May 15, 2025
by rob
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NYSFOLA Lower Hudson Regional Conference June 13, 2025 – 9:00am to 12:30pm

NYSFOLA Lower Hudson Regional Conference
June 13, 2025 – 9:00am to 12:30pm at The Sedgewood Club on China Pond, Kent, NY

Speak with experts. Connect with local lake users. Share ideas and experiences.

Registration is $15 and includes networking lunch.

Registration required. No walk-ins please!

Planned agenda:

Here Comes the Rain Again; Stormwater Management
- Kevin Fitzpatrick, East of Hudson Watershed Corp
New NYS Wetland Regulations and Lakes
- Brian Drumm, NYSDEC Region 3
Harmful Algal Blooms: Awareness, Response, and Emering Research
- Emily Mayer, NJ Dept. of Environmental Protection
A Global View of Lake Trends
- Kathleen Weathers, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies

Speaker sessions run through 12:30.

Lunch will follow with a chance to network with the speakers and other attendees.

Looking forward to seeing you there! Janet Andersen and Ina Cholst

Presented by: New York State Federation of Lake Associations, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County, Putnam County Soil and Water Conservation, Town of Kent Lakes Association, and The Sedgewood Club.

May 14, 2025
by rob
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First Lake Treatment May 15, 2025

Dear Neighbors,

Pond and Lake Connection will be doing their first treatment on the lake for 2025 on Thursday, May 15th. As in the past, there is no recreational restriction.

There is, however, a 24 hr irrigation restriction since this application is an herbicide treatment. If you draw water from the lake to irrigate your lawn or garden, turn it off during Thursday-Friday.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Pond & Lake Connection fanboat on Lake Truesdale.

May 12, 2025
by rob
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Spring 2025 TEA Beach Cleanup – May 17

The annual pre-season beach cleanup and beautification at the Truesdale Estates Association beach on Truesdale Lake Drive is set for Saturday, May 17 from 9am-12noon.

Let us know if you can come out!

We will be putting out the swimming dock, putting out swim ropes & buoys, raking the sand out, cleaning any winter damage, gardening, and generally making the beach ready for the summer.

Even if you can only come for an hour or so it will help out the overall effort! Many hands make light work. Bring rake, shovel, and any other tools you think will be useful.

Please RSVP to Sarah Polizzotto at politrell@hotmail.com.

Thanks!

May 10, 2025
by rob
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Dam Committee Memo April 30, 2025

Memo

To: Dam Committee

From: Lucille Munz

Date: April 30, 2025

RE: Summary & Updates on Site Meeting on March 25, 2025 Attendees:

Scot Evans
Lucille Munz
Joe Cermele, Town Engineer
John Winter, Town Superintendent of Highways
Jan Johannnessen, Town Planner/Wetlands Consultant

Meeting Summary:

We provided Joe Cermele the Town Engineer with copies of the Dam Study by CT Male, Associates.

Cermele and Mr. Johannessen both noted that the lake is now DEC regulated lake and water course.

And as such, any improvements no matter how minor need DEC permits.

The Town also seemed to evade any responsibility for the drainage inlets going into the area, as well as responsibility for the bridge over the dam. I pointed out that as well as Scot Evans that the town has been maintaining the roadway and installing the guardrails on the dam, without any approval and/or engineering studies and therefore were responsible for any damage to the dam’s structural integrity. Basically, I noted that we were “all in this together. “

Several items were discussed
1. Embankment stabilization with soil
2. Drainage impacts from the inlets to the dam
3. Structural integrity of the bridge/roadway
4. Dead Tree Removal
5. Future valve installation

Next steps as discussed with the town are as follows:
1. Any improvements and/or work, even the embankment repairs, will need DEC approval and as such a Wetlands delineation and mapping needs to be completed.
2. The stabilization of the Dam, filling soil, rip rap and overseeding, will require a drawing and permits. The Town suggested working with CT Male, for the drawings and Steve Marino of Time Miller Associates for the permits. John Winter also noted that they could supply the soil at no cost. We would need to hire a siteworks contractor to install the soil, rip rap and overseeding.
3. Several dead trees were noted during the visit, they do not require permits for removal if there is no heavy equipment withing the wetland. They can be removed and dropped and dragged out of the area.
4. An updated topographic survey may be needed to do any engineering design as well as permitting.
5. Scot and I discussed doing a dye test of several of the inlets in the area that may impact the dam embankment and report back to the town to get them to make repairs as soon as possible.

