to record the deed evidence must be provided to the recording clerk that the septic tank has been tested. Four property owners on Friends Lake, the Association President, Chair of the Water Quality Committee, Frank Gabriel and Gary Abeel presented at these hearings.
Each of the four presentations spoke of the algae blooms on the Lake and the acknowledged link of these blooms in many cases to septic tank failures. The proposed law draft would only apply to a limited number of properties and it was suggested that the Board of Supervisors examine other ways to increase the impact of the legislation while supporting its intent. We encouraged the Supervisors to continue to refine the legislation and make a concerted effort to keep the matter in the public eye by the use of print and electronic media in the coming summer months. This would remind responsible property owners of the need to have their systems tested and maintained and, in turn, inspire them to do the right thing.
CSLAP
Our Citizen Science Program: Citizens Statewide Lake Assessment Program trains volunteers to assist the Friends Lake Property Owners Association in collecting data about conditions in various areas of the Lake in order to help assess the Lake’s overall health. CSLAP participants perform water clarity tests, collect water samples to be analyzed for certain chemicals, and communicate the conditions of the Lake at the time of each sampling. The sampling and testing must be completed every other week for eight sampling events at the same location, from June through October. Samples are then shipped to a laboratory for analysis. The program is coordinated by the DEC and the NYS Federation of Lake Associations (NYSFOLA).
Larry Estill has again agreed to lead our participation along in conjunction with a number of volunteers. We have participated in the Citizen State Lake Assessment Program for over 30 years and the results of these many assessments indicate the Lake’s overall water quality has not deviated. Many thanks to Larry and his team.
LOONS
Sadly, we lost a loon this winter. Loons require an aquatic runway to achieve flight. With the constant freezing and thawing we encountered in early December, the needed length of runway was unavailable for a young loon who didn’t migrate soon enough. Unfortunately, for the young loon, a pair of eagles noted its plight, leading to its demise (but a nice meal for the eagles). If you ever notice a loon that appears to be iced in, please contact the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation as they might be able to perform a rescue, as they have most recently on Lake George to save it from circling eagles.
SAVE THE DATE: The FLPOA has partnered with the Loon Lake Park District Association (LLPDA) to arrange for Jen Denny from the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation to present an educational program for the public on July 21st at 6pm in the Town Hall Auditorium.
FLPOA MEMBERSHIP
This newsletter is provided to all 337 addresses of properties that have access to our beautiful Lake and approximately one-third of whom are not members of the Association. The Association’s bylaws provide that the purposes of the Association are, but not limited to, the following: “To improve, maintain, monitor and protect the ecology and quality of life on and around Friends Lake
- To support responsible development of land around Friends Lake.
- To promote the activities of boating, fishing, swimming and other recreational activities.
- To actively observe the drafting, enforcement and interpretation of laws and regulations regarding the ecology and the quality of life on and around Friends Lake.
- To maintain the earthen dam to control the lake water.”
The Association through its governing Board has been steadfast in addressing these significant responsibilities, in essence we serve as Lake keepers. As this newsletter’s topics firmly indicate, we are continually working to preserve and improve, where possible, the Lake experience for all. We ask that the non-member recipients of this newsletter weigh the value of these and other benefits enjoyed by all.
PLEASE CONSIDER JOINING OUR ORGANIZATION BY MAILING THE PREPRINTED ADDRESSED ENVELOPE (sent to you) AND REMITTING THE $35 IN ANNUAL DUES. OR via PayPal at this link: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=DGRYQKXALV5BN
50/50 RAFFLE
Each ticket is $10. The payoffs have been in the hundreds of dollars while the funds generated have greatly benefited Friends Lake. You can use PalPal; just tell Valerie in your comment. If you mail in your dues, please include the donation stub with your name, phone and address.
| KEEP FOR YOUR RECORDS2022 FLPOA Raffle Ticket$10 Donation Receipt Check # __________ Date: ____________ Send to: Valerie van Ogtrop, Treas. | SEND TO: Valerie van Ogtrop, Treasurer 57 Gilliam Lane Riverside, CT 06878-2022 FLPOA Raffle Ticket $10 Donation Drawing at the August Social Name: ___________________________________________ Phone: ___________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________ __________________________________________ |