Truesdale Lake  

South Salem, New York

July 16, 2009
by rob
Comments Off on Allied Lake Survey and Treatment Report July 13

Allied Lake Survey and Treatment Report July 13

Alkalinimg4a5f8d85a285dity: 100
DO (ppm): 12
Secchi (Visibility in ft.): 4
pH: 8.5
Temperature(oF): 76
Aquatic Vegetation Species noted: Potamogeton foliosus (Leafy Pondweed)
Algae Species noted: Filamentous Algae, Unicellular Algae
Treatments Conducted: Truesdale Lake was treated with copper sulfate for algae control. Water use restrictions were posted. The next scheduled treatment visit is July 27th.

Comments: Water column brown with unicellular algae. Trace amount of floating and benthic filamentous algae scattered along the shoreline. Small patch of dead and/or dying Leafy Pondweed at launch end of lake.

We asked Allied for some additional ‘layperson’ comments about the testing and Glenn Sullivan, president of Allied Biological, wrote:

“There are a few things of note on this survey, most relating to the algae. The DO (dissolved oxygen) is adequate for fish, but at 76 F, it is actually above saturation. That means at night the DO probably is less than desirable (it reverses at night as plants and algae respirate), and could influence fish or nutrient release. The secchi (clarity) is acceptable, but also less than desirable. Both of these reflect the presence of abundant algae in the water column, which is why the algaecide treatment was needed.

The survey notes the presence of one plant, and only in the south end of the lake. From a swimming perspective this is good, but ecologically it is not.

Any lake should support a diversity of plants in at least 20-30% of the lake area. Obviously, when a lake’s entire shoreline is developed, and the lake is shallow, plants become “weeds” and are often removed. That is the way the lake has always been managed. We have tried to encourage plants in areas where they might be acceptable (water greater than 6′), but that hasn’t been very successful. Unfortunately there isn’t a reliable method of introducing submersed aquatic plants to areas you want them.

(To view pictures of the plants surveyed, go to their website, www.alliedbiological.com and click on the Plant Identification tab)

Click here to download a pdf copy of treatment and survey report. Right-click (control-click on a Mac) and choose “save as…” if you want to save it to your computer.

June 17, 2009
by rob
Comments Off on Allied Lake Survey and Treatment Report June 15

Allied Lake Survey and Treatment Report June 15

img4a27e7d3a3ef2Alkalinity: 115
DO (ppm): 8
Secchi (Visibility in ft.): 8
pH: 8
Temperature(oF): 70
Aquatic Vegetation Species noted: Potamogeton foliosus (Leafy Pondweed)
Algae Species noted: Filamentous Algae
Treatments Conducted: A copper sulfate treatment was conducted on June 15th. Treatment notices were posted around the lake.

(To view pictures of the plants surveyed, go to their website, www.alliedbiological.com and click on the Plant Identification tab)

Comments: Leafy Pondweed showing clear signs of senescence at this time. There are no leaves attached to the decomposing
stems. Moderate to heavy filamentous algae growth on the decomposed plant material preventing plants from settling to
lake bottom. Sparse to heavy filamentous algae along most of the shoreline and in the north end from the island north
across the lake. The spillway is blocked, but there is very heavy inflow from the inlet stream.

Click here to download a pdf copy of treatment and survey report. Right-click (control-click on a Mac) and choose “save as…” if you want to save it to your computer.

June 3, 2009
by rob
Comments Off on Sunfish Fleet #27 – Summer Racing Schedule 2009

Sunfish Fleet #27 – Summer Racing Schedule 2009

TRUESDALE LAKE SUNFISH RACING SCHEDULE 2009
SUNFISH FLEET #27
img40849746e065f
OBJECTIVE
The prime objective of our racing series is to have fun and encourage us all to leave our lawn maintenance, desk work and other chores and spend some time out on our beautiful Truesdale Lake.

