Programs & Projects the Town of Chautauqua has implemented for a healthier lake:
DWSPP - drinking water source protection plan
Culvert Assessment project
Invasive species control project
MobiTrac program - lake clean up
LWRP - local waterfront revitalization plan
Roadside Swales stabilization project
DWSPP - drinking water source protection plan
Culvert Assessment project
Invasive species control project
MobiTrac program - lake clean up
LWRP - local waterfront revitalization plan
Roadside Swales stabilization project
Notification regarding Lawn Fertilizers & Herbicides:
from Chautauqua Institution News
As part of our dedication to improving the health and longevity of Chautauqua Lake and its surrounding watershed, Chautauqua Institution will empower property owners to implement best practices for fertilizer use that protect water quality and the health of the Chautauqua Lake aquatic ecosystem. We will attempt to accomplish this first by educating our community about the potentially negative impacts of lawn fertilizers and herbicide use in our waterfront community. This is essential to protect water quality and the health of the Chautauqua Lake aquatic ecosystem.
If you are considering using lawn care products, fertilizers or herbicides, have your lawn and soil conditions tested by a professional to determine what nutrients, if any may be needed. Soil testing is available through the local office of Cornell Cooperative Extension in Jamestown, NY for a small fee. They may be reached at (716)664-9502, or [email protected].
Buffer zones owned by Chautauqua Institution: Chautauqua Institution owns a minimum 50’ wide section of lakefront land for the entire length of shoreline from the former Packard Manor Property to the south perimeter fence line, and a 25’ wide section of lakefront land at the former Packard Manor. The use of all fertilizers and herbicides by non-Institution authorized personnel on Chautauqua Institution property is strictly prohibited.
Private Property:
If you have already received guidance from a professional about eliminating or minimizing the use of fertilizers and pesticides, below are guidelines to help property owners in their decisions, selection and use of environmentally safe lawn care products:
Herbicide Use: Applying herbicides and/or other treatments in waterways, including Chautauqua Lake without proper New York State Department of Environmental Conservation-Issued permits is strictly prohibited and is a violation of NYS law. The use of herbicides on gardens or lawns containing glyphosate or neonicotinoids on the campus of Chautauqua Institution should be limited to specific target application methods by certified applicators.
Fertilizer Use: The use of fertilizers by non-Institution authorized personnel on lands owned by Chautauqua Institution is strictly prohibited. Please refrain from the use of fertilizers on privately-owned lawns containing phosphorus on the campus of Chautauqua Institution, unless deemed necessary and documented through professional soil testing. Phosphorus runoff can lead to algal blooms and excessive macrophyte growth (in-lake weeds) leading to an unhealthy lake and degraded water quality. If you choose to use non-phosphorus products, these fertilizer containers identify an N-P-K nutrient analysis. An N-P-K with a “zero” in the middle, indicates that this fertilizer is phosphorus-free.
Timing Restrictions: If fertilizers are needed based upon certified testing, autumn is considered the best time to apply them. Fertilizers should not be applied before heavy rain or during periods of high runoff to minimize the risk of pollution.
Limit Nitrogen Content: The maximum nitrogen content of fertilizers allowed is 10% to prevent excessive nitrogen runoff, which can contribute to eutrophication and algal blooms.
Organic Alternatives: If you choose to use lawn care products, the use of organic fertilizers is highly recommended, as well as integrated pest management practices, to reduce the reliance on synthetic chemicals and minimize environmental impacts.
Professional Application: If you choose to use lawn care products, you are encouraged to utilize the services of professional applicators who are certified and trained in proper chemical application techniques. This can help ensure that chemicals are applied safely and effectively, minimizing the risk of runoff.
from Chautauqua Institution News
As part of our dedication to improving the health and longevity of Chautauqua Lake and its surrounding watershed, Chautauqua Institution will empower property owners to implement best practices for fertilizer use that protect water quality and the health of the Chautauqua Lake aquatic ecosystem. We will attempt to accomplish this first by educating our community about the potentially negative impacts of lawn fertilizers and herbicide use in our waterfront community. This is essential to protect water quality and the health of the Chautauqua Lake aquatic ecosystem.
If you are considering using lawn care products, fertilizers or herbicides, have your lawn and soil conditions tested by a professional to determine what nutrients, if any may be needed. Soil testing is available through the local office of Cornell Cooperative Extension in Jamestown, NY for a small fee. They may be reached at (716)664-9502, or [email protected].
Buffer zones owned by Chautauqua Institution: Chautauqua Institution owns a minimum 50’ wide section of lakefront land for the entire length of shoreline from the former Packard Manor Property to the south perimeter fence line, and a 25’ wide section of lakefront land at the former Packard Manor. The use of all fertilizers and herbicides by non-Institution authorized personnel on Chautauqua Institution property is strictly prohibited.
Private Property:
If you have already received guidance from a professional about eliminating or minimizing the use of fertilizers and pesticides, below are guidelines to help property owners in their decisions, selection and use of environmentally safe lawn care products:
Herbicide Use: Applying herbicides and/or other treatments in waterways, including Chautauqua Lake without proper New York State Department of Environmental Conservation-Issued permits is strictly prohibited and is a violation of NYS law. The use of herbicides on gardens or lawns containing glyphosate or neonicotinoids on the campus of Chautauqua Institution should be limited to specific target application methods by certified applicators.
Fertilizer Use: The use of fertilizers by non-Institution authorized personnel on lands owned by Chautauqua Institution is strictly prohibited. Please refrain from the use of fertilizers on privately-owned lawns containing phosphorus on the campus of Chautauqua Institution, unless deemed necessary and documented through professional soil testing. Phosphorus runoff can lead to algal blooms and excessive macrophyte growth (in-lake weeds) leading to an unhealthy lake and degraded water quality. If you choose to use non-phosphorus products, these fertilizer containers identify an N-P-K nutrient analysis. An N-P-K with a “zero” in the middle, indicates that this fertilizer is phosphorus-free.
Timing Restrictions: If fertilizers are needed based upon certified testing, autumn is considered the best time to apply them. Fertilizers should not be applied before heavy rain or during periods of high runoff to minimize the risk of pollution.
Limit Nitrogen Content: The maximum nitrogen content of fertilizers allowed is 10% to prevent excessive nitrogen runoff, which can contribute to eutrophication and algal blooms.
Organic Alternatives: If you choose to use lawn care products, the use of organic fertilizers is highly recommended, as well as integrated pest management practices, to reduce the reliance on synthetic chemicals and minimize environmental impacts.
Professional Application: If you choose to use lawn care products, you are encouraged to utilize the services of professional applicators who are certified and trained in proper chemical application techniques. This can help ensure that chemicals are applied safely and effectively, minimizing the risk of runoff.
What can we do to help keep Lake Chautauqua healthy?
- If you live on a lake, stream or wetland, plant a buffer strip of native plants along the water and protect native shoreline vegetation. If you have a lawn, keep it small and don’t use fertilizers and pesticides. Minimize runoff pollution.
- If you have a septic system, make sure it functions properly and meets current standards.
- Go slow in your boat. Big wakes erode shorelines.
- Plant a rain garden, use a rain barrel to catch water from your roof, consider using permeable pavement in your driveway – runoff that stays on your property will not wash contaminants into streams and other surface waters.
- Never dump waste into a storm drain. These drains run directly to rivers and lakes.
- Don’t use the lake as a bathtub. Soaps and shampoos contain nutrients and pollutants that are harmful to the lake and organisms living in it.
- Become knowledgeable and learn about our lake's aquatic ecosystem and watershed management programs.