Truesdale Lake  

South Salem, New York

April 6, 2024
by rob
Comments Off on Goose Egg Oiling 2024 Update #1

Goose Egg Oiling 2024 Update #1

Canada Geese couple guard their nest on Pirate Island.
Canada Geese couple guard their nest on Pirate Island.

Truesdale Lake has obtained a Fish & Wildlife Service federal permit to addle and oil resident Canada Goose eggs. This program has been going in one form or another for over 15 years with a few interruptions. See article for more details.

We have seven residents who are designated on the permit for the program. If you are interested in helping, please contact us at lake@truesdalelake.com and reference the FWS Permit and the Resident Canada Goose egg program.

April 5th Survey and Actions Taken

Islands from North to South:

Waxwing Island (Northernmost Island in lake) Survey

  • WI-1 – One hidden nest (covered with leaves) of 3 eggs on center of east end the Island. Addled and oiled.

Ant Island (Middle Island, closest to TLPOA Beach)

  • AI-1 – One attended nest of 5 eggs on southeast corner. Addled and oiled.

Pirate Island (Southernmost Island, closest to TEA Beach)

Nest and action details: (numbered Pi# clockwise from landing spot in southeast of island and approximate compass location on island)

  • PI-1 – Northeast – 4 eggs cold – no action – nest abandoned by geese (check later in case nest is cleaned up and re-used)
  • PI-2 – North-northeast – 7 eggs, attended – oiled & addled
  • PI-3 – west – 5 eggs, attended – oiled & addled
  • PI-4 – Northwest inner part of island – 7 eggs, unattended but warm (swan eggs) – left these alone
  • PI-5 – Southwest – 6 eggs, attended – oiled & addled
  • PI-6 – Southeast – 9 eggs, attended by mallard 🦆 – left alone
Comparison of Swan egg to Canada Geese eggs (returned the Swan egg to proper nest)

March 18, 2024
by rob
Comments Off on Spring 2024 TEA Membership Meeting: Mon, April 15

Spring 2024 TEA Membership Meeting: Mon, April 15

SPRING 2024 Membership Meeting April 15th @ Horse & Hound

The TEA Annual Spring Membership Meeting is planned for Monday, April 15, 2024 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 FY2023-2024 Budget vs. Actual review
  • Proposed FY2024-2025 review and vote

➡ Beach Report / Lake Committee update

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

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

  • -need volunteers from membership and families who want them
  • -ihooks and fastening points

Beach cleanup weekend – Saturday May 18th – weekend before Memorial Day.

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

Moonlight Regatta – Full Moon Friday June 21 9:15pm 

  • Other full moons:
  • Sunday July 21 (Regatta Saturday Night July 20th)
  • Monday Aug 19 (Regatta Saturday Night Aug 17th) 

Kickoff Party – Second or third Saturday 6/8 Or 6/15? Kate and Sarah decide

Zelle – members payment – NEW direct electronic payment – live testing in 2024! 

Notes for TEA Board / Officer Membership

The TEA Officer roles are two year terms. At the end of 2024 the terms will end and we need to get ideas on who wants to fill the roles for the next 2 year (2025-2026) term.

Board members cannot be in the same role for two consecutive terms.

WE NEED SOME NEW BOARD MEMBERS! a lot of the same people are taking 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 2023-24 (through end of 2024):

President (Jo Ann and George Ferrigno, co-presidents) – organizes & runs meetings, in charge of recruiting next president and officers. Can sign checks.

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

Treasurer (Ruth Vellensky) – 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 (Rob Cummings) – Receives and replies to association correspondence.

Sergeant-at-Arms (Kate Grieve) – 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, Harron Appleman, Melissa Scarlatto, Tom Houlihan, Ira Sanchick, Kathleen Ward Gallagher, Carol Gamez, and Wendy Daniels.

Sarah Polizzotto also on the board and took over as beach co-chairperson with Kate Grieve. Thank you Kate and Sarah!

