Truesdale Lake  

South Salem, New York

September 28, 2023
by rob
1 Comment

Restoring Balance: The Imperative to Remove Phragmites from Freshwater Lake Shorelines

Introduction

Freshwater lakes are vital ecosystems that support a rich diversity of plant and animal life. However, the delicate balance of these ecosystems can be disrupted by invasive species like Phragmites australis, commonly known as common reed. While Phragmites may appear as a picturesque addition to lake shorelines, their unchecked growth can have detrimental effects on the environment, and water quality. This article delves into the reasons why the removal of Phragmites from freshwater lake shorelines is an essential step towards restoring and preserving these critical ecosystems.

  1. Invasive Nature of Phragmites
    Phragmites australis is a highly invasive perennial grass that originated in Eurasia but has rapidly spread. Its aggressive growth habit and ability to outcompete native vegetation make it a formidable threat to the ecological balance of freshwater lake shorelines. Phragmites forms dense monocultures that shade out native plants, reducing habitat diversity and disrupting the natural habitat of aquatic organisms.
  2. Impact on Biodiversity
    The unchecked expansion of Phragmites can lead to a decline in native plant and animal species. Many native plants provide essential food and habitat for insects, birds, a displacement by Phragmites can result in a cascading effect throughout the ecosystem.
  3. Altered Hydrology
    Phragmites stands can alter the hydrology of freshwater lake ecosystems. The dense growth of these plants can impede the natural flow of water along shorelines, leading to the formation of stagnant water pools and increasing the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall events. This alteration in water flow can also impact sediment deposition and nutrient cycling, further disrupting the ecological balance of the lake.
  4. Degraded Water Quality
    The negative impacts of Phragmites extend to water quality. The dense root systems of these plants stabilize sediment, leading to the accumulation of organic matter and nutrients in the water. This can result in decreased water clarity, increased turbidity, and heightened levels of nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen, which can fuel the growth of harmful algal blooms. Such blooms can produce toxins that threaten the health of aquatic life and render water supplies unsafe for human use.
  5. Restoration Efforts
    Recognizing the importance of preserving freshwater lake ecosystems, many communities have initiated efforts to remove Phragmites and restore native vegetation. These restoration projects often involve manual, mechanical, or chemical methods to control Phragmites growth, followed by the planting of native species to restore ecological balance. While these efforts can be challenging and require ongoing maintenance, successful restoration can lead to improved biodiversity, water quality, and recreational opportunities.

Conclusion

The removal of Phragmites from freshwater lake shorelines is not just a matter of aesthetics; it’s a crucial step in protecting and restoring these vital ecosystems. The invasive nature of Phragmites disrupts native habitats, impacts biodiversity, alters hydrology, degrades water quality, and causes recreational challenges.

August 1, 2023
by rob
Comments Off on Third Time’s a Charm? Moonlight Regatta August 26… A Blue Moon!

Third Time’s a Charm? Moonlight Regatta August 26… A Blue Moon!

August has two full moons – tonight (August 1) and August 30.

When there’s a second full moon in a month it’s called a Blue Moon.

The closest weekend night to the August 30 full moon is Saturday, August 26th.

Get ready to try a third time for our Moonlight Regatta!

Weather permitting as always… Hope to see you on the 26th!

July 22, 2023
by rob
Comments Off on Algae Treatment Monday July 24

Algae Treatment Monday July 24

On Monday, July 24th, our lake management company, Pond and Lake Connection, will be treating our lake with Cutrine (algae treatment). There is no swimming restriction. If you irrigate your lawn using lake water, we suggest waiting 24 hrs after treatment.

Pond & Lake Connection fanboat on Lake Truesdale.

July 19, 2023
by rob
Comments Off on CLEANING UP OUR LAKES: Septics & Sewers

CLEANING UP OUR LAKES: Septics & Sewers

In 2021, the Town of Lewisboro received a grant from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP) to perform engineering studies on three of our lakes—Waccabuc, Truesdale and Kitchawan—to assess the impacts of septic systems and identify potential solutions.  The studies confirmed what decades of lake sampling data and previous research had long suggested: septic pollution is the primary contributor to the lakes’ phosphorus load, and phosphorus is the primary agent accelerating our lakes’ eutrophication (the process by which lakes age and die).

Image: one of twelve pages of detail from the linked and downloadable PDF viewable below.

