A Management Strategy for Oneida Lake and its ... - CNY RPDB Home

oat wake is associated by watercraft driving
too close to shore (particularly when over the
five mph New York State speed limit) and fast
acceleration in inadequate water depths (such
as from a dock or hoist).
Boating can also impact the aquatic environment
of Oneida Lake. Dr. Edward Mills,
Director of the Cornell Biological Field
Station, reported that “there are already more
than 70 invasive aquatic species in the inland
waters of Central New York that came via the
Great Lakes and another 70 or so species are
on their way.” Boats can introduce exotic
species into a water body by carrying plants,
such as water chestnut, on their engines and
propellers, and aquatic organisms in their
ballast. Once established in the lake, boats
transporting these species can help them
spread by aiding in their movement. Boaters
can both facilitate the spread of exotics, as
well as feel the effects of changes invasive
species cause in the lake environment. For
example, invasive aquatic plants may outcompete
native plants, change the type of
spawning habitat for fish, and create changes
in water clarity that have impacts on fishermen.
Lake Bottom Damage: Boats that “power
load” scrape and damage the lake bottom at
entry and exit points and ramps. The turbulence
created by high horsepower engines
undermines the boat ramps by creating large
holes in the lake bottom. As a result,
$100,000 is needed for renovations at Oneida
Shores County Park to repair and stabilize the
ramps (scheduled for February-August 2004).
Lake bottom damage and disturbance around
the ramps and within the surrounding buoyed
areas can also increase sediment suspension in
the water and modify plant growth and aquatic
habitat. State and public ramps may be
particularly susceptible to damage since
marina owners are not present to oversee boat
launching.
Jurisdictions/Law Enforcement: Many
residents and lake users do not know who to
notify with boating issues, problems, and
concerns.
Participating Organizations
To report a problem that is currently happening
with boats or motorized watercraft on
Oneida Lake, call 911 – regardless if it is an
emergency or non-emergency - and they will
route the information to the appropriate
agency. To report an upcoming event that
may require a directed patrol (such as a
scheduled fireworks show or local boat race),
call one of the following agencies:
Cicero Town Police Department
(Onondaga County)
Joseph Snell, Chief
8236 Brewton Road
Cicero, NY 13039
Telephone: (315) 699-3677
Fax: (315) 699-8128
E-mail: jsnell@ciceropd.us
Central Headquarters
(Onondaga County)
Richard D. Smith, Major
New York State Park Police
Clark Reservation State Park
6105 East Seneca Turnpike
Jamesville, NY 13078
Telephone: (315) 492-6422
Fax: (315) 492-8519
Onondaga County Sheriff's Department
Kevin E. Walsh, Sheriff
407 South State Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
Telephone: (315) 435-3044
Fax: (315) 435-2942
Website: www.sheriffwalsh.com
page 76
Chapter 3: Priority Areas