Stacey Hannon introduced Randall Perry, Senior Project Manager for CLWMA Inc. Randall works on a variety of lake and watershed projects with the Alliance members. He joined the Alliance in 2016. Prior to that he was employed at Fredonia University and also worked as a geological consultant. Randall also is a retired member of the US Armed Services. He knows all about service above self.
The Chautauqua Lake Watershed Management Alliance evolved from the Chautauqua Lake Management Commission in late 2014. The organization was established for the benefit of all lake and watershed stakeholders.
The Mission of the Chautauqua Lake Watershed Management Alliance – Working in collaboration with lake and watershed-related organizations, municipalities, and other stakeholders, the Chautauqua Lake Watershed Management Alliance will promote and facilitate implementation of recommendations from the Chautauqua Lake Watershed Management Plan and the Chautauqua Macrophyte Management Strategy by prioritizing projects, securing funding and allocating resources.
The Chautauqua Lake Watershed Management Alliance has worked on a variety of projects (56+) that have totaled approximately $6.33 million. Some projects include the Lucille Ball Memorial Park and the Mayville/Chautauqua stormwater study.
The Alliance consists of Board of Nine Directors, staff, committees, members and other key stakeholders and funders. Our very own Vince Horrigan, Col (R) is the Interim Executive Director, with Randall Perry as Project Manager and Taylor West as Communications Coordinator.
Alliance members include but is not limited to, Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, Villages of Bemus Point, Celoron, Lakewood and Mayville, Chautauqua Lake Association, Chautauqua Lake Partnership, Roger Tory Peterson Insitute, etc. For a full list, visit the alliance web site at http://www.chautauquaalliance.org/.
Randall gave an overview of the challenges facing Chautauqua Lake. They include nuisance macrophyte (plant) growth and harmful algal blooms. Both are major issues facing the watershed. These two challenges are caused by excess sediment and nutrient loading from the watershed and a buildup of phosphorous over time, which fuels macrophyte and algal bloom growth over time.
The Alliance is working diligently to address these issues by:
- Balanced approach that focuses on unity of effort and partnerships in the lake and the watershed
- Long-term and short-term planning
- Maintenance, protection and enhancement of the watershed
- Stakeholder collaboration for diversity of lake uses.
The Alliance also has worked or is working on a variety of projects, including:
- Streambank stabilization and restoration
- Stormwater management studies
- Green infrastructure retrofits
- Roadside swale improvements
- Education and outreach
- Land conservation and source water protection
- Waterfront access and amenities
- Wastewater management
- Data collection and monitoring
The Chautauqua Lake Watershed Management Alliance also has committee structures as well to help it fulfill its mission. Some committees include:
- Lake Management – coordinate and collaborate about lake management issues.
- Watershed Management – recommend watershed projects for grant submission.
- Scientific Review and Advisory – provided recommendations to the Alliance board regarding Alliance projects.
Going forward, The Chautauqua Lake Watershed Management Alliance will continue to use a balanced approach for lake and watershed management by utilizing current guidance documents; focus on unity of effort and facilitating partnerships for improved and responsive lake management; and collect/gather lake and watershed data to better understand and the manage the lake and watershed.
To see all of the wonderful and important projects the Alliance is spearheading, please visit their web site at http://www.chautauquaalliance.org/.