These three studies conducted by independent firms (Barton & Loguidice-WaccabucRamboll Engineering-TruesdaleWoodard & Curran-Kitchawan) went beyond diagnosis to research and recommend the most feasible and effective wastewater treatment solutions—a sewer system for the four lakes in the center of Lewisboro and enhanced septic treatment units for Lake Kitchawan further south.

Following the release of the three individual reports lake residents from all seven of the town’s lakes rallied together and formed the Lewisboro Lakes Coalition (LLC) to enlist the support of town, county and state elected officials in applying for funding to implement these proposed wastewater solutions.  Lewisboro’s lakes are eligible for funding as part of the Croton watershed, one of three reservoir systems providing drinking water to the 10 million residents of New York City. 

At the moment, New York City’s Department of Environmental Protection is particularly interested in cleaning up the Croton system’s water BEFORE it reaches down-county filtration and treatment facilities, so it is an opportune moment to act.

The offices of Chris Burdick (NY Assembly) and Pete Harckham (NY Senate) were instrumental, working with Sue Enos of the LLC and Jan Andersen of the Three Lakes Council (TLC), in securing a $3mm East of Hudson Watershed Corporation grant to engage the engineering firm of Woodard & Curran to lay out the recommended sewer and septic districts. Other key contributors to the unprecedented progress so far are: Tony Gonçalves, Lewisboro Town Supervisor, Erika Pierce, Westchester County Legislator, Millie Magraw, Westchester County Planning Dept Coordinator, and Tom Snow, NYC Watershed Coordinator, NYS DEC.

On June 8, 2023, Woodard & Curran issued their report:

https://www.lewisborogov.com/sites/default/files/fileattachments/community/page/20695/2023-06-08_lewisboro_sewer_and_septic_plan_memo_ss.pdf

A low-pressure sewer collection system and central wastewater treatment plant located at the Main Street town campus is proposed for densely populated communities around Truesdale Lake and the Three Lakes (Waccabuc, Oscaleta, and Rippowam) at an estimated cost of $40 million. The Town is currently applying for grants from New York State to cover these capital costs.

Since Lake Kitchawan is a substantial distance from these other four eastern lakes, connecting residences around this lake to a central sewage treatment plant would be prohibitively expensive.

The best solution for mitigating pollution in this lake is replace inadequate septic systems with “enhanced treatment systems” at a cost of $6.25 million. As this is a far less complex undertaking and funding is already allocated (if not awarded), it is likely that Kitchawan may be designated as the first phase in remediating septic pollution in our lakes.

The Town of Lewisboro continues to study alternatives for mitigating septic pollution in the remaining Lewisboro lakes — Lake Katonah and Timber Lake (The Colony) — which are in the Croton River basin to the west. In that effort, it has engaged Westchester County and NY State officials, as well as the NYC DEP. To determine the best solution for each of the lakes and explore funding opportunities, further research will need to be conducted.

The Lewisboro Lakes Coalition, representing all seven lakes, has formed a Community Outreach group to update residents on continued progress. Information will be available through individual lake associations, on lake association websites, and in other publications. The Community Outreach group will work closely with Tony Gonçalves, Lewisboro Town Supervisor, to keep everyone informed.

Here is the latest memo in PDF format. View or download it:

July 15, 2023
by rob
Comments Off on Two More Full Moons for Summer 2023

Two More Full Moons for Summer 2023

Summer Full Moon #1 of 3

The July 3 full moon was not really visible this summer.

The July full moon is typically known as “The Buck Moon” is also known as “The Thunder Moon.” It certainly lived up to that name this summer, as an alternately cloudy, rainy, and sunny humid day ended with a bang between 7-9pm with a pretty typical July thunderstorm. Plans for the July 3 Moonlight regatta sadly had to be shelved.

The good news is there are TWO MORE full moons this summer.

Summer Full Moon #2 of 3

The next one, August 1st (known as “The Sturgeon Moon,” “The Grain Moon,” or “The Red Moon”), happens on a Tuesday night. That’s not so great for the evening plans of many people. But the moon will be 7/8ths full on the Saturday night before then — July 29th!

Again — Weather Permitting — let’s meet for a second try at the 2023 moonlight regatta in the middle of the lake the evening of Saturday July 29th.

See the Moonlight page for details: truesdalelake.com/moonlight on what to do and what to expect.

Summer Full Moon #3 of 3

We mentioned there is another full moon this summer – and the third one is a special one.