Updated information:

I requested that my o ice tra ic engineer check with the State DOT to get any copies of current bridge/roadway/dam inspection. He filed a freedom of information request, and we received a copy of the report on 4/30/2025. I forwarded the report to Scot and CT Male Associates.

I called CT Male Associates “to discuss the meeting with had with the Town” and C.T. Male Associates Kathryn Serra, stated that:

They believe that the Town is mistaken regarding permit requirements for Dam maintenance, especially if we are following the directions of a current engineering report. This specifically refers to the placement of soil, rip rap and grass seed, as well as dead tree removal. Serra, of CT Male Associates, will be reaching out to the DEC representative to confirm this in writing and forward their response to us to share with the Town. They believe we do not need a permit for this work, nor do we need drawings. If that is the case, we can work on a plan to implement soil, rip rap, seeding and tree removal.
Serra is checking with their environmental wetland’s inspector, to get a quote on wetland delineation and flagging, as this would be required for any large-scale construction project.
Serra noted that the DEC would most likely require us to complete the repairs to the spillway at the same time as the construction of a new gate valve. I request that her firm provide us with an hourly rate to potentially navigate a discussion with the DEC on the possibility of segmenting the work. Any improvements to the spillway would require the Town to repair the bridge/roadway, making the entire project more complex.
We may need to have a meeting with the DEC representative to review the project scope and potential phasing, at which point C.T. Male Associates would be able to provide a more accurate proposal.
If the DEC states that we do not need a permit for the soil, we then can push back with the Town for help with the soil.

We should get pricing to have the trees removed.
We should get pricing to install the soil, seed and rip rap for a fall installation.

April 29, 2025
by rob
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TLPOA Sponsored Lake-Wide Tag Sale

On Saturday, May 31st from 10am to 4pm the TLPOA will be hosting a community-wide Tag Sale.

Bring out your old items, play some music, and walk around shopping at your neighbors! Have fun with it! You are welcome to set up lemonade stands, and similar sales, at your house as well.

This year we are introducing two new options:

If you don’t have enough items to have a full tag sale you can donate a few items in good condition to the TLPOA for us to sell at the beach.
If you would like to donate any unsold tag sale items at the end of the day, we are working with United Breast Cancer Foundation to schedule pick ups at homes that wish to donate. Donation guidelines can be found here.

Meanwhile, at Gilbert Street Beach, we will be handing out maps to customers so they can locate each of the homes selling items. We will also be selling cookies at the beach!

If you aren’t participating in the tag sale and have finished browsing your neighbor’s wares, please come down to the beach to hang out with the community! Bring a picnic and celebrate the arrival of warmer weather!

In order for your home to be on the map you must fill out this survey and pay $35 if you are a member of the TLPOA. Non-TLPOA Truesdale Lake association members pay $40.

Each household will set up their own tag sales at their home. Households are permitted to collaborate and consolidate their sale to be located at a single address if both households fill out the survey and submit payment.

Please fill out the form even if you are only donating items, as well. The survey will help us create the map and direct customers to houses with running sales. The proceeds will go towards improving the Gilbert Street entrance and the Gilbert beach entrance. Your sign-up will not be considered complete until we have both the survey and payment.

You can pay via Venmo @Ted Bloch or PayPal to tlpoatreasurer0515@gmail.com

You can sign up until May 28th. Our rain date for the Tag Sale is June 1st.