SCHEDULE
A summer Sunfish series of 20 races will be held, with 2 races each Sunday, the first beginning at 1:30 p.m. Practice & fun races will be held in June. The regular series on the 10 Sundays from June 28- August 30. (“President’s Cup special race on 9/6) Since we only count your best 10 races, you can win the series, and still miss 1/2 the races. If sufficient boats participate- two fleets will compete allowing beginners an easier learning experience otherwise beginners will also be given early starts and minimal rule enforcement.

SPECIAL EVENTS:
Summer Sailstice fun races & warm up Saturday June 20: 1:30pm; non-racers welcome
Sign up at http://www.summersailstice.com for a chance to win prices and/or buy T-shirts etc.
Full Moon regatta Sunday July 5, 8:45pm (all boats welcome – put a lantern on your dock)

TROPHY
The winner keeps the fleet trophy for a year.

SERIES RULES
Two official races will be run each Sunday. A race will be canceled if no boat finishes within one hour of the start. The winner of the series will be determined by adding up the scores for each boat’s best 10 races out of a possible 20. Ties will be broken by counting the number of firsts.

SCORING
1 point for starting (register with race committee),
1 point for finishing
1 point for each boat you beat, 1/2 point for first place finish
Results posted at: http://www.truesdalelake.com

RULES
“The Racing Rules of Sailing 2009-2012” and Sunfish Class rules apply.
See http://www.sailing.org/racingrules.php. If you want a good guide to racing rules, (I recommend “Understanding the racing Rules of Sailing 2009-2012) which is $21.45 on Amazon. It discusses most of the typical situations and uses illustrations to explain right away.

Summary of rules follows.

DEFINITIONS
STARBOARD is the right side of the boat when you are looking forward
PORT is the opposite side of starboard – the left side.
STARBOARD TACK is when the wind is coming over the starboard side & the boom is on the port side.
WINDWARD is the side the wind is coming from; LEEWARD is the other side

Primary RIGHT OF WAY rules:
“Starboard”: A boat on starboard tack has right of way over a boat on port tack.

When Changing Tacks such that you will get right of way, the other boat must be given room to get out of the way and is not required to anticipate your getting right of way.

“Windward keep clear”: When two boats are side by side on the same tack, the downwind (leeward) boat usu-ally has right of way unless it overtook the windward boat from completely behind it or is too close to a race buoy. The leeward boat can come up into the wind. This applies at the start and a windward boat may not “barge” between a leeward boat and the windward starting buoy. The leeward boat can force the barging boat to take the wrong side of the starting buoy.

“Mark room” (formerly buoy room)” Is a special rule that applies when sailing around any race buoy except the starting line buoys. There is a zone around each mark with a radius of 3 boat lengths. A boat enters the zone when it crosses into the zone. If two or more boats are overlapped when either boat’s bow gets within three boats lengths of a race buoy, the outside boat must keep clear of any overlapped inside boats. A boat establishing an in-side overlap after the lead boat is into the 3 boat length area, does not get any right of way rights and must keep clear. One exception to the buoy room rule is when boats are on opposite tacks and one boat has to tack (as op-posed to jibe) such as at the windward buoy; then the boat on starboard tack has right of way even within three boat lengths of the buoy.

Boats should avoid collisions. Rule 14 states: “ A boat shall avoid contact with another boat if reasonably possible. However, a right-of-way boat or one entitled to room or mark-room (a) need not act to avoid contact until it is clear that the other boat is not keeping clear or giving room or mark-room, and (b) shall not be penalized under this rule unless there is contact that causes damage or injury “– Communicate: shout your intentions or ask questions to avoid a crash.

Penalty Turns: if you foul another boat you must sail around in two complete circles (any size). If you hit a buoy you must make one circle (360 degrees). Turns should be done as soon as you are clear of other boats.

