Oneida Lake: ever-changing ecosystem

Managing water resources in Oneida Lake, WM Kappel

Oneida Lake watershed: A valuable diverse ecosystem, SM Harrington

Water level management, HM Goebel

Oneida Lake: undergoing ecological change, EL Mills, KT Holeck

Evolution of the Oneida Lake fishery, T VanDeValk, L Rudstam

Regional partnerships for Oneida Lake watershed, AB Saltman

Helping to protect Oneida Lake, J Henke

Trends: technology and management of municipal wastewater, D Interdonato, E McCarthy

Outstanding young researchers

President's message, D. Ellis

Executive director's message, P Cerro-Reehil

People and places

Joint CSO/SSO meeting

Correction

Winter 2001 — Vol. 31, No. 4

by Jack Henke

Several government, research, and nonprofit organizations are dedicated to the enhancement of Oneida Lake and its watershed. Because of their efforts, the surface and ground waters of Oneida Lake and its watershed, in excellent condition today, will be protected for posterity.

One of these groups is the Oneida Lake Association (OLA). Founded in 1945, OLA is the most prominent environmental lobbying organization devoted to protecting the lake and its watershed. OLA boasts more than four thousand members.

Achievements

The Association has a history of environmental activism, and its efforts have promoted water quality, a renewable supply of game fish, and increased access to the lake. Through OLA pressure, NYSDEC's Oneida Lake Fish Cultural Station was reconstructed as a state-of-the-art fish hatchery. Association lobbying also resulted in the initial construction and subsequent upgrading of the Godfrey Point Boat Launch (east of Cleveland), the South Shore Launch (between Lakeport and Bridgeport), and the Route 81 public access fishing sites at Brewerton. The OLA lobbied successfully in 1960 for legislation to ban the sale of walleye pike and, in the 1990s, for the establishment of bag limits on yellow perch and crappie.

The OLA has played a major role in keeping Oneida Lake waters clean. During the 1960s, the Association successfully pushed for a State law to prohibit the discharge of sewage into the lake. The Association has been a strong proponent of sewage treatment facilities in the lake's basin. The organization closely monitors all State and Federal legislation that affects the lake.

Current issues of concern the OLA include the lake's diminished walleye and yellow perch populations, the effect of double-crested cormorants on the lake's fish stocks, and the maintenance of appropriate water levels in the lake.

Outreach

The OLA communicates with its members and citizens of the watershed in a number of ways. Its annual meeting, held in April, is a big draw for members. This informational session unites scientists, State officials, and concerned citizens to discuss issues affecting the lake. In addition, the OLA publishes the Oneida Lake Bulletin semiannually for its members. In conjunction with Cornell University, the OLA updated the “Oneida Lake Profile,” a pamphlet detailing the lake's biological and social histories and, in particular, the changes that have occurred since zebra mussels arrived. The Association also collaborated with Cornell to produce a brochure about the lake's aquatic plants.

In addition to these efforts, the OLA issues press releases on timely topics to keep the public informed about issues that affect Oneida Lake. The organization maintains a booth at the Outdoor Sports' Show at the State Fair, sponsors signs promoting lake cleanliness, and holds an annual “Take a Child Fishing” contest, exposing hundreds of youth to Oneida's angling pleasures.
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Jack Henke is with the Oneida Lake Association's Board of Directors and serves as editor of the Oneida Lake Bulletin. He is the author of three books about the lake: Oneida Lake—Place Names and History, Tales of Oneida Lake, and Sylvan Beach—A History.  Click here for the Association's web site (opens new browser window).