Recommendations Recommendation Continue mechanical harvesting of <strong>Oneida</strong> <strong>Lake</strong>. Continue to apply chemicals in NYS DEC approved areas <strong>for</strong> control of water chestnut. Develop <strong>and</strong> continue educational programs to in<strong>for</strong>m homeowners <strong>and</strong> lake users about the spread <strong>and</strong> characteristics of water chestnut: - Create brochures, signs, restaurant placemats, <strong>and</strong> in<strong>for</strong>mative lectures. - Distribute educational materials within the watershed to reduce <strong>and</strong> prevent the spread of water chestnut. - Organize <strong>and</strong> support volunteer group activities. Continue educational programs to prevent the spread of other exotic species into non-infested waters: - Post signs, distribute pamphlets <strong>and</strong> brochures. - Continue lecture series <strong>and</strong> education sessions dedicated to identifying new exotic species. Display in<strong>for</strong>mation/bulletins on billboards, bait <strong>and</strong> tackle shops, sporting good stores <strong>and</strong> pet stores (aquariums). Conduct annual surveys to monitor the extent of water chestnut populations in <strong>Oneida</strong> <strong>Lake</strong> <strong>and</strong> other parts of the watershed. Continue to research the use of a biological control options <strong>for</strong> water chestnut such as the water chestnut beetle. Pursue <strong>and</strong> support funding requests <strong>for</strong> research of biological control methods to decrease other invasive pest species, including zebra mussels. Create a map to document the extent of aquatic plant growth based on annual plant survey results <strong>and</strong> sightings from lake users. Propose <strong>and</strong> support state legislation: - For stronger ballast water legislation <strong>and</strong> tank residue control treatments. - To strictly en<strong>for</strong>ce restrictions on the sale of exotic species, especially website, plant nurseries <strong>and</strong> the aquarium stores. Create programs to distribute literature <strong>and</strong> brochures on invasive species when registering boats <strong>and</strong> applying <strong>for</strong> fishing licenses. Potential Responsible Organization(s) SWCD, Planning, Health OLA, LO, <strong>CNY</strong> <strong>RPDB</strong>, CCE CCE, <strong>CNY</strong> <strong>RPDB</strong>, SWCD, NYSG, Planning, Health, OLA CCE, NYSG, <strong>CNY</strong> <strong>RPDB</strong> LA, NYSG, CCE OLA, CCE, Volunteers CU CCE, NYS DEC, LA, <strong>CNY</strong> <strong>RPDB</strong>, OLWAC, OLA CIRIS LA, HO, EL CCE, NYSG, NYS DEC Timeline/Goal (contingent upon funding) Annual, as needed Annual, as needed Annual Annual Annual Annual Annual, as needed Annual Annual, as needed As needed Annual page 60 Chapter 3: Priority Areas
Recommendation Continue the “Watch Card” program by creating <strong>and</strong> distributing cards focused on potential invaders to make people aware be<strong>for</strong>e infestations occur. Support <strong>and</strong> continue educational programs to encourage youth involvement in the prevention of additional exotic species in <strong>Oneida</strong> <strong>Lake</strong>. Potential Responsible Organization(s) NYSG, NYS DEC CCE, NYSG, POLW, OLA Timeline/Goal (contingent upon funding) Annual Annual Fish Creek (Photo: Saltman) Chapter 3: Priority Areas page 61