SAFETY Considerations:
Under NY law, one life jacket/person should be on board each boat and children under age 12 must wear them.
And as stated in the official racing rules:

Quote:

“1.2 Life-Saving Equipment and Personal Flotation Devices
A boat shall carry adequate life-saving equipment for all persons on board, including one item ready for immediate use, unless her class rules make some other provision. Each competitor is individually responsible for wearing a personal flotation device adequate for the conditions.”
“4 DECISION TO RACE
The responsibility for a boat’s decision to participate in a race or to continue racing is hers alone.”

Disclaimer of Liability:
Competitors participate in the sailing races or regatta entirely at their own risk. See “Decision to Race” above. The organizers of the races will not accept any liability for material damage or personal injury or death sustained in conjunction with, prior to, during, or after the races or regatta.

CREW: Adults may race with or without crew. Crews are highly recommended for children.

Need Parts? Check http://www.sunfishsailboats.com/, sailaction.com; http://www.laserperformance.com/main/ For hints, other races etc join the International Sunfish Association -248 673-2750, check http://sunfishclass.org/

The regular weekend racers would be happy to help you learn to sail or to help you learn the racing rules. We can often provide a spare boat for those who would like to try out racing or for those who have weekend guests who know how to race and want to join in.

If you have any questions, please call Mark Patek 763-8078, Jack Fles 763-3477, Ray Morse 763-5695

COME ON OUT AND HAVE SOME FUN!

June 1, 2009
by rob
Comments Off on Allied Treatment Report June 1

Allied Treatment Report June 1

img4a27e7d3a3ef2-1Alkalinity: 110
DO (ppm): 7
Secchi (Visibility in ft.): 8.5
pH: 7
Temperature(oF): 68
Aquatic Vegetation Species noted: Potamogeton crispus (Curlyleaf Pondweed), Potamogeton foliosus (Leafy Pondweed)
Algae Species noted: Filamentous Algae
Treatments Conducted: none
(To view pictures of the plants surveyed, go to their website, www.alliedbiological.com and click on the Plant Identification tab)

Comments: Curlyleaf pondweed was dying off, however, leafy pondweed was not yet showing signs of Sonar damage. Filamentous algae covered 50% of the surface in the southwest beach. After motoring over it, the algae was submerged and occupied less than 10% of the surface. Two FasTEST samples were taken, sample A from the north (outlet), Sample B from the southern end. The aeration system filter and four stones on each of the 3 diffusers were replaced, and the diffusers were repositioned in a straight line along the south rope.

 

May 28, 2009
by rob
Comments Off on Sunfish Spawning and Fish Deaths

Sunfish Spawning and Fish Deaths

Each spring at the lake edges you will see signs of Sunfish spawning. The sunfish create circular ‘nests’ by fanning away debris and exposing the rocks or sand below. They aggressively defend these nests from others in the water, including humans. If you have ever been wading in the water of Truesdale Lake and been rammed in the legs by a sunfish when you get too close to their nest you will know what I mean. They look small but you will be in for a surprise when they swim into your legs.

Another spring and early summer sight is dead sunfish along the bank. Based on information from the Connecticut DEP, we can say that this is a natural part of the sunfish life cycle, affecting the weaker fish during and after spawning.

from the story here:
Quote:

The state Department of Environmental Protection and the city said the problem appears to strictly involve sunfish, noting there are other fish, birds and turtles at the pond showing no ill effects. The DEP said that happens every year in New Britain and other parts of the state, to varying degrees, because it’s the spawning season for the species.

“The sunfish have a virus or bacteria when they spawn,” Parks and Recreation Commission Director Bill DeMaio said. “I’m told that they don’t eat properly and they become less healthy, just like human beings would be if you didn’t eat, and they pass the bacteria to each other.”

Fish deaths can also be caused in a number of other ways. Smaller fish can be chased into shallow water by larger predators and get stuck in weeds and unable to get free. Also, in warmer months, the oxygen levels of the lake go down as the water heats up. This causes the weaker fish to die off.