Standing Association Meetings are on the following UPDATED schedule:
-TEA Membership Meetings (entire membership invited 2x/year):
SECOND Monday of April (April 14, 2025, Spring Membership Meeting)
—SECOND Monday of November (Nov 11, 2024, Fall Membership Meeting, the one coming up)
-TEA Board Meetings (board members only):
—SECOND Monday of March (March 10, 2025)
—SECOND Monday of October (Oct 14, 2024)
Special Meetings can be called for association business.

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

Beach Chairperson – Hire and train lifeguards, 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 2022 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 2024 we are looking to replace or repair the following items at the beach:

  • Boat Launch Dock, bridge, and path
  • Storage Shed / electric

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: http://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 2024 – SUMMARY OF ITEMS OF INTEREST

Drawdown 2023-24

Phragmites Treatment Fall 2023

  • -First time targeting these invasive
  • -Sprayed directly on Oct 4, 2023
  • -Individual homeowners should cut down stalks and remove seeds (burn if possible, but definitely bag and remove-don’t compost!) and add vinegar or topical herbicide to kill the roots of the phragmites.
  • -This is a multi-year program. One treatment will not eliminate these extremely hardy plants.
  • https://truesdalelake.com/2023/09/restoring-balance-the-imperative-to-remove-phragmites-from-freshwater-lake-shorelines/
  • UPDATE: will consult P&LC (lake managers) to see what they thought about the application and next steps.
  • Lack of ice and failed drawdown over winter limited easy access to phragmites for cutting back.

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 from County) 

Septic Tank Cleaning Program (PRESENT DAY)

  • -Westchester County requires pumping every 5 years (?)
  • -Lake areas recommended every 2-3 years
  • -County has database of clean outs and maintenance – septic providers are required to report these to county when a cleaning or maintenance is done.
  • -Can see who is either not reporting their clean outs or who is not doing clean outs
  • -Publicity signs and mailing for lake area
  • -Special attention to those homeowners without a pump out on record for more than 5 years.
  • -Info to be posted to truesdalelake.com site soon.
  • -UPDATE: Info to be posted to truesdalelake.com site when we get it

Beach improvements

  • -Step repair – Thanks Mike!!
  • -Dock rebuilding – Corey (who did the step repair) will get us price. (UPDATE: Not received yet)
  • Phragmites cut down. TEA landscaper did the south side of beach 4-5 years ago. Need to do for next to plunge pond/Boat Launch area.
  • Shed replacement
  • -Electric meter move (since electric meter is on shed)
  • UPDATE: Who is spearheading this in TEA? 
    • Howard – assistant contractor & Ruth – general contractor

Dam Study – TLPOA

  • -Cost $11,175
  • -TLPOA is asking us to pay our “regular” share of it (34%) by household count
  • -$3,799.50 our share if we vote to contribute (recommend – present to membership Fall)
  • UPDATE: TEA did not vote to approve this expense at our FALL 2023 Membership Meeting. TLPOA went ahead with study. Result TBD 

Helps with eligibility for large construction grants (state, federal, etc.)

March 10, 2024
by rob
Comments Off on Canada Geese Control Efforts for 2024

Canada Geese Control Efforts for 2024

We will resume actively oiling goose eggs on the three big islands of Lake Truesdale in the upcoming weeks of spring 2024.

[UPDATE 1 here for 2024]

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 (2023) we found ten different nests between the three islands and 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.

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.

Nest of six Canada Goose eggs with mama goose in background on Pirate Island on April 14, 2023.

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, and 2023 we have had at most one family of 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 has 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.

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.

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

February 15, 2024
by rob
Comments Off on Truesdale Dam Overtopping Events Since 1999

Truesdale Dam Overtopping Events Since 1999

“Auxiliary Spillway” events at the Truesdale Lake Dam

This is documentation of the five heavy rainfall over-topping events of our dam to inject into the Truesdale Lake website if you wish. I’ve copied Janet as well because her reports are a part of the observations. Hurricane FLOYD occurred before she and I started reporting precipitation totals on CoCoRaHS. If you find your 1999 photo album, please add FLOYD photos when you put this on the website. Note that our “auxiliary spillway” is placed in quotes because of its usage rather than its proper design. (Compiled by Scot Evans, Feb 2024)

Ida Dam Overtopping

Over-topping of the dam — with water flowing over the road’s lowest elevation at the western third of the dam, which serves as our unauthorized and improperly designed “auxiliary spillway” — has occurred five times in the last twenty four years. 

