PRESIDENT’S REPORT - I - Keuka Lake...PRESIDENT’S REPORT - Rob corcoran PROTECTING THE QUALITY...

September 2008 KLA Newsletter

Newsletter “Listen to the Lake” September 2008

Newsletter Highlights

President’s Report…................................ 1-2 Membership Update……………………........2 Garbage Galore…………………….………...2 KLA Logo Apparel…………………………....2 Crunchtime Capers………………….….……3 New KLA Members…….……………..….…..3 Annual Meeting Minutes…..………………5-8 KLA Member Ads....................................9-14 LULA Training……………………………….15 Info on NYSEG charges……….…………...14 Land Use Leadership Alliance Training Update……….......................14 Critter Corner .............................….......16-17 Business Members & Advertisers…....… .18 Order Forms…………………………......19-20 Calendars - Overseas Service Persons....19 KLA Directors and Officers…….....…….. 19 Keuka Events Calendar……...…….….......19 Advertising Info………………....…….… .…21 KLA Office Info…………………..……….…21 Membership Application Form……….….. 21 Calendar Photos………………………12 & 22

PRESIDENT’S REPORT - Rob corcoran

www.keukalakeassoc.org PROTECTING THE QUALITY OF THE LAKE

I t is a great pleasure to write my first newsletter report with good news. Many of you have heard about “Fact Sheet #5” issued by the

state Department of Health (DOH) which seemingly banned the drawing of surface water by lake property owners. Indeed, many of you wrote letters to various state officials expressing incredulity at this communica-tion as Keuka Lake has been rated a AA lake for many years. Thanks to your letters and the involvement of KWIC as well as Senator Winnerʼs and Assemblyman Bacallesʼ offices, a meeting was held recently with both the NYS Departments of State and Health presiding and various code officers also attending. The long and short is that they admitted it was a mistake to refer to surface water at all in their “Fact Sheet” which was intended to serve only as guidance to code enforcement officers with regard to wells. While surface can be used it is only recommended as a last resort and then should be properly treated to remove harmful elements. A revised “Fact Sheet” has been issued which eliminates any reference to surface water. This is a great example of how your govern-ment can respond to an error in communication and how effective your letters can be. Thank you to everyone who got behind this issue. The KLA recently moved its office from Hammondsport to 142 Main Street at the corner of Main and Maiden Lane in downtown Penn Yan. Our new local telephone number is 315-694-7324; the toll free number and email address remain the same at 1-866-369-3781 and [email protected], respectively. Office hours are generally from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please feel free to stop by, look around, and say hello to Margo McTaggart, our Administra-tive Assistant. While you're there, pick up some new membership forms to give to your friends and neighbors. While we've been successful in increasing our membership the past few years under the very able lead-ership of Bill Laffin, Chairman of the Membership Committee (and now President-Elect), we need the support of all residents of the lake and wa-tershed. Dues are nominal and, after all, we represent everyone who has an interest in preserving and protecting Keuka Lake and its water-shed. Please help us in this effort. I am delighted to report that your association is continuing to support the Keuka Lake Land Use Leadership Alliance Program. The success of the first session was reported in our last newsletter and it will be followed by a second four day session this Fall. Selective invitations have been sent out to fill the 35 spots. It is a critical effort to assist local leaders in be-coming more effectively involved in land use decision making. See the article enclosed by Peter Landre, Cornell Cooperative Extension - Yates County, for more details. Continued pg.2

Outgoing president, Bob Worden, (l.) & new president, Rob Corcoran (r.) at the KLA Annual Meeting on July 12th. The meeting, held in the Lightner Li-brary at Keuka College, was very well attended. The college put out a deli-cious array of pastries with coffee and tea available. The presentations were extremely interesting and enjoyable. See other photos on page 4 and read the minutes starting on page 5 of this issue.


Membership Drive Update - Bill Laffin

President’s Report - Continued from pg. 1 Finally, six new directors were elected at out Annual Meeting: Jeanne Wiltberger (Milo), Sue Lange (Barrington), Chuck Bastian (Jerusalem), Marcia Coon (Urbana), Stan Martin (Pulteney) and Dennis Carlson (At Large). Their bios were circulated to you so you know how qualified they are and how fortunate we are to have them on our Board. Our deep grati-tude and thanks go out to our outgoing directors who have generously contributed their time and skills during the past several years: Tom Mur-rin (Barrington), Jim Stork (Jerusalem), Pete Robbins (Urbana), Jerry Saxton (Pulteney) and Chuck McCausland ( At Large). We are indeed fortunate to have so many qualified and generous members who are will-ing to serve as directors. Bob Worden has done an outstanding job in leading KLA over many years as a director and most recently as Presi-dent. We are deeply indebted to him and feel very fortunate that he will be nearby for us to call on him for advice from time to time. Thank you, Bob!

It’s that time of the year when we have to say “so long and farewell” not only to summer but also to many KLA members. This year is particu-larly painful for the Keuka Lake Association because membership non renewals have just about wiped out the gains that we made in member-ship in 2007. While some membership attrition is to be expected for any organization, this year’s nearly 15% membership non renewal rate is higher than expected. One only has to look at the KLA’s work to get New York State to modify DOH Fact Sheet #5, to understand that our efforts on behalf of all residents of the watershed, not just the 50% of lake prop-erty owners who belong to the KLA are still very much required. This newsletter will be the last for about 225 members from 2007 who have not renewed. The KLA realizes that some members have sold properties and moved, but we feel badly every time that we lose mem-bers who have been committed to our mission to “Preserve and Protect Keuka Lake”. We also realize that some people are very busy and just forget to renew or think that they have renewed, but haven’t. So, please do us a favor, right now, before you get interrupted by another activity, look at the address label on this newsletter. If it says “Exp 4/2008”, the KLA has not received your renewal and this will be your LAST newslet-ter. The KLA does not want that to happen. There is an application form in the newsletter for you to send in your tax deductible membership dues. Recruiting new members is a lot more time consuming and expensive than renewing existing members, so please renew now. The KLA has also recently sent out reminder post cards to all members who have not renewed. The KLA is also still trying to get some of the nearly 50% of the lake property owners and others who live in the watershed who are not mem-bers to join. We are in the process of sending our letters of invitation for them to join the KLA. Word of mouth is by far one of our most effective membership activi-ties. So whenever possible, mention membership in the KLA to friends and neighbors. Members are the greatest asset that the KLA has in keeping the organization vital and focused on its mission. Thank you, The KLA Membership Committee