Truesdale Lake has tens of thousands of fish all different sizes. Our lake manager, Allied Biological, has said that dead fish are nothing to get alarmed about in small quantities (10+ on a typical waterfront) and are normal for lakes. However, if you notice dead fish in larger quantities (over 100) then there may be something else going on and please let us or Allied know.
 

 

May 17, 2009
by rob
Comments Off on Lewisboro Lakes Report and Presentation Available at this website

Lewisboro Lakes Report and Presentation Available at this website

The Lewisboro Lakes Report is available for download at this website by clicking on the Lewisboro Lakes link on the left hand side of this web page.

The materials available are the original report (from February 6, 2009) in its entirety as well as fact sheets for each of the seven lakes broken out. There is also the MS Access file available to download if you want to delve into the data.

The May 2009 presentation of the report to the Town Board and public is also available at the same link.

April 30, 2009
by rob
Comments Off on Westchester County Passes Phosphorus Fertilizer Ban

Westchester County Passes Phosphorus Fertilizer Ban

From LoHud.com / The Journal News:

Quote:

The Westchester County Board of Legislators last night unanimously approved a ban on phosphorus and added restrictions on lawn fertilizers as a way of improving the region’s water supply. The law basically regulates the use and sale of fertilizers…

…The aim is to reduce runoff of nitrogen and phosphorus into water bodies, such as the Hudson River and Long Island Sound, where they feed algae, which then blocks sunlight and consumes oxygen from the water that aquatic life needs to survive.

If you live in the lake watershed you should already be using phosphorus free fertilizer. Using phosphorus-based fertilizer contributes to weed and algae growth in our lake and also downstream. The soil in this region already has plenty of phosphorus.

There are other more environmentally sensitive fertilizers available at many local nurseries including Gossett Brothers on Route 35.

April 15, 2009
by rob
Comments Off on May 7th EcoLogic Lakes Report Presentation to Town Board

May 7th EcoLogic Lakes Report Presentation to Town Board

On May 7th, 2009 at 7:30pm the firm EcoLogic, LLC of Cazenovia, NY will present the Townwide Lake Study to the Town Board. The Town Board meeting for that evening is scheduled for 7:30PM at the Increase Miller School in Goldens Bridge. See the Town of Lewisboro website for more details and agenda.

History:

In August 2007, EcoLogic, LLC entered into an agreement with the Town of Lewisboro via the Lewisboro Lakes Committee to develop a planning document outlining management of the lakes and watershed areas within the Town.

The report will be available here when it is presented and accepted by the committee and the town (around 10Mb pdf file).

The zip file containing the MS Access database used for producing the charts, graphs, and analysis will also be available at the link above. (2.5Mb est zipped size)

Four specific objectives were cited:

  • Create a central repository of natural resource data, statistics, and testing data for each of the lakes in the Town;
  • Summarize each lake’s water quality and environmental concerns;
  • Recommend the most logical, environmentally sound, and cost-effective sequence of projects to improve and maintain water quality throughout the Town;
  • Synthesize and collate all the studies on each of the lakes.

Additional data gathering and evaluation tasks were included to meet the overall objectives. This document Town-Wide Comprehensive Lakes Management Plan – summarizes the water quality and aquatic habitat conditions of seven lakes in the Town of Lewisboro, and recommends measures for their protection and restoration.

Report Organization

The Town-wide Lakes Management Plan is organized in three sections. The first is composed of this introduction, a summary of the environmental settings of the lakes, followed by “Fact Sheets” for each lake. These fact sheets may be used as reference material for the lake associations. The second section discusses the water quality issues on a Town wide basis, identifies the pollutant(s) of concern and their source(s), and identifies reductions needed to meet restoration goals. The third and final section is a synthesis of management options and sets forth recommendations and priority actions for the Town of Lewisboro.

Plan published by EcoLogic, LLC of Cazenovia, NY.