March 19, 2025
by rob
Comments Off on Spring 2025 TEA Membership Meeting: Mon, April 14

Spring 2025 TEA Membership Meeting: Mon, April 14

SPRING 2025 Membership Meeting April 14th @ Horse & Hound

The TEA Annual Spring Membership Meeting is planned for Monday, April 14, 2025 at the Horse & Hound at 94 Spring Street. We also plan to have a laptop/camera at the meeting broadcasting over Zoom for TEA members interested in watching remotely.

Meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m.

Note: This meeting is for TEA Members only.

Email tea@truesdalelake.com to RSVP for in-person. If you want the Zoom Link please ask for it when you RSVP.

If you are new to the TEA or you want to update us on your information, please fill out the TEA Resident Questionnaire. Thanks!

Agenda
➡ President and other Officer reports
➡ Treasurer:

YTD FY2024-2025 Budget vs. Actual review
Proposed FY2025-2026 review and membership vote

➡ Beach Report / Lake Committee update

➡ Projects Update: Drawdown / Septics / Sewer / Dock / Shed
➡ Upcoming meeting schedule for coming year.

New Boat Rack for TEA Beach – smaller one for kayaks and SUPs?

need volunteers from membership and families who want them
ihooks and fastening points for bungees, cords.

Beach cleanup weekend – Saturday May 17th (confirm) – weekend before Memorial Day.

Portopotties delivered before cleanup ()
Sand delivery before beach cleanup (Lawton Adams)

Moonlight Regatta – Saturday June 7 9:15pm [weather permitting]

Full moon is June 11th but moon will be 90% full on June 7

Other full moons (and regatta dates – weather/cloud permitting):

Moonlight Regatta Saturday Night July 5th (Full Moon Thursday July 10th)
Moonlight Regatta Saturday Night Aug 9th (Full Moon — August 9th!)

Kickoff Party – Second or third Saturday 6/7 Or 6/14? Kate and Sarah decide

Zelle – members payment – direct electronic payment went live in 2024 and worked well. Send your dues payment to tea@truesdalelake.com via Zelle after you receive your dues statement. If you want to confirm receipt, email us at tea@truesdalelake.com and let us know you are sending a payment.

Notes for TEA Board / Officer Membership

The TEA Officer roles are two year terms. We have new officers for the current 2 year (2025-2026) term.

Board members cannot be in the same role for two consecutive terms so if you want to take over a role after 2026 let us know.

WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR NEW BOARD MEMBERS! a lot of the same people have taken on the board and officer roles, some for many years. Fresh eyes and fresh energy is needed and valued. If you are new to the community and want to help, there are lots of ways to pitch in.

Current TEA Officers for 2025-26 (through end of 2026):

President (Rob Cummings) – organizes & runs meetings, in charge of recruiting next president and officers. Can sign checks.

Vice President (Jo Ann Ferrigno) – runs meetings when President can’t attend. Fills in other roles as needed. Can sign checks.

Treasurer (Ellen Rose) – deposits checks, writes checks, tracks and reports on income/expense and bank balances. Tax filing 990.

Recording Secretary (Howard Citron) – Takes meeting minutes, sends drafts to board and membership attendees post-meeting.

Corresponding Secretary (Debbie Fink) – Receives and replies to association correspondence.

Sergeant-at-Arms (Mike Gorman) – guards the door (or virtual door).

Formal roles for Officers are in the TEA Bylaws here:

http://truesdalelake.com/associations/tea/tea-bylaws/

At-large Board members (7-10 members needed) attend 4 standing meetings per year. Current board members are: Mike Vellensky, Lisa Capobianco, Glenn Capobianco, Sarah Polizzotto, Kate Grieve, Harron Appleman, Melissa Scarlatto, Tom Houlihan, Ira Sanchick, Kathleen Ward Gallagher, Carol Gamez, and Wendy Daniels.

Sarah Polizzotto and Kate Grieve are beach co-chairs. Thank you Kate and Sarah!