GARBAGE GALORE…………. A KLA mem-ber con-tacted the KLA Office this early summer to comment on the trash along a lower

lake road. It seemed that garbage cans had not been covered and bags had been left just by the side of the road - all waiting for pick-up. However, in the meantime a critter found them first and pro-ceeded to spread the trash . Obvi-ously, this created not only a mess, but an odor. The KLA pro-motes the beauty of Keuka Lake and its surrounding watershed, so this should include promoting proper garbage placement care on

KLA Logo Apparel In addition to the stan-dard golf shirt, wind shirt and denim shirt, the KLA has added a new item of KLA logo apparel for sale: an adult men’s jacket. It

is light weight with a lining, stone color with navy trim. The logo is the “Celebrate Keuka” logo. All orders must be prepaid with either a check or credit card and are special order with no returns. See order form on page 20. Orders will be accepted until October 20, 2008. Prices include shipping and han-dling. .


E-mail/telephone Inquiries The KLA Office receives many interesting inquiries. We try, as much as is possible, to pass the inquiry off to the KLA Direc-tor or Consultant who can best answer your questions - so don’t hesitate to ask!

Navigation & Recreation Jerry Saxton

Crunch Time Capers At the Annual Meeting there was some discussion of several incidents of wayward powered projectiles merging violently with personal docks and floats. The question was what was being done about reckless boaters, and if it happens to us, what should we do. The first part is easy. If the Sheriff knows about it, they will investigate. Last year they were able to apprehend one of the culprits when they tried to get their boat repaired at a local marina. It seems that they took out a dock…proving that it really is easy to hit an unmoving target. Our Lake Patrol Offi-cers are very good at following up on reports of personal in-jury, property damage or reckless boating. Let them know, and they will do their job.

That means that the first part is up to us. We have all seen those CSI shows on TV, so we ought to know what to do. In short: record, report, and preserve. Write down what you saw, what you heard, and what may have been floating away. Report the incident to the Sheriffs Office promptly. Preserve the evidence until the investi-gators get to do their thing. The more we do to help the investigation, the better shot they have at getting the idiot boaters off of the lake.

WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS (AS OF 9/4/08)

Ward Abbett Marlene & Fred Barken Michael Bocek Thomas & Lisa Bork Jane & Dan Burke Richard & Lisa Coffin John & Carol Condemi John L. Doan Jim & Pam Farmen Matthew & Marlene Fine Raymond M. Ford Melody Gardner Richard Gardner Randall & Joan Gillson Louis & Coralie Glantz Mike & Paula Grant Mark & Karen Hagan Daniel & Mary Ellen Hamm Keith & Clarice Hardy Kathy Horton

Greg & Donna Hurst Joseph M. Janeski Ethel Jugle Gary & Becky Knapp Carl & Sandy Knitter Warren & Heidi Kozireski Larry & Elizabeth Lanpher Anthony & Michelle Lewis Deborah Farmer-Liedot & Patrick Liedot Rob Louden William & Marcell Lourette Stephen Luce Ron & Kathy Macartney Sparki & Charles Mangels Chuck & Cece Mathews Billy & Susan McCoy Jim & Ann McMullen Diane Eggenweiler Meaney Cliff & Karen Miller

Michael & Rose Mulcahy Anne M. Nye Fred & Susan Orchard Julie Hakes Pacheco Berch & Ann Phillips Jackie Potter Paul Reiter Bruce & Lynne Roe Mr. & Mrs. Marcel Rouin Bill & Sue Schoff Donald Stevens Steven H. & Joan M. Tarcza Steve & Beth Thompson Dave & Mary Uetz Gordon & Lisa Webster Mike & Eileen Wesneski Ronald E. & Barbara Wilcox Jeanne Wiltberger Linda S. Wolfberg Gary & Suzanne Wren


Scenes from the kla annual meeting Photos Courtesy of Carol Worden, Nancy Feinstein & Margo McTaggart


ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES July 12, 2008

Keuka College – Lightner Library President Bob Worden called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM and welcomed everyone. I. Introduction of Officers and Directors – Bob Worden

Bob introduced the current KLA Officers, Directors and Administrative Assistant.

II. Approval of the 2007 Annual Meeting Minutes Following an agreement to dispense with reading of the minutes from the 2007 Annual Meeting, the minutes

were accepted as submitted.

III. President’s Annual Summary – Bob Worden Bob began by going back to first principles stating the KLA’s mission to preserve and protect the quality of Keuka Lake. He said that this can be simple to understand: have to have strong membership base, be a community or-ganization and present a united front. What it means is to ensure water quality is having a clean watershed, influ-ence lake level and support safe navigation. These can be accomplished by: key investments such as:

1. Grants – A. The KLA granted $5000 as seed money to Cornell Cooperative Extension to develop Land-Use Leadership Training workshop. Cornell received $90,000 from the state. Thirty-five local leaders participated this year. From it, there is a sub-set working on a watershed plan as a guide to land-use development. There will be another course in the fall. B. The KLA granted $5000 to the Friends of the Outlet to help with stream bank repairs. Water sometimes has to be let out quickly and this will help manage it. C. The KLA granted $6000 to KWIC to fund an intern last year to help document septic inspections. There is money left over which can be used to hire another intern if required.

2. Time – A. Water testing: A lot of dedicated time is spent in sometimes extreme conditions. Al Wahlig, who also donated his boat, and a crew consisting of Peter Landre, Peter Robbins, Jim Balyszak and some others motor up and down the lake gathering samples to insure the lake remains pure. B. The KLA Board is one of the best ever. They not only attend the meetings, but follow up to make sure all gets done. Many faithfully attend KWIC/KLOC meetings to show the support of the work of these organizations: water quality and lake level. C. Time has to be taken to manage the inevitable “hand grenades” that come along, such as the impact of DOH’s Fact Sheet 5, which will be discussed later on in the meeting.