  • 1st event occurred 9/17/99 measured 13″ (NYC & Westchester) to 17” (Danbury) rain over 24 hours. (HURRICANE FLOYD plus aftereffects of Hurricane Dennis dissipation a week before) (no close local measurements, rainfall reports varied from 10″-17″ depending on the town/city)
  • 2nd event occurred 8/28/11 with 5.94” rain over 27 hours. (HURRICANE IRENE)
  • 3rd event occurred 9/2/21 with 5.55” rain over 21 hours. (HURRICANE IDA)
  • 4th event occurred 9/30/23 with 5.79” rain over two spans of 58 hours and 37 hours. (HURRICANE OPHELIA and its remnants)
  • 5th event occurred 1/10/24 with 4.12” rain over 18 hours with ground saturation and flooding exacerbated by a rapidly melted two-inch thick ice- and snow-pack. (Unnamed storm)

The operating siphons (two 12” & one 6”) prevented water from overtopping or from extensive flow over the road on two occasions. They also served to reduce the high volume impoundment along the south embankment. The specifics of these events (most recent is listed first) with precipitation reports inserted (which are used by the NWS and NOAA), as well as three photos at the end, are as follows:

4.12” rain over an 18-hour all-rain event from 1/9 at 1155 EST to 1/10 at 0545 EST. Strong south wind-driven heavy rain behind the warm front on the east side of massive steep-gradient Low Pressure Cell with widespread flooding. Rainfall occurred over a 2” snowpack causing widespread flooding as snowpack and frozen ground quickly melted. Cold front passage occurred at 0400 EST. Lake level rose 33 inches and briefly flowed over the road’s low point on the western third of the dam. 

  • 1/10/2024 FIFTH over-topping of the dam:

             Local map showing four precipitation reports for this storm. 

Textual precipitation report for Truesdale Lake Station NY-WC-22 South Salem 0.8 N.

Note: The drawdown siphon status changed as the support rack collapsed and the west 12” siphon broke at the fill-Tee, separating upstream of the down tube junction. But, this is the second time this drawdown season that the siphons proved to be beneficial in protecting the dam from excessive water pressure impoundment and extensive auxiliary spillway overtopping.

  • 9/30/2023 FOURTH over-topping of the dam:

Tropical Storm OPHELIA stalled between 9/23 to 9/26 and delivered 1.44” rain over 58 hours, causing ground saturation before its remnants from 9/28 to 9/30 dumped an additional 4.35” rain over 37 hours. This quickly raised the lake level two feet above the summer weir boards and over the road at the dam. The combined total for both storms related to the week-long duration of Tropical Storm Ophelia & remnants was 5.79” rain.

              Local map showing four precipitation reports for this storm. 

  • 9/2/2021 THIRD over-topping of the dam:

9/1/21 Tropical depression IDA rain began 0530 EDT. Intermittent heavy to deluging rain resumed 1740 to 0220 EDT. Total rainfall for this 21-hour storm was 5.55 inches. Lake level rose rapidly and began flowing heavily over the secondary spillway for one day, submerging the lake walls and overtopping lawns. This storm set another rainfall record in NYC’s Central Park at 3.15” in one hour between 2051 and 2151 EDT. See https://truesdalelake.com/2021/09/hurricane-ida-post-storm-report/

  • 8/28/2011 SECOND over-topping of the dam:

Hurricane IRENE struck 8/27/2011 and rain began at 10 am and dumped 5.07” by 8/28 at 7 am, and an additional 0.87” with rain ending at 1 pm. Total storm duration was 27 hours delivering 5.94” rainfall. Water flowed over the dam’s low point of the road in the western third of the embankment for two days.

Janet Andersen is the President of The Three-Lakes Council and the Twin Lakes Village Station Keeper for NY-WC-6 South Salem 2.1 NW reporting the 5.94″ rainfall total for Hurricane IRENE.