Standing Association Meetings are on the following schedule (Add to your Calendars!):
-TEA Membership Meetings (entire membership invited 2x/year):
—SECOND Monday of April (April 14, 2025, NEXT MEETING Spring Membership Meeting)
—SECOND Monday of November (Nov 10, 2025, Fall Membership Meeting, the one coming up)
-TEA Board Meetings (board members only):
—SECOND Monday of March (March 9, 2026)
—SECOND Monday of October (Oct 13, 2025)
Special Meetings can be called for association business.

Critical positions that don’t have to be board members:

Beach Chairperson – coordinate beach clean-up, monitor beach conditions, keep an eye on beach things like electricity and trash service. Lots more! A lot of overlap with the Social Chairperson.

Social Chairperson – Plan and get volunteers for any social events – primarily the Summer Kickoff BBQ the second weekend in June. Some events can be at our beach while others we can coordinate with TLPOA. This position is all about fun!

Volunteer Opportunities & Committees:

Beach Clean-up Day – the Saturday before Memorial Day Weekend (May) each year. Lots of sand spreading, weed cleanup, general maintenance, and straightening up the beach getting ready for the first official weekend of summer on Memorial Day Weekend.

Floats and Dock installation, management, and winterizing – 2-3 people needed – at the beginning of the season, usually on Beach Clean-up Day, volunteers put out the floats and swim dock. 2-3 people. At the end of the season, this group pulls in the floats and winterizes & secures the swim dock

Lake Management Committee Member – be the TEA liaison to TLPOA Lake Manager John Gusmano and Pond & Lake Connection (James Gorman, main contact). Participate in email communications and bring any concerns to the TEA & TEA Board. More info: http://truesdalelake.com/lake-management/

CSLAP Testing Member (1 person needed) – We are looking to rejoin the New York State Federation of Lake Associations “Citizens Statewide Lake Assessment Program” which uses trained volunteers to sample the water conditions of Truesdale Lake and hundreds of other NY State Lakes. More info is at: https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/81576.html

Resident Canada Geese Registration and Egg Control program volunteers (2-3 people needed to go out to the islands in March and April) – Each year we get permits from the United States Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) to oil and addle eggs in the nests of Resident Canada geese. 20+ years ago there were hundreds of Canada geese that would take up permanent residence on Truesdale Lake for the summer. This causes unhealthy conditions in the lake and on lawns. More information at truesdalelake.com/goose

Truesdale Lake Dock Committee (TLDC) – We have a joint TEA/TLPOA/Vreeland/Lake Shore Drive committee that accepts applications for new and renovated docks. The TLDC process is designed to help the homeowner comply with our requirements and the Town of Lewisboro’s regulations..

Truesdale Fishing Committee – fishing guidelines and signage around Truesdale Lake. Fishing information here: http://truesdalelake.com/lake-management/fishing/

Ad-hoc Building Committee – We built two boat racks at the TEA beach. These racks have 2 spots available for TEA members. If you are interested in a spot on the rack, the season rental is $100. If you are interested in helping build an additional boat rack at our TEA Gilbert/Lake Shore boat launch property let us know. Other projects of the Building Committee in 2025 will include the new shed installation including a proposed tiki bar(!?)

Landscaping committee – anyone with ideas to beautify our already lovely beach let us know. We have ornamental grasses along the boat launch fence side. Always looking for additional ideas to make it look good.

In 2025 we are looking to replace or repair the following items at the beach:

Boat Launch Dock, bridge, and path
Storage Shed / electric
Landscaping on street side of beach fence.

Anything else you can think of? Let us know…

Some helpful links for lake residents new and old:

TEA Map and Other TEA Resources Online
Map available at the website here: https://www.truesdalelake.com/tea

For residents new to the lake, download the TEA Welcome and Information Packet from this link above as well.

*If you are interested in volunteering for the TEA board or a specific activity, please email tea@truesdalelake.com or fill out this questionnaire.

Contact Information

Truesdale Estates Association
PO Box 363
South Salem, NY 10590
tea@truesdalelake.com

*if you are not current with your TEA dues, you cannot vote until your dues are brought current.