3. What else is new? A. KLA Web site – A committee has been working on up-dating our website. They are looking at three proposals and hope to have it up and running by the end of the year. B. Scholarship – This is the first year of the Esther N. Wahlig Keuka Lake Watershed Scholarship Award. A $1000 scholarship was awarded to Hannah L. Catherman from Hammondsport Central School. Hannah is planning to at-tend University of North Carolina at Wilmington to study marine biology. Funds from the Wahlig family endowment fund are supporting this continuing scholarship. C. KLA Office – By the end of July, the office will be moving from its Hammondsport location to 142 N. Main St. in Penn Yan. This office will be big enough to store our archives, files and hold meetings.

4. Reflections – Three words to remember as I end my term as president: A. Vigilance – Continue an abiding awareness of what is going on at the lake; care for the quality of the lake and its watershed; be aware of future development. B. Involvement- Continue to be involved in the KLA as the KLA is involved with lake issues; get involved with your town’s government – attend their meetings. C. Action – With 2800 properties around the lake people need to make decisions that will influence Keuka’s quality of water and quality of life. These individual decisions include living within local zoning and the Docks & Moorings law, reduced use of fertilizers and pesticides, covered garbage placement and avoiding personal and pet bathing in the lake. If we all make good decisions, Keuka’s high quality of water and life will continue for the future.

IV. Treasurer’s Report – Dick Honeyman Dick reported that the KLA is in good shape and shared the following financial figures for the 12-month period end-

ing June 30th:


V. Audit Report – Chuck McCausland In accordance with Article 6, Section 4 of the By-Laws of the Keuka Lake Association, the Audit Committee met on

February 7, 2008 & June 2, 2008 to review financial information and related procedures. The Committee concluded that all was being dealt with properly and that adequate controls are in place to protect the assets of the corporation.

In addition, at each board meeting of the association, the treasurer presents a detailed financial report detailing in-come and expenses, including a review of the monthly bank statements.

VI. Recognition of Retiring Board Members – Bob Worden

Bob recognized the retiring KLA Directors, some of whom have served for six years: Tom Murrin, Jerry Saxton, Pete Robbins, Chuck McCausland, Jim Stork and past-president, Bill Oben.

VII. Nominating Committee Report – Rob Corcoran

Rob presented the proposed slate of directors for election:

Following a call for nominations from the floor, the membership approved the slate of directors as presented.

VII. Special Reports

A. Lake Patrol Report Jerry Saxton introduced the Sheriffs, praising them and their efforts in patrolling Keuka, making it safer for all of us. Ron Spike, Yates County Sheriff, thanked the KLA for its mission to protect the lake. He shared some of his back-

ground, citing his former marine patrol boss, Bill Moorehouse’s advice, “We are here to protect the lake” and that what are doing.

Our budget from the state is “to do more with less”, but we do the best we can. All our costs have a reimbursement from the state. This year was 84% - the highest it has been in years. We have made a lot of changes to keep costs in line: we have gone to 4-stroke engines, which almost double gas mileage; we have changed some patrol ideas to be aware of rising gas prices; we are using our jet ski (He introduced Officer John Roselli, who mans it). We have also answered concerns about cars driving too fast along lake roads, by placing patrol cars in those areas.

Finally, He thanked the KLA for its association and partnership with the sheriffs. He stated that they were proud to work with the KLA Board – our mission is your mission. He introduced Marine Patrol Sgt. Ed Nemitz.

Sgt. Nemitz re-emphasized the methods they are using to conserve fuel, adding the use of stationary radar. He said their goal to prevent problems is to be “out there and be seen”. He then fielded some questions. One was about whether or not the federal government will enforce the ballast law; he answered that it, hopefully, will not affect pleasure boating. Another was about how often they use the PWC – he stated about 5-8 shifts a week. The boat is acquired through a state “loaner program”.

Jack Merriam spoke on behalf of Steuben Sheriff Tweddell, who was unable to attend. He shared the state’s annual report that cited the Yates and Steuben County Sheriffs’ department as top instructors for their boater safety courses. He shared that currently the courses use a generic booklet, put out for several states, but next year they

2006 2007 2008 Revenue $87,575.65 $110,126.50 $103,505.01

Expenses $68,935.15 $100,946.18 $81,853.19

Balance on Hand $104,921.53 $114,101.85 $135,753.67

Ester N. Wahlig Watershed Endowment Fund

$25,195.05

$26,299.59

$27,314.18

Barrington Sue Lange

Jerusalem Chuck Bastian

Milo Jeanne Wiltberger

Urbana Marcia Coon

Pulteney Stan Martin

At Large Dennis Carlson


will have a NYS-only booklet. He stated that there are no new laws for navigation, so far, in 2008. He added that there has been an increase in the use of people-powered boats, resulting in an increase of accident/deaths with these craft. He emphasized the there must be a personal flotation device (PFD) for everyone on board – neither flotation cushions nor noodles are acceptable. He shared that PWC’s owners are liable if guests using their PWC do not have a valid license. A question was asked if there has been an increase of incidents of docks being hit late at night. Officer Merriam replied that the causes are probably alcohol-related, timid boaters or hugging the shoreline and not knowing the area.

See related article in this newsletter.

B. Lake Level Management – Bill Weber, Pulteney Town Supervisor & Chairman of the Keuka Lake Out-let Compact (KLOC)

Bill explained that KLOC is a municipal corporation founded in 1990 from a loosely-knit group, the Keuka Lake Pe-rimeter Committee. The villages that comprise the group own the gates. He displayed the Lake Level chart that is available on the KLA website. This year was a pretty much “ho-hum” year thanks to Ed Balsley’s gate control and Mother Nature’s cooperation. It is most important where we start on Jan. 1st at the lower level so we can get some fill-up. What is important is the bottom of the curve and where we are in the summer weather. In order to explain the chart, he referred to other events that have occurred in the past. He showed slides of the various gates in the PY outlet explaining their names, ages, and uses. He shared that he has been receiving calls that people are saying the lake is too high compared to the graph. We have employed the services of Rick Wilson, a surveyor, to go around and use USGS benchmarks to try and verify we have a series of measurements that are consistent. He then asked that, before they finalize Mr. Wilson’s report, if any of you who have the means to measure the lake (data like 714.5’) to please send your information to the KLA e-mail and it will be forwarded to me. “What I would like is to plot the data from around the lake and compare to curve and surveyor’s report.”