  • 9/17/1999 FIRST over-topping of the dam:

Hurricane FLOYD struck this area 9/17/1999 and was a 100-year event, meaning a 1% chance of a flood or storm like this happening in any year. The heaviest rainfall occurred in our area ranging from 8 to 12 inches with peak wind gusts of 54 MPH at Stewart International Airport, and worsened by a pressure gradient between the extreme low pressure center of the storm over us (980 mb) and the high pressure cell over the Ohio Valley. Lake residents were afraid that the road over our dam would wash out as water flowed over the entire western two-thirds of the dam for about two days.

The hurricane’s track with color-coded dots indicating downgrades of intensity:

The satellite vapor loop showing the extremely water-laden concentration approaching our area.

This section of road over a dam in nearby Briarcliff Manor was washed out by FLOYD.

(photo above taken 9/19 by photographer Michael Raphael)

Rainfall accumulation showing records set in North Carolina and again intensifying over NYC, Westchester, and Fairfield Counties (click to enlarge). (News account with local rainfall totals noted)

Photos of lake level when water was flowing over the top of the dam’s lowest elevation (western third):

All lake walls were submerged (see two clay planters and attached dock ramp above) and …

… lawns were submerged up to chairs and tree bases.

The swollen Boway Stream – the main inflow from Pumping Station Swamp beneath Ridgefield’s “West Mountain.”

Notable exceptions: On 12/18/23, an unnamed storm delivered 4.12” rain total over 24 hours and caused the lake to rise up to the top of the dam and produced a puddle at the road’s lowest point but did not flow over the road. This strong coastal low from FL combined with trough from the west and delivered 3.65” rain on 12/17, rain began 1400 EST + .47” rain on 12/18, rain ended 1400 EST. Lake rose (in a 9:1 ratio over a saturated watershed with siphons flowing and the 6” siphon completely submerged) from 17” BSR (below spillway ramp) to 20” ASR (above spillway ramp) — a total of 37” rise after 4.12” rainfall. This was the first event this winter season where the three operating siphons proved to be beneficial in protecting the dam from excessive water pressure impoundment and secondary spillway overtopping.

Three big storms didn’t reach the top of the dam: 7/16/23 A strong low pressure cell dumped 4.17”rain over 13 hours from 0120 to 1420 EDT. Lake level rose to within 12” of top of the dam. A five-day storm from 4/28 – 5/2/23 total rainfall of 4.37″ caused lake level to rise to within 7” of top of the dam. 9/5/2022 the first drought-busting atmospheric river dumped 5.38” rain and our report was cited as the NYS record that day by Sam Champion on ABC News. The dry land of the watershed soaked up much of it, so overtopping of the dam did not occur. 

Scot Evans, Siphon Monitor, Weather Observer & Station Keeper for Truesdale Lake’s NY-WC-22 South Salem 0.8 N

February 1, 2024
by rob
2 Comments

Notice of Consent 2024 – Annual Notice Sent to Riparian Homeowners

These annual notices were sent via email to all association homeowners as required by New York State law. They are a continuation of our annual lake management program, including treatment, dating back over 50 years undertaken when we engaged Pond & Lake Connection as our new lake manager.

Date of Notice: 24 Jan 2024

Dear Riparian Property Owner:

To control the excessive growth of various aquatic weeds, at Truesdale Lake, The Pond Connection proposes to conduct an application of the aquatic herbicide/algaecide Cutrine Ultra, Green Clean Pro and Nautique.  A copy of these labels can be found at http://www.thepondconnection.com.  We anticipate the treatment to occur throughout the summer, only when necessary and will proceed only after the riparian owners obtains a permit for the treatment from the NYSDEC. 

This pesticide application will only occur if sufficient aquatic vegetation is present to warrant treatment and under favorable weather conditions. Prior notification of the exact dates of treatment can be provided by contacting The Pond Connection as listed below.

