Lake Management

2022 Cossayuna Lake Management Plan         

1. 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 curlyleaf pondweed in open waters will be done whenever and wherever possible depending on time and need throughout the growing season, as this non-native invasive weed is an annual seed dropper. ·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. ·Funding from the towns, county and state will be sought annually for open water harvesting

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 minimum 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.

Wetlands ·Only 50% of any given NYS identified wetland area in the lake will be harvested and/or treated annually.

3.  Minimize the introduction of nutrients and sediment into the lake. 

To education stakeholders regarding best practices. ·Seek to obtain free educational materials through State sponsored organizations. ·Provide a speaker for weed identification. ·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, 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.