Bill fielded several questions concerning flood insurance, lake level in regards to the height of the gates, new dock construction affecting the shoreline, winter lake level, and ownership up to the high waterline.

C. Keuka Watershed Report – Paul Bauter & Dawn Dowdle, KWIC Dawn began with stating her positions as Supervisor on the town of Wayne for 3 years and Chairperson of KWIC.

She commented that KWIC and the KLA work closely together. Their involvement with LULA resulted in the towns becoming aware that they share the same problems and views. KWIC is looking at all the septic systems in the wa-tershed and Dawn urged owners to comply with periodic septic inspections as soon as they receive their notices. KWIC is also looking to improve its computer system of record keeping, which is old and cumbersome.

Paul stated the number of inspections is down from normal for all inspectors as owners are not getting the inspec-tions scheduled. He addressed the concerns about Fact Sheet 5 from the DOH. As it stands, these are recommen-dations only. Future concerns could involve building permits issued by the towns.

Paul and Dawn fielded many audience questions concerning regularity and notification of septic inspections, the future of a lake perimeter water/sewer system, and code enforcement officers.

Dawn also addressed the Fact Sheet 5 issue by stating that there will be an informational meeting with the Depts. of State and Health, Supervisors, CEOs of all the towns around and will be open to the public. Your thoughts and opin-ions can be given and they will use this information to reword what they have already done.

Bob Worden thanked Dawn and Paul for all they have done regarding the Fact Sheet 5 situation. He also thanked those who have sent letters to our state representatives and DOH. These letters are the reason the DOH is backing off, so it is good to keep the pressure on.

D. State of the Lake – Peter Landre

Peter began by stating this is similar to going to the doctor – his presentation will seem like a health check – but of Keuka Lake. He provided data and facts on some objective water testing and showed what is coming. His first slide showed two of the water testing crew and explained their operation and where testing is analyzed.

With the remainder of his slides, he provided an overview of the most recent sampling results for 2007. The water

monitoring program has revealed the following: Nutrient levels are averaging 7.3 ppb, up 1 ppb. Water clarity averaged 7.3 m, up 0.8. Zebra mussels continue to help filter the lake Algae level averaged 1 ppb down 1 ppb E. coli & fecal bacterial levels were very low, meeting all standards (for drinking and swimming) for the lake Lower density of zebra mussels Decline in nutrient levels – which are good, improving fish population of warm water species. We are seeing a

change in the biological structure of the lake. Phosphorous level is up Chlorophyll A levels are down, below average, which affects the algae level.


Secchi disk measures water clarity Trophic chart shows the over-all status. We are between the mesotrophic and oligotrophic levels which is ideal Bacteria results are good for both swimming and drinking water, which should still be treated. We cannot test the whole perimeter of the lake. Our testing uses limited sites around the lake. They try to go where

there is a high concentration of houses. Overall, the lake is in excellent condition.

2. Emerging Issues Invasive Species: Many are terrestrial affecting plants and trees. As for the water the Bilge water Federal legislation was

designed to keep invasive species from the lakes. To help in this matter, if you have visitors coming with a boat from another body of water, have them drain and clean both the bilge and the hull before putting it in Keuka.

VHSV - No new news about it in the area; can affect all species; found in Conesus and Skaneateles lakes. Water Chestnut - This exotic invader has been found in the Seneca River Canal. It is a plant with submerged leaves

and produces a 4-pointed nutlet about the size of a fist. If you see it, call the Cornell Coop. Extension. You can “hand pull” it from the lake.

Annette Toaspern, Yates County master gardener has been helping the Extension and warns about Japanese knot-weed and giant hogweed. If you find these on your property, call the Extension and we will help you get rid of it. We are tracking these species.

Rock “snot” (didymo) - nasty algae that is being tracked and is being brought in by boats. 3. Watershed Protection – Peter quoted Joe Littleton who said “The world is run by those who show up.” This was

demonstrated recently by people getting involved in Fact Sheet 5 issues. Using slides and further examples, Peter emphasized four important things to consider:

Awareness Keep clean water clean Slow the flow of storm water Minimize chemical use around the home Compost yard waste Avoid feeding waterfowl Treat drinking water. Information on KLA website Storm water run-off increasing as number and severity of storms increase Use of pervious paving Develop rain gardens Increase number of trees

4. Municipal Actions Pace university LULA Training. Contact Peter if interested in fall session. Plan to have 80 trained people to

guide development Yates Farmland Protection Program which provides 75% cost to farmers to keep land as agricultural land –

two farms involved 5. Get Involved

Support local efforts to protect land & open space Help towns update their comprehensive plans Make sure they focus on water quality protection

6. Peter thanked Bob Worden for his work with and contributions to the KLA throughout the years. 7. Questions & Answers:

Bacteria – can get home water tested, but use treated water Fish population and weight – DEC to do a study on it Treatment of drinking water: sediment filter, UV systems. DOH would prefer we use chlorination treatments.

8. Bob Worden praised Peter for his contributions to the KLA and Keuka Lake with his knowledge base and re-sources. Our lake is very fortunate to have him.

D. KLA Photo Contest – Nancy Feinstein

Nancy thanked Steve Knapp, Marsha Senges and Howard LeVant for all the work they did on the calendar, the KLA members for their beautiful photo submissions and the businesses who placed their ads and coupons in the calendars. Nancy announced the winners and gave them prizes of checks & a calendar.

E. Presentation – Rob Corcoran spoke of Bob Worden’s contributions to the KLA. He has provided tremendous lead-

ership, devotion and energy, both as a Director and President. Bob was instrumental in developing the Docks and Moorings Law He presented Bob with a photograph put on canvas done by Director Steve Knapp.

The meeting was officially adjourned at 11:15.