As an affected riparian owner/user, you have the right to consent or object to the restrictions of water use resulting from the proposed treatment. The water use restrictions associated with use of the above pesticides are below:

  • Swimming and bathing are prohibited for: No Restrictions
  • Fishing and/or fish consumption is prohibited for: No Restrictions
  • Livestock watering is prohibited for: No Restrictions
  • Irrigation or spraying of agricultural crops is prohibited for: No Restrictions
  • Use of water for human consumption is prohibited till: Cutrine Ultra/Nautique: 200ppb, Green Clean: 50ppb Use of water for domestic purposes is prohibited till: Cutrine Ultra/Nautique: 200ppb, Green Clean: 50ppb,

Human consumption and domestic purposes restriction refers to the water body being used as your primary and sole use of water for drinking and culinary purpose.  Potable water use is not incidental contact with the water such as swallowing a mouthful of water while swimming.

You have twenty-one (21) days to respond to this notice. If you wish to object to the proposed treatment(s), please file a written document stating your objection to the proposed treatment and the water use restrictions resulting from the treatment.

Send your comments to the Bureau of Pesticide Management listed below:

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Region 3
Bureau of Pesticide Management
21 South Putt Corners Rd, New Paltz, NY 12561

If you wish further information about the treatment, or wish information on the exact dates of the pesticide application, please contact the following person:

  • The Pond and Lake Connection, 1112 Federal Road, Brookfield, CT 
  • Name of Contact Person: James Gorman
  • Telephone Number: 845-798-9383  Email: james@thepondandlake.com

If you do not respond to this notice, your lack of response will be considered consent to the proposed treatment. If you have any questions on the permitting process, please contact the Department representative listed above.

Pond & Lake Connection fanboat on Lake Truesdale.

January 6, 2024
by rob
Comments Off on Lake New Year’s Resolutions 2024

Lake New Year’s Resolutions 2024

Some Lake Stewardship Resolutions for the new year:

  1. I will join and volunteer with my lake association and make my voice heard and my energy felt during this coming year.
  2. If I do work on my house or property I will get proper wetlands permits, building permits, and other needed permits for the safety of my family and the health of the lake.
  3. I will get my septic tank pumped and inspected. If the tank baffles are missing or damaged, I’ll have them replaced. (Wind River, formerly Kaiser-Battistone offers 15% discount for lake area residents – but you have to tell them about the discount!) Regular septic pumping and maintenance is prudent for homeowners and for the lake health.
  4. I will “overseed” my lawn rather than spread fertilizer or pesticides. I’ll tell my lawn service – or myself – to cut my grass high and leave the clippings on the lawn. If I think fertilizer is needed, I’ll use phosphate-free fertilizer since it’s the law. I will also tell my lawn care company that it is illegal in Westchester County to use phosphate based fertilizer unless extensive testing has been done on the soil – and even then only on a limited basis and never within 20 feet of the lake.
  5. If I live on the lake, I’ll plant a “buffer” of native plants to slow the flow of rainwater or stormwater (and the pollutants and nutrients it carries) into the lake. (More info from Penn State.) I’ll also pull up some invasive plants and plant some native ones.
  6. I’ll pick up after my pets — and for the love of all that’s neighborly — I will throw their poop into MY OWN trash.
  7. This year I’ll make sure no oil or gas from my mower or car spills on the ground or into the lake.
  8. If I take coolers, sand toys, or other beach or boat items to another waterbody, I’ll make sure that they are free of weeds and shells before bringing them back here so I don’t transport invasive plants and animals.
  9. If I visit the association beaches and boat launch properties, I will leave them in better condition than when I arrived. That includes putting all beach toys away and removing trash.
  10. If I fish on the lake, I will clean up my fishing tackle, monofilament, and any hooks that get snared. I will get my Truesdale Resident Fishing Tag and display it when I fish on the lake. I will not fish in areas where fishing is prohibited (all beaches and the dam/spillway near the siphons). I will not leave fishing equipment, debris, or garbage around or in the lake. It does not disappear and it kills birds, turtles, and other wildlife.
  11. If I haven’t done so already, this is the year I’ll take a safe boating course.
  12. I will make sure my Truesdale Lake boat sticker is still affixed to all of my boats. If any have come off I will replace them. If I have new or unregistered boats I will register them and get a sticker. This applies for boats stored on private lakefronts as well as the boat launch properties.
  13. For when the lake is frozen if I have a ladder I will keep it close by the lake in case an ice rescue is needed.
  14. I’ll start or use a compost pile (away from the lake shore, wet areas, or streams).
  15. If it’s icy, I’ll minimize my use of salt by using kitty litter or sand where I can.
  16. I’ll learn more about my lake’s history, health, plants, and animals this year.
  17. I will send photos I take around the lake to us here (lake@truesdalelake.com) or tag them #truesdalelake on our Instagram page so everyone can enjoy!
  18. I will try out sailing in the Truesdale Sunfish Fleet #27 this spring and summer. (Sunfish are available to borrow from lake residents if you’d like to give it a try – contact us ahead of the Sunday races and we can figure it out.)