TEA Board Meeting – Notes Spring 2025 – SUMMARY OF ITEMS OF INTEREST

Drawdown 2024-25

Siphons installed November 2024
Successful drawdown this past winter – this was significant because last winter the drawdown was not successful (due to equipment failures and unusually warm winters causing water to flow all winter long).
Lake website has detail on the past winter drawdown: https://truesdalelake.com/tag/drawdown/

Septic/Sewer Plan – Engineering studies (FUTURE)

-County/State/NYC initiative / funding
–https://truesdalelake.com/2023/07/cleaning-up-our-lakes-septics-sewers/
-3 lakes plus Truesdale involved
-Rippowam, Oscaleta, Waccabuc, Truesdale
-Treatment facility at recycling center
-Fully treated outflow into stream that becomes the waccabuc river
-See map in linked story for covered locations.
-estimated $40 million cost paid by NY state and NYC EOH grants
-VERY early stages of plan
UPDATE: Plan has been submitted – it is one of many grant proposals under consideration by NYC DEP. (Update later in spring)

Beach improvements

Step repair – Thanks Mike!!
Dock rebuilding – Corey (who did the step repair) will get us price. (UPDATE: Not received yet)
Shed replacement – Rob has info, prices. Contacted Electrician and starting permit process
- Electric meter move (since electric meter is on shed)

March 17, 2025
by rob
Comments Off on Canada Geese Control Efforts for 2025

Canada Geese Control Efforts for 2025

We will resume actively oiling goose eggs on the three big islands of Lake Truesdale in the upcoming weeks of spring 2025.

[UPDATES here for 2024 egg oiling efforts]

We do this to control the population of Resident Canada Geese on the lake.

We will do an initial census of the three* main islands of the lake to determine the number of nests and the egg quantities. (*also the small private island in north end cove of lake — and any inaccessible shoreline areas that might house a stealthy pair of geese and a nest)

Last year (2024) we found twelve different nests and over 50 eggs between the three islands. We continued to monitor the islands through the spring. We acted as needed since new nesting pairs continued to show up throughout the spring season with newer waves of paired geese landing weekly to scope out the neighborhood. Our island real estate is the most desirable to geese because it minimizes raids from raccoons and other mammals. There are other predators for geese and their eggs including hawks and eagles.

Egg oiling requires a permit from the Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) which we have obtained. Truesdale Estates Association has renewed its FWS RCGR (Resident Canada Goose Registration) permit #13757A and currently there are seven lake residents who are named on the permit and can serve as volunteers.

If you are interested in learning about this program — and adding your name to the list of federally approved volunteers — see below for contact info.

This is a FREE program for our lake. The only cost is the time given by the volunteers and the cost of the corn oil used for oiling.

The program on Truesdale Lake started in 2008 and has been very successful in controlling the population of resident Canadian Geese on the lake. The number of geese was in the hundreds in the early and mid-2000s and the oiling program has been successful in reducing these resident geese to close to zero recently. (We do get transitory geese all throughout the summer, but since they are not nesting they do not stay very long.)

As an example of what happens when we miss a nesting season: In 2019 the program did not have anyone oiling the eggs in time and the resident geese population shot back up into the 70-80 range — and possibly more. In 2020 we resumed the FWS program and there was only one resident family of Canada Geese on the lake for the summer. In the subsequent years 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 we have had at most one family of resident Canada Geese.

If you are interested in helping out, please contact us via email at lake@truesdalelake.com or via our Contact Form. The process is not too difficult and training is easy. We need to add your name to our FWS permit before you can be involved with the oiling program. There is no cost to join the program.

What is egg oiling?

Egg oiling is a long-term strategy that reduces the number of resident Canada Geese on Truesdale and other lakes through 1.) physical intervention and 2.) behavior changes.

Physical Intervention

The physical intervention is the actual oiling of the eggs after mating has occurred but before the eggs have developed embryos. In our lake this typically takes place in late March or early April and can be pinpointed by observing the mating ritual of the local geese couples and finding their island nests about a week later.

Oiling works best with a crew of two or three working together. One person finds the nests, one person keeps the geese away from the nest, and one person oils the eggs. It is possible to do this with one person if they bring along two umbrellas to shield the activity over the nests.