Land Use Leadership Alliance Training - Keuka Lake LULA 2 – Peter Landre

Starting in September 2008, the second round of the Keuka Lake Land Use Leadership Alliance training will start at Keuka College with 30-40 people from around the watershed. This innovative pi-lot program is funded with a grant from the New York State Quality Communities Program and supported by the Keuka Lake Associa-tion, Keuka Watershed Improvement Cooperative (KWIC), Cornell Cooperative Extension, Cornell University Community and Rural Development Institute, Genesee Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council, Pace University Land Use Law Center, Yates and Steu-ben Counties. The KLA provided an initial $5,000 cash match for the project as part of the grant application process which helped secure the grant.

Nearly 30 participants from the watershed graduated from the first class in March of this year. Since the March training, more than a dozen graduates and other volunteers in collaboration with local municipalities have been working with Genesee Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Yates County to develop a watershed land use plan. This planning guide will include a wealth of information tailored to the watershed including maps, assessments of local laws and gaps in those laws, best practice models, and laws/ordinances that local leaders can adapt for their municipalities. One of the key aspects of the program is the direct input from the participants regarding their local challenges and the level of importance of those chal-lenges. During the first day of training all of the participants listed their challenges and as suspected, many mu-nicipalities are facing similar issues. Some of the issues leading the list were steep slope development, the tradeoff between agriculture and development, the lack of full time regional governmental resources knowledge-able in development, preservation of the rural character of the region, lake quality, etc. Fundamental to the land use training is an understanding of the laws that are the underpinnings of land use in New York State and how that power is delegated to local municipal governments. The class learned that without a current and up to date Comprehensive Plan, effective local zoning is next to impossible. Local land use laws must be in accordance with a comprehensive plan or at a minimum a well thought out plan. Comprehensive Plans need to be updated about every five to seven years. “Among the most important powers of local government is the responsibility to undertake comprehensive planning and to regulate land use to protect the public health, safety and general welfare.”-N.Y. Town, Village, General City Law One of the many keys of responsible land use is a term called Smart Growth. Its name alone alludes to its mean-ing. Fundamentally, it’s identifying areas for growth and development, then focusing development on those ar-eas. In addition, it includes designating and protecting areas for recreation, conservation and environmental pro-tection. The class is also being taught about various land use tools such as clustering, stormwater manage-ment, floating zones, overlay zones and incentive zones. The training also included methods for dealing with the inherent conflict that can arise during negotiations for development or subdivision of land and the importance of realizing that at times outside expertise may be required to assist in facilitation and mediation. If you are interested in seeing some of the material from the first class, please visit the following websites: http://counties.cce.cornell.edu/yates/LULA.html and http://www.gflrpc.org/keuka.htm. Effective and efficient land use is not a program but a process. It has no end point when local government lead-ers and residents can say “we are done!” Land use has evolved from early law and will continue to evolve to meet the needs of the local and regional population. This training is just a beginning for about 70 people repre-senting all walks of life in the watershed. The training will hopefully lay the foundation for building a process of implementing effective land use around Keuka Lake and its watershed. Training is also a process, so look for additional updates on Land Use Leadership Alliance training and “Keuka Lake Looking Ahead – An Intermunici-pal Land Use Action Plan”. For more information, please contact Peter Landre, Executive Director, Cornell Co-operative Extension Yates County, 315-536-5123.

Participants interacting at the first LULA training at Keuka College

September 2008 KLA

CRITTER CORNER DEER HUNTING

Dave deCalesta

Cont. on pg.16

Mention deer hunting to any gathering of Keuka Lake residents (or any other group) and you’ll get three responses: 1) a small number of deer hunters who will regale you with stories of the big buck they got; 2) an equally small number of anti-hunters who express revulsion and disgust (“You shot Bambi?”); and, 3) the vast majority who think of deer as cute, brown-eyed critters they like to see and maybe feed corn to in winter (illegal, by the way), wish they wouldn’t eat their landscaping, and have either hit one with their car or know of others who have. Deer hunting will start in a few weeks in the Finger Lakes region (October 14 for archery and muzzle-loading guns, November 15th for rifle/shotgun): it is the primary tool for managing white-tailed deer. Why do deer need to be managed, and why by hunting? Prior to settlement, clearing, and development of the vast eastern deciduous forest by Europeans in the 1770s-1880s, deer abundance was controlled by availability of food (tree seedlings, shrubs, and herbaceous plants such as grasses, ferns, and wildflowers) and constant predation by an impressive lineup: mountain lions, wolves, bears, bobcats, wolverines, the occasional eagle (on fawns) and Native Americans. When overabun-dant food was created by natural disturbance (large windstorms or ice storms) knocked down trees over vast acreages, stimulating growth of seedlings, shrubs, and herbs, deer responded by having twins, triplets, and even by fawns breeding and by large survival rates overwinter. Deer numbers were kept in check by the predators, except when huge forage areas were created and deer could momentarily overcome the predators. But a decade or so af-ter the forest was opened by disturbance it again closed up, greatly reducing the amount of forage. Deer abundance then declined because of starvation, reduced reproduction and fawn survival, and the ever-present predators. Historians tell us that under these natural conditions, deer averaged about 10-15 deer per square mile of forestland and probably produced about 4-5 fawns per square mile. The combined impact of predators (about 2 deer per square mile per year by mountain lions, wolves and bears and about 2 deer per square mile by Native Americans) kept deer abundance in check – for every fawn surviving winter’s rigors, the predator consortium removed a corresponding deer, adult or fawn. This natural system of checks and balances for deer was upset in the late 1800s by three factors: 1) near elimination of historical predators – bears, wolves, and mountain lions were hunted and trapped to near extinction, and Native Americans were dis-placed; 2) the vast forest was almost completely clearcut at least two times; and 3) deer were nearly eliminated by market hunting. Many state wildlife agencies had as their genesis the demand to bring back depleted game populations, primarily deer. As a first step in deer recovery, these agencies banned doe hunting, and restricted buck hunting. This management directive (no doe hunting and bring back deer abundance) initiated to recover deer hunting, has since been discarded by manage-ment agencies, but is still embraced by the majority of deer hunters (don’t shoot does and keep deer abundance high) for whom it is an unshakeable mantra. The end result of elimination of natural deer predators, vast increases in deer forage, and restriction/elimination of doe hunting resulted in an exponential increase in deer abundance 1915-1940. In many places, deer density exceeded 50 deer per square mile, more than three times the natural abundance. In the interface be-tween agricultural lands and forests, these high deer populations created huge losses of agricultural crops. And as the re-covering forests shaded out the understory, there was a huge drop in abundance of deer forage. As a result, deer over-browsed the forest understory, eliminating seedlings, shrubs, and herbs. Vast deer starvation die-offs followed, with thou-sands of deer starving to death in severe winters. Doe hunting, which had been recently initiated as a way to reduce over-abundant deer herds, was hooted down by disgruntled hunters. The yo-yoing of deer abundance, and concerns over im-pacts of overabundant deer herds generated immense pressure for more knowledge.