Happy 2024 to all!

Thanks to Janet Andersen and others for these timely resolutions, add yours below in the comments.

December 13, 2023
by rob
Comments Off on 2023 Lake Drawdown Update #3

2023 Lake Drawdown Update #3

We received 1.66 inches of rain during the Sunday through Monday morning storm (Dec 10-11). 

As expected, the lake rose 9 inches from that storm with all three siphons flowing well. 

Today, Tuesday 12 DEC, the lake level is 12.5 inches below the spillway ramp.

Here is the gauge with one foot of exposed lakebed in the background.

I raked weeds and leaves and swept the spillway ramp. 

This is what one foot below the spillway ramp looks like.

While I was there, landscaper Victor Flores and his crew were clearing brush from both embankments of the dam.

They finished at 10 am and went over to the boatyard to work on it.

I unsealed the control tower hatch and opened the lid for inspection.

Here is the control tower with the shaved north embankment looking east.

I’ll be here at the lake until 1:30 and available on my cell after that, should the inspectors have any questions I can answer.

-Scot

December 2, 2023
by rob
Comments Off on 2023 Lake Drawdown Update #2

2023 Lake Drawdown Update #2

Today, December 2nd, the lake level is 15 inches (1.25 feet) below the spillway ramp:

2 NOV: The siphons were installed and started on schedule, but problems were quickly evident when they all shut down – remaining dormant for two weeks while repairs could take place.

13 NOV: The west 12″ siphon was repaired and restarted. It was flowing well. The lake level was 3″ above the spillway ramp.

17 NOV: The center 12″ siphon was lengthened and restarted. The two 12″ siphons were flowing well. The lake level was at the spillway ramp, so drawdown officially began on this date. 

21 NOV: Received 1.41 inches of rain – the first appreciable rain in three dry weeks with only 0.53″ of rain. The lake level was 7″ below the spillway ramp.

26 NOV: Received 1.24 inches of rain. The lake level was 9″ below the spillway ramp.

27 NOV: The east 6″ siphon was repaired and restarted. All three siphons were flowing well. If this siphon shuts down early, it too will need to be lengthened so the discharge elbow rests on the lakebed in order to provide the maximum vertical distance and pressure differential.

30 NOV: All siphons were flowing. The total rainfall for November was 3.20 inches. This is below average. (The 30-year PRISM average for November is 3.90 inches.) 

Rainfall averages during drawdown months:

November 29, 2023
by rob
Comments Off on 2023 Lake Drawdown Update #1

2023 Lake Drawdown Update #1

From Scot Evans:

Lucille Munz took my hand-drawn siphon design and converted it to AutoCAD. The design and the changes made are attached here as a pdf. 

James Gorman made many of these changes without having the new diagram and he has made several field modifications, which are currently working. So, I added “Notes” in paragraphs 4. and 5. in the upper left frame to accommodate the modifications made by James. See Notes wording I used “… at P&LC discretion.”

James extended the horizontal segments and built an ingenious support frame while turning the intake segments downward at 90° and this is working so far. 

He also extended the discharge segment to the center 12” siphon as requested and he may extend the east side 6” siphon if it shuts down early. (Extension down to the river bed increases the vertical elevation differential between the intake port and the discharge base.)

All three siphons are now flowing and the lake level is 10 inches below the spillway ramp.  I’ll send out another drawdown report to the Boards on DEC 1st. 

Thank you Lucille and James for all of these progressive improvements!

[For more information about the lake drawdown, check the Lake Drawdown page]