2025 Cossayuna Lake Management Plan
- Spillway:
To maintain the integrity of the spillway structure
• Regularly survey the spillway to assess maintenance needs
To manage the water level
• The water level reduction of the lake has a maximum of 20 inches. The water level will be lowered before the lake freezes. This water level adjustment is just enough to provide shoreline protection from erosion and ice scouring.
• Begin monitoring the water level in the spring as soon as the ice goes out.
• Establish / maintain the summer level at 6 in. above the bottom of the notch in the top of the spillway via the 6 in. board.
2. Maintain/improve the water quality in Cossayuna Lake at a level that supports such activities as fishing, swimming, & boating:
Management of non-native invasive weeds
• Through data collection and at least two lake surveys annually, the Board of Directors will seek to implement the most effective and targeted herbicide program.
• All proper herbicide permitting through DEC, notification and signage will be implemented in accordance with all laws.
• Identification of weeds in front of private property will be made available upon request to help educate riparian owners.
• Harvesting of milfoil in open waters will be done if we determine that the weed bed is in a high boat traffic area, and to keep the outlet flowing.
Management of native weeds
• The dock harvesting will run from mid-May until the beginning of September with a paid work crew, depending upon funds received from individual property owners. A target of three cuts will be offered per season.
• Coontail will be harvested in open waters whenever and wherever masses of this native weed are found.
• Funding from the towns, county and state will be sought annually for open water harvesting
Wetlands
• Only 50% of any given NYS identified wetland area in the lake will be harvested and/or treated annually.
- Minimize the introduction of nutrients and sediment into the lake:
To educate stakeholders regarding best practices.
• Seek to obtain free educational materials through State sponsored organizations.
• Encourage stakeholders to use non-phosphorus products on their lawns and in their home.
• Encourage shoreline owners to implement a Shoreline Buffer Zone
• Provide information on permits needed for bank stabilization
• Encourage the involvement of the Argyle and Greenwich Town Boards
• Provide information on septic system care.
• Provide information on boat cleaning via newsletter and inspections at the launch
To reduce nutrient loading via road runoff, terrain runoff and stream runoff.
• Continue to work with various highway departments and the county soil and water commission and DEC to encourage the best practices in road repairs and salt application.
• With the Upper Hudson Watershed Coalition develop a list and correction plan with the towns and Washington County Soil and Water Dept. of priority issues around the lake.
• Investigate grants to help pay for the needed work.
To reduce contamination via septic systems around the lake.
• Continue to monitor the environment to ensure that building codes and sewer discharge regulations are observed.
• Work with the Towns and State to develop a long-range plan to address septic concerns.
4. Monitor the water quality through research activities designed to assess such factors as lake usage, water clarity, oxygen saturation, and bacterial contamination.
• Work to get a team of volunteers to test areas of concern for nitrates, phosphates, and bacterial contamination and utilize our testing equipment to assess oxygen and conductivity along with bottom sludge.
• Continue to collect lake water data via CSLAP (Citizens Statewide Lake Assessment Program) membership.
• Provide information on well water testing
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