The white-tailed deer is the most heavily-researched wild animal in North America. Google white-tailed deer on the internet and you will come up with over 1,000,000 hits. The science of white-tailed deer is enormous, comprehensive, and instructive. As a result of decades of dedicated white-tailed deer science, we know that:

Deer can degrade ecosystems. - Because deer do not effectively regulate their own numbers like predators do, in the absence predators they can outstrip the environment and cause great environmental damage. In forests, this generally occurs when deer exceed 10-15 deer per square mile. At densities in the 20-40 deer per square mile, which in the past

September 2008 KLA

Predators - Cont. from pg. 15

were experienced by hunters and are today accepted as the norm, deer change the dynamics of understory vegetation. They eliminate preferred tree seedlings, shrubs, and wildflowers, resulting in a simplified understory of seedling species resistant to deer browsing, ferns and grasses and threatening with extinction shrubs and wildflowers that never grow out of their reach. A distinctive “browse line” exists, where there is little if any vegetation below the six foot height interval that deer can reach. Because wildlife food and cover (habitat) are eliminated, many forest bird species that feed and breed in the understory are lost or greatly diminished. Forest-ers cannot harvest mature trees because the seedlings that are needed to replace them and grow the next forest are not there. When density ex-ceeds 60 deer per square mile, vast winter starvation die-offs occur. For healthy and diverse forest ecosystems, such as surrounding Keuka Lake,

deer abundance must be managed to keep it in the 10-15 deer per square mile interval. Deer can cause enormous amounts of damage to agriculture. – The interface of forest woodlots and agricultural

lands amounts to deer heaven: abundant and nutritious food right next to forestlands for hiding and fawn-rearing. Such sys-tems can support densities exceeding 50 deer per square mile, but deer impact on crops can reach hundreds to thousands of dollars per acre (especially where fields border woodlots), and the impact of inflated deer density on the understory in adjacent woodlots is catastrophic – virtually nothing grows there except ferns, grasses, and deer-resistant tree seedlings such as locust and beech. Combating deer damage to agricultural crops is expensive (fencing, deer cannons, repellents) and not always effective.

Deer can negatively affect humans in other ways. - The New York DEC estimates there are in excess of 50,000

deer/vehicle collisions annually in New York, representing about $100 million in damages, several human fatalities, and hundreds of human hospitalizations. In areas with high deer density and proximity to forestlands, landowners may lose most of their landscaping: in forested parts of Westchester County shrubs and flowers on properties not protected by 8 foot or taller deer fences are virtually non-existent. Lyme disease, a disease carried by deer ticks infected with the Lyme bacte-ria, is not yet prevalent in the Finger Lakes region, although there are cases reported every year. In Westchester County, and other coastal counties with high deer density, persons walking in the woods usually find deer ticks on them and rates of Lyme disease in humans are high.

Deer density and impacts can be reduced by hunting. - An international association called the Quality Deer Man-

agement Association (QDMA) has shown that reducing deer density by emphasizing harvest of doe deer, and restricting harvest of bucks to those with bigger racks can result in improved deer weight and antler characteristics. A large demon-stration project in Pennsylvania covering 74,000 acres of forestland and utilizing QDMA principles reduced deer density from 28 to 11 deer per square mile in 5 years with an aggressive program of increased doe harvest and restrictions on buck harvest (www.kqdc.com). Weights and antler characteristics of deer greatly improved, and impact of deer on forest re-sources was greatly reduced. Hunters in New York can obtain additional permits (Deer Management Permits or DMPs) to harvest antlerless deer as a way to reduce local deer density. A similar program in Pennsylvania (Deer Management Assis-tance Program or DMAP) resulted in a significant reduction in deer density and impact on forest resources in Pennsylvania’s Northern Tier.

Alternatives to hunting are expensive and/or don’t work. - Eight-foot high deer fences have been used success-

fully to reduce deer damage to forestlands, agricultural lands and home site landscaping. Unfortunately, at a construction cost of $2.50-$3.00 per linear foot of fencing, and an annual maintenance cost of $0.50 for per linear foot, fencing is too costly an alternative for most foresters and farmers. Repellents are of limited effectiveness, and must be applied repeatedly to all plants. Importing mountain lions and wolves will not work in areas where humans co-exist. Contraceptives or chemo-sterilants can work on small deer herds enclosed by deer-proof fences but are not practical on free-ranging deer (each doe must receive an initial injection, usually fired from a rifle, and must receive one or more additional booster injections).

The bottom line – hunting is the only practical, economical solution. - Hunters, usually armed with DMP permits,

can reduce local deer density and damage, and they do it for free. Hunters can only be effective when they are motivated to harvest does, and in cases where landowners can provide safe access to hunting and enough doe permits to effect sig-nificant reduction in deer density.

