Truesdale Lake  

South Salem, New York

June 25, 2025
by rob
Comments Off on Lewisboro’s Comprehensive/Master Plan Published August 12, 2024

Lewisboro’s Comprehensive/Master Plan Published August 12, 2024

From the Preface to the document:

The Town of Lewisboro’s Comprehensive Plan is a living document that outlines a vision for the community’s future.

It was created by the people, for the people who live and work in Lewisboro through a robust and inclusive public input process that began in the winter of 2021 and closed in the winter of 2024. Residents and stakeholders – through a variety of methods including online surveys, virtual workshops, and in-person workshops – provided both broad input and specific, targeted feedback on the draft vision statement, goals, objectives, and the final draft of the Comprehensive Plan itself.

The vision statement and supporting goals, objectives, and implementation opportunities presented in this Comprehensive Plan will serve as a roadmap that will guide the actions of Lewisboro’s Town Board and its agencies until the Plan is reviewed again. As per New York State Town Law, Lewisboro’s Zoning Code must also be in accordance with the goals and objectives laid out in the Comprehensive Plan.

In executing the public outreach and participation strategy and developing this Comprehensive Plan, Lewisboro’s Town Board and the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee worked with a team from Nelson Pope and Voorhis, a professional planning consultant. This working group agreed that, going forward, the Town Board should make an annual assessment of the Comprehensive Plan goals and objectives that have been accomplished and plans for those that still need to be implemented. The final chapter of this Comprehensive Plan contains an implementation matrix to guide this work, which outlines the goals and objectives, categorizing them as short, medium, long-term, or ongoing priorities. The Town Board should revisit the Comprehensive Plan in approximately ten years identify any changing conditions in the Town, including new technology and sustainability considerations.

In the pages that follow, residents and stakeholders will find a wide range of information that will answer the following questions:

  • Why do Towns undertake the Comprehensive Planning process and why is it important?
  • How did Lewisboro engage the public, gather input, and develop this Comprehensive Plan throughout the multi-year process?
  • What is Lewisboro’s aspirational vision for the next 10 years?
  • What are the broad, clearly defined goals and specific, actionable objectives that support this vision?
  • What is the vision for land use in Town and how will this guide preservation and future
    development?
  • How can the Town implement the goals and objectives over the next 10 years and
    beyond?

Each of these questions has been answered with thorough consideration of the needs and aspirations of Lewisboro’s residents and stakeholders, including local organizations, committees, and business owners.

final_comprehensive_master_plan_adoptedDownload

June 13, 2025
by rob
Comments Off on Fertilizer and the Lake

Fertilizer and the Lake

Fertilizer that contains phosphorus is prohibited in westchester county. This has been the law since 2009.

https://truesdalelake.com/2009/04/westchester-county-passes-phosphorus-fertilizer-ban/

No Phosphorus Fertilizer

If you use fertilizer you MUST choose one that has 0% phosphorus.

If you use any other fertilizer, you must keep it at least 20 feet away from the lake – otherwise you just end up fertilizing the lake weeds (no thank you! we pay tens of thousands of dollars a year to keep that stuff from getting out of hand!).

Note: Pet waste also contains phosphorus and should be cleaned up and disposed of in trash to keep it out of our lake’s water column. https://truesdalelake.com/2014/09/get-the-scoop-on-poop/

Below is a generic brochure about phosphorus fertilizers and the harm they can cause. Keep the phosphorus out of our lake – DON’T USE PHOSPHORUS BASED FERTILIZER!

And tell your lawn care company this as well if you don’t do it yourself. They should know it if they are licensed in Westchester — but they may not be aware if they are coming from Connecticut.

fertbrochure15Download

May 20, 2025
by rob
Comments Off on The Lake is Not A Pool

The Lake is Not A Pool

Lakes, Plants, Algae, and Wildlife

The first thing people say when they move to a lake is “It is so beautiful!”

