Current Projects
The TLPF is actively pursuing several projects to address these concerns:
Boat Launch Signage and Boat Washing
The Foundation has implemented informational signage along with a portable boat cleaning station at the boat launches on DeRuyter Lake as part of the "Clean, Drain, Dry". The signs will reinforce the need to clean watercraft thoroughly when moving from lake to lake to prevent spread of the aforementioned invasive species.
To learn more about the “Clean, Drain, and Dry” program, click here
Tom Chartrand, TLPF Treasurer and builder of the portable boat cleaning station
Stormwater runoff
In 2019 the TLPF hired local environmental engineering firm Barton and Loguidice to assess 11 selected stream inputs into the lake, which identified the major sources of runoff sediment and nutrients. The report proposed conceptual designs of streambed stabilization and riparian buffers, as well as cost estimates for the work. The TLPF is working with Onondaga and Madison County Soil and Water Conservation and the Department of Environmental Conservation to apply for major financial grants to support this work, which would require a 25% match by the Foundation.
In addition, we have contracted with Upstate Freshwater Institute in 2020 to conduct additional testing of water flow and nutrient levels at regular monthly intervals , as well as during high-flow storm events, to provide real data of the severity of this problem to further enable us to pursue funding.
Weed and Algae Bloom Control
The Foundation funds weed harvesting at some specific times during the season to prevent seeding of more curly leaf pondweed and milfoil. During the summer of 2020, we will be working with Eget Liber, a tech startup at Syracuse's Tech Garden, as a test site for a drone-directed semisubmersible device that uses ultraviolet light to kill harmful algae blooms. Learn more.
We feel that this scientific environmental approach will in time lessen the problems caused by weed overgrowth and algae blooms. The TLPF has a strong commitment NOT to use chemicals in our lake!
Benthic Mats
"Benthic Mats can help support the need for localized weed control around our docks and shorelines without disrupting the balance of other strategic programs" Learn More