Oiled eggs are marked with sharpies to keep track of which ones have been treated. Records are kept for the number and location of the nests and the number of eggs in each nest as a requirement of permission from the Fish & Wildlife Service.

Behavior Change

The behavior change for the geese is the most important long term consequence of oiling the eggs.

We oil the eggs rather than simply break them because if the eggs are broken the goose simply lays more eggs. However, if the eggs are oiled, the development of the egg is stopped by preventing oxygen flow into the egg. This prevents the egg from hatching.

Since the geese do not know this, they sit on the eggs for the 5-6 weeks it takes for hatching. When the oiled eggs do not hatch, the geese view it as a “failed nesting.”

Resident Geese BAD — Migratory Geese GOOD

After a successful nesting which results in hatched eggs, the adult geese shed their flight feathers and take up residence with their new goslings on the lake for the entire summer and fall. We cannot chase them away.

This is NOT the outcome we want.

It is important to get all of the eggs and all nests oiled – or as many that are found. If there are enough goslings in a flock, even other members of the flock who may have had failed nestings will stick around and lose their flight feathers to support the new parents in the flock as “aunts” and “uncles.” This creates a large resident flock for the entire summer.

In a failed nesting with no goslings hatched, the adults keep their flight feathers, take off, and head further north for the summer. They do not have the time to lay more eggs and have the goslings fledge and fly before the end of the season. They are bachelors and bachelorettes.

This is the outcome we want.

These geese who fly away after a failed nesting also do not develop a preference for returning to Lake Truesdale next summer. They resume being Migratory Canada Geese (good) rather than Resident Canada Geese (bad).

Keeping the geese migratory means the problem is reduced both in the current year and in subsequent years.

Other geese will find and take up residence on Truesdale if we stop oiling the eggs, so we must keep up the program to head off more future residents.

We will also always have transient migratory geese — you can tell these geese since they are willing and able to fly away and visit other lakes since they do not have goslings to protect. They are not a long-term problem but they can be a nuisance periodically, especially on the beaches.

Oiling Results

In 2021, the crew of egg oilers oiled over 100 eggs between the three islands. This prevented the hatching of those eggs and has interrupted the resident behavior of those goose parents. The aim was to not have them return for the next year — and the resident geese numbers were way down from 2021 to 2023 numbering only 5-8 goslings down from over a hundred when the program was not undertaken. In 2024 we only had a small resident goose presence of one pair and one gosling.

To be successful, there has to be an initial oiling treatment and several follow up oiling treatments. Timing is the key to successful outcomes. In past years, new couples appeared and new nests were created after our first and second trips to the islands. Each island ultimately required 4-5 trips. Nesting season was done by early May (no new nests, no new eggs observed).

Summary: Egg oiling has made a huge difference in controlling the resident goose population on Lake Truesdale.

Anecdote: “When we first moved here in 1999, we would arrive home to 60-80 geese/goslings on our lawn. There was easily double or triple that number on the lake. Lawns were covered in goose droppings. The beaches were favorite spots for goose gatherings. I have photos (deep in the archive) that I can dig up in case you think I am egg-agerating.” –Rob Cummings

We have gotten it much more under control relative to those days — but we can always do better. Will you step up to help? We can always use more volunteers! Thanks everyone for your help and support.

Resources:

Permit requirements: https://epermits.fws.gov/eRCGR/geCOND.aspx

March 14, 2025
by rob
Comments Off on Drawdown Results Winter 2024-2025

Drawdown Results Winter 2024-2025

*February 1st 2025 – Truesdale lake drawdown showing exposed (frozen) mud and circular sunfish nests that are typically 2-3 feet underwater*

Here are the results of this season’s highly successful drawdown:

LAKE ICE IN ~ 12/22/24
LAKE ICE OUT ~ 3/14/25

Drawdown lake level BSD (below the spillway deck) occurred as follows:

3’ to 4’ BSD ~ 42 total days

24 hr sub-frz: 10 days
AM only sub-frz: 14 days

2’ to 3’ BSD ~ 44 total days

24 hr sub-frz: 27 days
AM only sub-frz: 12 days

Weed tuber death at the drawdown depths above occurred.