Many times the second thing is (depending on the season) “Can we get rid of the weeds in the lake?”

The short answer is: No – It is a lake, not a pool. You should expect life — plant and animal — to thrive in a healthy ecosystem.

What happens when you get rid of all of the plants in a body of water? Other things start growing, primarily algae.

Why does this happen?

The plants grow by creating energy from sunlight by a process called photosynthesis. One of the byproducts of photosynthesis is oxygen. When the plant is in the water, this oxygen tends to stay in the water. That is good for fish since they breathe the oxygen through their gills. It is generally bad for algae (especially blue-green algae).

So when things are in balance, plants grow in the lake and algae growth is slowed by the presence of the plants (and eaten by the animals in the healthy lake).

But sometimes things get out of balance — the plants get too thick and weeds grow and interfere with residents enjoying the swimming, boating, and fishing on the lake.

What causes this? Nutrients (principally phosphorus and nitrogen) from the soil and surrounding houses. Sometimes it is fertilizer, sometimes it is a large storm that brings in grass clippings, leaf litter and soil. Sometimes it is a failing septic system.

So to help keep a balance for the lake life and the residents, we treat the lake with herbicide in the spring to get rid of some (but not all) of the weeds. The weeds get knocked to the bottom of the lake. If we overdid it on the herbicide or other factors combine (heat wave, drought, etc), algae growth can multiply.

Other factors include increased air and water temperatures leading to less dissolved oxygen – prime conditions for algae blooms. Less water circulation due to late summer mini-droughts can also be a factor (algae like still water). Usually it is a combination of factors making simple “just fix it” notions impossible.

Later in the summer we usually treat the lake with an algaecide to make the conditions less suitable for algae growth. By the time the algae cycle is over, it is usually near the end of the summer. The algae blooms are mitigated by the cooler nights and shorter days (less sunlight = less photosynthesis). Fall comes then plants and algae go dormant for the winter. In the spring the cycle starts again.

This is a very simplified view of life in the lake which considered only plant life. We also have amphibians (frogs, salamanders, newts), reptiles (turtles, snakes), birds (geese, heron, ducks, eagles, hawks, loons, a multitude of migratory birds, etc.), mammals (deer, muskrat, otter, fox, coyote, mice, voles, skunks, raccoons, weasels, mink, etc.), insects (too many to list), and of course fish (bass, perch, pike, etc.).

All of this can and does have an impact on the lake and the shoreline. And we can impact them. More on this in another article.

The key word is “Balance” – we need to avoid pushing too hard in any direction. And we need to be constantly vigilant and adapt as conditions change.

Bonus: Some tips on lawn maintenace for lake area homeowners

As homeowners, we can greatly impact the flow of nutrients into the lake by the type of shoreline we maintain. The ideal shoreline for protecting the lake has a shoreline buffer of plants to slow nutrient and water runoff into the lake. Most people would like access to the lake so you don’t usually see a complete vegetation buffer. But you can get the best of both worlds with a small access to the lake through the vegetation, oftentimes leading to a dock.

Minimizing the turf grass coverage of lakeside properties is also useful in many ways. To a Canadian Goose, a well manicured lawn is a tasty buffet. They find it irresistable. And with a clear path the the water they see little reason to leave and can stay for hours. Putting in a vegetation buffer at the water’s edge makes them fear for their escape route and they will not stay as long if they come ashore at all.

May 15, 2025
by rob
Comments Off on 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

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

Register Now

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
Comments Off on First Lake Treatment May 15, 2025

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
Comments Off on Spring 2025 TEA Beach Cleanup – May 17

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
Comments Off on Dam Committee Memo April 30, 2025

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 office traffic 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:
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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
Comments Off on TLPOA Sponsored Lake-Wide Tag Sale

TLPOA Sponsored Lake-Wide Tag Sale

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

Sign up today!

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.

Sign up today!

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]

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

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