February 24, 2009
by rob
Comments Off on Resolving Canada Geese workshops March 19 and 20 In Hudson Valley

Resolving Canada Geese workshops March 19 and 20 In Hudson Valley

We are passing on a letter from the New York State Federation of Lake Associations, of which Truesdale Lake is a member through both the TEA and the TLPOA.


Nancy J. Mueller, Manager
NYS Federation of Lake Associations, Inc.
P.O. Box 84
LaFayette, NY 13084

The Estuary Training Program would like to announce two upcoming workshops on Resolving Canada Geese Conflicts.

Thursday March 19, 2009, 1:00 to 4:30 pm
Teatown Lake Reservation, Ossining, NY (Westchester County)
Register here, copy and paste into your browser:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=4W5DuusmmilOwSueZH93NQ_3d_3d

Register here, copy and paste into your browser:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=4W5DuusmmilOwSueZH93NQ_3d_3d

Friday March 20, 2009, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Cornell Cooperative Extension
Agroforestry Resource Center
6055 Route 23, Acra, NY 12405
518-622-9820
Register here, copy and paste into your browser:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=0pGStCYJWGqnIB3KoZj25Q_3d_3d

Each workshop will cover Canada Geese behavior, effective geese management techniques, case studies from other communities, federal and state regulations, and where to find additional resources. Speakers include:
David Feld, GeesePeace, Inc.
Bryan Swift, Game Bird Unit NYSDEC Bureau of Wildlife
Stacy Pecor Preusser, USDA Wildlife Services

This workshop is for property, school grounds, recreational facility and park managers, golf courses, college and corporate campuses, lake associations, homeowner associations, cemeteries, public health managers, and the interested public.

The workshops will provide valuable information that will prepare participants for action this upcoming spring.

The workshops are identical, so those interested need only register for one. The workshops are free but registration is required. See links above. Please register by March 16.

Because geese do not recognize property boundaries and so will nest on one property and cause a nuisance on another, it is important for neighboring properties to be aware of management techniques. We encourage you to invite your neighboring property owners to this event. Please forward this announcement.

 

November 24, 2008
by rob
Comments Off on Town of Lewisboro Lakes Management Plan [Nearly Ready to be] Published

Town of Lewisboro Lakes Management Plan [Nearly Ready to be] Published

img492b0ece3a535In August 2007, EcoLogic, LLC entered into an agreement with the Town of Lewisboro via the Lewisboro Lakes Committee to develop a planning document outlining management of the lakes and watershed areas within the Town.

The report will be available here when it is presented and accepted by the committee and the town (around 10Mb pdf file).

The zip file containing the MS Access database used for producing the charts, graphs, and analysis will also be available here. (2.5Mb est zipped size).

Four specific objectives were cited:
• Create a central repository of natural resource data, statistics, and testing data for each of the lakes in the Town;
• Summarize each lake’s water quality and environmental concerns;
• Recommend the most logical, environmentally sound, and cost-effective sequence of projects to improve and maintain water quality throughout the Town;
• Synthesize and collate all the studies on each of the lakes.

Additional data gathering and evaluation tasks were included to meet the overall objectives. This document – Town-Wide Comprehensive Lakes Management Plan – summarizes the water quality and aquatic habitat conditions of seven lakes in the Town of Lewisboro, and recommends measures for their protection and restoration.

Report Organization

The Town-wide Lakes Management Plan is organized in three sections. The first is composed of this introduction, a summary of the environmental settings of the lakes, followed by “Fact Sheets” for each lake. These fact sheets may be used as reference material for the lake associations. The second section discusses the water quality issues on a Town wide basis, identifies the pollutant(s) of concern and their source(s), and identifies reductions needed to meet restoration goals. The third and final section is a synthesis of management options and sets forth recommendations and priority actions for the Town of Lewisboro.

Plan published by EcoLogic, LLC of Cazenovia, NY.