For information on the DMP program (how to get permits as a landowner, and how to get permits as a hunter) visit the

NY DEC websites: www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/6403 and www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7199

September 2008 KLA

ACCOUNTING/BANKING/FINANCIALS Community Bank, N.A. - PY Five Star Bank - Hammondsport Nesbitt Financial Services Valicenti Advisory Services ARCHITECTURE Marcia A. Coon● ARTS Havill Stoneware & Porcelain Lightning Hill Stained Glass ATTORNEYS Peter H. Baker● Valerie Gardner, Esq. BUILDING/PLUMBING/ ELEC. SUPPLIES Branchport Hardware Carey’s Farm & Home Centers Knapp & Schlappi Lumber Co., Inc. Penn Yan Plumbing & Heating Ribble's Septic Service Shirley’s Do-It-Best Lumber The Corning Bldg./Bath Bldg. Co. BOOKS/OFFICE SUPPLIES Longs’ Cards & Books CONSTRUCTION/ARCHITECTURE/ PAINTING/CONTRACTORS/DOCKS Connect-A-Service, Inc. D.J. Builders & Remodelers, Inc. Grapes Lakes Painting Ingersoll Painting & Construction● Keuka Builders Lakeside Kitchen Design Parsels Construction Pearson Seamless Gutters R & R Docks Ron Williams Consulting & Construction Sutherland Builders Veley Enterprises FOOD SERVICES Chocolatier of Hammondsport Divine Dining by Shirley Indian Pines Farm Market Keuka Lake Coffee Roasters Morgan's Grocery P&C Foods – Penn Yan FURNITURE/FLOORING Cole’s Furniture & Flooring● GIFTS/CLOTHING Browsers Cinnamon Stick Keuka Inspirations● The Loomis Barn & Country Shops

HEALTH/MEDICAL SERVICES Eaves Family Dental Group Henderson’s Drug Store Jeffrey Schultz, DDS Keuka Family Dentistry● INSURANCE Furman Kendall – Doug Miles Agency Shaw Agency** Stork Insurance LANDSCAPING/NURSERY Jud’s Stone House Nursery Preferred Landscaping LIQUOR/WINE Branchport Wine & Spirits LODGING Esperanza Mansion Finton’s Landing Hammondsport Motel The Fox Inn The Keuka Lake Motel MARINE SERVICES/SUPPLIES Jake's Boat Livery North-End Marina PEST CONTROL Baker’s Exterminating● Ehrlich Pest Control REAL ESTATE SALES/RENTALS/ DEVELOPMENT Century 21 Sbarra & Wells* Curbeau Realty● Finger Lakes Getaways Inc Finger Lakes Premiere Properties (formerly Rental Plus) Finger Lakes Realty Jackie Carpenter - Prudential - Licensed Real Estate Broker● John & Linda Vang● JY Crooked Lake Assoc. LLC - Schutt Lake Living Realty Lucy Knapp - Realty USA - Licensed Real Estate Broker● Mark Malcolm II - Century 21 Michael Hanna - Realty USA - Licensed Real Estate Broker Realty USA Re/Max & Diversified Rental & Realty Shaun Dixon - RE/MAX Discovery Inc.●

RESTAURANTS Angel's Family Restaurant Antique Inn Keuka Restaurant Lakeside Restaurant & Tavern Snug Harbor Restaurant & Inn The Essenhaus The Olney Place on Keuka Market & Deli The Switzerland Inn Waterfront Restaurant Wise Guys Pizza Valley Inn RECREATIONAL SERVICES Keuka Yacht Club Lakeside Country Club VETERINARY Eastview Veterinary Clinic, P.C. WINERIES Dr. Konstantin Frank Heron Hill Vineyards, Inc. Hunt Country Vineyards Keuka Overlook Wine Cellars Keuka Spring Vineyards● McGregor Vineyard Winery Rooster Hill Vineyards Simmons Vineyards OTHER Bohemian Lodge Partners● Branchport/Keuka Park Fire Department Camp Arey, Inc.** Eastlake Consulting - Morris● Finger Lakes Supply John & Yvonne Schutt Penn Yan Mini Storage Suzanne Donald● The Southern Tier Shopper Todd’s Car & Home Audio Victoria & Roger Dick Yates County Soil & Water New business members in italics *Sponsor Level **Guardian Level ● Business/Personal Member

The KLA urges you to support our business members and newsletter advertisers. If you would like further information concerning our business members, please contact the KLA Office.

September 2008 KLA

President Rob Corcoran Barrington Sue Lange

President-elect Bill Laffin Bebette Yunis

Treasurer Dick Honeyman Jerusalem Chuck Bastian

Secretary Bill Feinstein Marsha Senges

At-Large Art Hunt Milo Bill Laffin

Steve Knapp Jeanne Wiltberger

Dennis Carlson Pulteney Sandra Pietropaoli

John Webster Stan Martin

Mike Doyle Urbana Dick Honeyman

Al Wahlig Marcia Coon

Wayne Bill Feinstein

Ex-Officio Bob Worden Dave deCalesta

KLA DIRECTORS & OFFICERS

KLA ORDER FORM

NAME: ________________________________________________ ADDDRESS _________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

____ Numbers - $.50 each

Fill in your desired numbers here

Please make checks payable to the Keuka Lake Association and send completed order to PO Box 35, Penn Yan, NY 14527.

____ License Plate Holders - $8.00 (Incl. S&H) (Available in local stores for $5.00) ____ Two KLA decals - No charge - new logo decals available end of September

* $20 if purchased at the KLA Office, plus $.50 for each number

____ Dock Plate (excluding #s) - $23 incl. S&H* Dock Plates are 6”x 15”, painted reflective white, featuring KLA logo & “member” distinction.

KLA LOGO HATS are available for purchase from Browsers (H’sport), Longs (PY) and Crooked Lake Mercantile (B’port)

Av ailable at: Browsers Longs’ Cards & Books 33 Shethar Street 15 Main Street Hammondsport, NY Penn Yan, NY

_____Directory 2007 - $10 incl. S&H

KEUKA CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER Corning Embroiderers’ Guild Exhibit—Curtiss Museum…………….……….…9/12-11/2 Red Wine & Chocolate: Keuka Spring & McGregors………………………..10/13-14 Harvest Tour of Food & Wine - Keuka Lake Wine Trail……………………….10/13-14

OCTOBER

19th Annual Gourmet Harvest Festival - Hunt Country…………………………..…..10/4-5 Grape Pumpkin Festival, H’sport………10/18

NOVEMBER Curtiss Museum - 18th Annual Miniatures & Dollhouse Exhibit…………….11/14-2/22 Keuka Holidays I - Keuka Lake Wine Trail………………………..…….11/15-16 Keuka Holidays I I- Keuka Lake Wine Trail…………………………..….11/22-23 Shop, Sip & Stroll, H’sport……….……..11/22

DECEMBER Starshine, Penn Yan……………….. …...12/5 Holiday Wines & Pines, Westside Wineries……………………...………..…12/6-7