Lakebed compaction, desiccation and riparian owner cleanup occurred.

The two 12″ siphons stopped flowing before the deep freeze set in during December-February and the siphons froze up unable to be restarted. The 6″ siphon stayed flowing throughout the winter since it drew water from below the ice level.

During the freeze the inflow to the lake was minimal. Water level rose significantly during a late February rainstorm and lake level returned to board depth soon after that.

More detail:

11/14/24 All three siphons were flowing. Then various shut-downs occurred and restarts were initiated by P&LC.
12/8/24 Drawdown level all-time max of 44” BSD was reached for the first time. West 12” and 6” siphons continued flowing. (East 12” siphon restarted 12/13.)
12/16/24 East 12” siphon stopped flowing when lake reached drawdown level of 37” BSD. No restart needed.
12/26/24 West 12” siphon stopped flowing when lake level reached its max of 44” BSD for the second time. No restart needed. Only the 6” siphon continued flowing.
1/31/25 January drought month with only 1.2“ rainfall significantly helped the drawdown maintain 2’ to 3’ BSD while only the 6” siphon flowed.
2/28/24 February was a normal wet month with 3.1” SWE (snow water equivalent) but the 12” siphons could not be restarted – plugged by frozen water in the tubes. OK where drawdown is concerned, because it was so successful this season. (Lake rose quickly from 2/12 on.)
3/15/25 And on the Ides of March, the 6” siphon continues to flow with lake at summer level.

February 28, 2025
by rob
Comments Off on Avian Flu Update and Tracking Form

Avian Flu Update and Tracking Form

Truesdale Lake is a popular stop on the migratory bird pathway between the tropics and the northern summer breeding grounds of many waterfowl. Canada geese, common merganser, double crested cormorants, ruddy ducks, buffleheads, mallards, and many other transient visitors will be seen in the coming weeks visiting our waters, shorelines, and islands.

Unfortunately, avian flu (H5N1) has been affecting many bird populations including domesticated and wild birds.

There has been a recent case nearby where 60 chickens at Animal Nation (a pet and farm animal rescue facility in South Salem) that had to be euthanized because they tested positive for bird flu. This facility is around a mile from Truesdale Lake. https://patch.com/new-york/bedford/bird-flu-westchester-animal-facility-60-animals-died-euthanized

New York State wants to know if and when you find dead birds, including dead waterfowl.

They have produced a web form for reporting sick or dead birds in order to help track whether avian flu is spreading in NY. Here’s the link to the form: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/dee381c0ee8a4114a83dc1892fc0f7ed

This note is meant to be precautionary, not alarming.

NYS DEC has a webpage explaining precautions you should take around dead birds: https://dec.ny.gov/news/press-releases/2025/1/dec-launches-new-web-based-form-to-report-suspected-cases-of-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-in-wild-birds.

No human to human bird flu cases have been found to date. Let’s keep it that way.

There have been cases of wild bird to domestic cat spread – with pet cats unfortunately dying of the disease. During this migratory season it might be wise to keep your cats fully inside.

January 22, 2025
by rob
Comments Off on Sewer Survey for Lake Area Residents

Sewer Survey for Lake Area Residents

To all HOMEOWNERS around Truesdale Lake:

We need your help! We hope to find out how informed you are about the sewer project proposed for selected areas around Truesdale and the Three Lakes. We also want to know the best way to keep you informed. We especially hope that those of you who would be in the current sewer area will respond, although this email goes out to everyone on the TLPOA and other Truesdale distribution lists.

Please fill out this survey:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSchOM11igSA7ZBUGKIA4TqNJFhX-QaQPznywiTGcTwOQVUX7Q/viewform

As a reminder, if you want to know more about the sewer project, an easy way to find the documents is at https://www.Truesdalelake.com/sewer (QR code below)