Holiday Barrel Tasting, Keuka Spring….12/6

Calendars for Deployed Middle-East Service People The KLA will send copies of our popular “KLAeidoscope Of Keuka” calendars to active duty Keuka area service people de-ployed to the Middle East as a reminder of home and our support for them. You provide names and addresses of active duty ser-vice personnel currently deployed to the Middle East (Iraq, Af-ghanistan, Persian Gulf, Arab Emirates, etc.) who are from the Keuka Lake area or from families of active KLA members. Just call or mail the KLA office with this information. Although no money is required, we would be glad to have contributions to help cover the cost of the calendars

September 2008 KLA

Style Color Size offering Cost Quantity Total Wind Shirt Tan W/Navy Trim __S__M__L__XL__XXL $45 ________ $________ Style 8926 Denim Shirt Blue Men Only __S__M__L__XL__XXL $25 _________ $________ Style 8960 Golf Shirt - Men’s White__S__M__X__XXL__3XL__4XL $25 S-XL __________ $_________ Style 8590 Pink__S__M__X__XXL__3XL__4XL Tan__S__M__X__XXL__3XL__4XL $30 2XL-4XL __________ $_________ Gray__S__M__X__XXL__3XL__4XL Light Blue__S__M__X__XXL__3XL__4XL Yellow__S__M__X__XXL__3XL__4XL Golf Shirts - Ladies’ White___XS__S__M__X__XXL $25 XS-XL __________ $________ Style 8591 Pink___XS__S__M__X__XXL Tan___XS__S__M__X__XXL $30 XXL __________ $________ Gray___XS__S__M__X__XXL Light Blue___XS__S__M__X__XXL Yellow___XS__S__M__X__XXL Adult Jacket Stone w/Navy Trim Men Only __S__M__X__XXL__3XL $45 S-2XL __________ $________ Style 8931 $50 3XL __________ $________ Shirt total amount enclosed $_________ SALES CONDITIONS: Advance Payment Required; All items are special order - NO RETURNS MAIL TO: KEUKA LAKE ASSOCIATION, PO BOX 35, PENN YAN, NY 14527 - BY 10/20/08 Payment method: Enclosed Check #_____________ Amount $_________ Payable to the KLA Credit Card: Visa____ MC_____ AmEx______ Discover_____ Card #: ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ Exp. Date ___/___ Order Total $____________ Signature Required:_______________________________________

KLA LOGO APPAREL ORDER FORM - 2008

Ship to:

Name

City/Town State Zip Phone E-mail

Address

September 2008 KLA

MEMBER APPLICATION

Yes, I want to join the Keuka Lake Association! NEW RENEWAL (See membership expiration date On your address label.) NAME(S)__________________________________________________________ MAILING ADDRESS ________________________________________________ CITY, STATE, ZIP _________________________________________________ PHONE NUMBER __________________________________________________ E-MAIL ADDRESS _________________________________________________ KEUKA ADDRESS_________________________________________________ CITY, STATE, ZIP __________________________________________________ KEUKA PHONE ____________________________________________________ Dates I wish to receive mailings at KEUKA address: From ___/___ to ___/___ month/day MEMBERSHIP TIER (Check one) METHOD OF PAYMENT (Check one)

Card number: __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ Expiration Date: __/__/__ Signature: _______________________

Mail application and payment to: Keuka Lake Association, P.O. Box 35, Penn Yan, NY 14527

Business – $50 Check #_____________

Basic - $30 MasterCard

Partner – $50 Amex

Sponsor – $100 Discover

Patron – $150

Guardian – $250 & more

Business/Personal - $60 Visa

KEUKA LAKE ASSOCIATION OFFICE

The KLA office is located at 142 Main St, in Penn Yan, the corner of Main & Maiden Lane. Mail to PO 35, Penn Yan, NY 14527. The of-fice is usually open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Please stop by if you are in the village. You can contact the office either by phone: 866-369-3781, local 315-694-7324 (answering machine attached) or email: [email protected]. Margo G. McTaggart, KLA Administrative Assistant

Are your neighbors members of the KLA?

Whether they live on the lake or anywhere within the watershed, they have an interest in the future health and viability of Keuka Lake. Why not ask them if they are members...and encourage them to join? Why not give a KLA membership as a gift?

KLA MEMBERSHIP PROCESS March - Dues renewal notices mailed. September - Last newsletter for those who have not renewed. Check the expiration date on your address label. January - Membership for NEW members who join after Jan 1 will be extended through the next membership year.

MEMBERSHIP AND KLA OFFICE INFORMATION

ADVERTISING IN THE

KLA NEWSLETTER

The advertising section of the KLA newsletter is provided as a service to KLA members only. The 24 ads are restricted to 1/4 page, to fit into a 3 3/4 by 4 3/4 . It is the responsibility of the advertiser to contact the KLA office with a request for ad space in an upcoming issue. The deadline for the December issue is November 1st and will be accepted in the order submitted. However, in an attempt to present an interesting diversity of ads, the KLA editorial staff reserves the right to limit the number of any specific type of ad in any given is-sue. KLA also reserves the right to decline acceptance of an ad deemed inappropriate for the publication. Ad cost for each issue is $50. Thank you to all of the KLA members who have advertised with us .

September 2008 KLA

Keuka Lake Association, Inc. P.O. Box 415 Hammondsport, NY 14840

Non-Profit Organization

US Postage Paid Hammondsport, NY

Permit #10

YOUR SEPTEMBER KLA NEWSLETTER HAS ARRIVED!

Fall views from the 2007-8 Kaleidoscope of Keuka ( They are much better in color in the calendar!)

Available now is our 2008-2009 calendar Look for it in local shops & wineries .

The KLA’s mission is to preserve and protect Keuka Lake and its natural beauty for future generations.

Photo by Nancy Feinstein Photo by Davey Kelbe

PRESIDENT’S REPORT - I - Keuka Lake...PRESIDENT’S REPORT - Rob corcoran PROTECTING THE QUALITY...

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Transcript of PRESIDENT’S REPORT - I - Keuka Lake...PRESIDENT’S REPORT - Rob corcoran PROTECTING THE QUALITY...