Happening on August 30th, it will be the second full moon in the month of August. Since the Sturgeon Moon name is taken, there is a term for the second full moon of any month: The Blue Moon. (as in “Once in a Blue Moon”). Blue moons happen once every 2 1/2 – 3 years. And Summer Blue Moons are even more rare.

Since August 30th is a Wednesday (and a rather inconvenient time for an evening regatta) we can have a third try at the 2023 Truesdale “7/8ths blue moon regatta” on the Saturday evening before then – August 26th. The moon will be high in the sky – and hopefully visible with no clouds – by the time darkness falls.

More information

More details will be forthcoming – typically the August moonlight regattas get an earlier start than the June or July ones because the sun sets earlier.

  • Be ready to set sail at 8pm for the July 29th regatta.
  • Be ready by 7:30pm for the August 26th regatta.

Follow https://instagram.com/laketruesdale for any updates or breaking news.

See you on the lake!

June 6, 2023
by rob
Comments Off on Moonlight Regatta – July 3rd

Moonlight Regatta – July 3rd

Get yourself and your boat(s) ready for the first Truesdale Lake moonlight regatta of 2023. Date is July 3rd (the Buck Moon). Bring the kids. Bring the lights! Bring the cheer! https://truesdalelake.com/moonlight/

Sunset is at 8:30pm on Monday July 3rd. Civil twilight begins at 9:03pm. We recommend heading out on the lake between these times. Moonrise is 9:22pm and the moon will rise over trees on the east side of the lake 15-20 minutes after then — lighting up the water.

Prep your watercraft beforehand with lights and provisions.

BYO Truesdale Lake registered boat with a Truesdale Lake Sticker — or make arrangements ahead with someone who has one!

Remember to bring light source(s) to help navigate home.

Lighting decoration on boats encouraged – not too bright! Glow sticks, LEDs, lanterns, etc. if you have a dock, navigation lights are appreciated!

#moonlightregatta #truesdalelake #laketruesdale

May 16, 2023
by rob
Comments Off on Lake Treatment May 19, 2023

Lake Treatment May 19, 2023

Dear Neighbors, 

Pond and Lake Connection will be doing their first treatment on the lake Friday, May 19th. 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 Friday-Saturday.

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

May 4, 2023
by rob
Comments Off on Wastewater Study Update

Wastewater Study Update

This document provides a status report of the activities following engineering studies on three Lewisboro lakes as of April 30, 2023. Authored by Sue Enos, chair of the Lewisboro Lakes Coalition.  

Background

The Town of Lewisboro received a grant to perform engineering studies on three Lewisboro lakes, Kitchawan, Truesdale and Waccabuc, to assess the impacts of septic systems on the lakes and to identify potential solutions. Each of the lake reports indicated that septic systems were negatively affecting the lakes and assessed sewer and septic improvement options. The findings were presented to the Town in November 2021.

Following the release of the three individual reports, several Lewisboro residents proposed a central wastewater treatment system to serve the homes around five eastern Lewisboro lakes, two of which were not included in the original engineering studies. The Lewisboro Lakes Coalition, consisting of representatives from each of 7 lakes in Lewisboro, gained the support of Lewisboro, Westchester County, NY State and DEC officials to explore the feasibility and affordability of various solutions to mitigate septic pollution for this combination of lakes, with the eventual goal of including all the lakes in Lewisboro. A second goal was to obtain the required capital funding required through grants.

As part of a grant provided by Representative Burdick’s and Senator Harckham’s offices, the engineering firm of Woodard and Curran has been able to provide us with a review and summary of alternative treatment options for the Lewisboro lakes.  Currently, the report is still in draft form and should be completed and made public sometime in May.

Some initial conclusions of the summary include the following:

  • A wastewater treatment (sewage) system for all the lakes would have the maximum benefit of substantially reducing septic contamination, but it would have the maximum cost.  Therefore, a more affordable “hybrid” solution is being evaluated. This solution would incorporate three components; newly installed “enhanced treatment systems” where necessary, conventional septic system repair/ replacement where appropriate, and a wastewater treatment system servicing some of the more critical lake properties which are in close proximity to one another.
  • Since Lake Kitchawan is a substantial distance from the other 4 eastern lakes, connecting residences around this lake to a central sewage treatment plant would be prohibitively expensive.  The best solution for mitigating pollution in this lake may be to follow the recommendation of the 2021 engineering report (completed by Woodard and Curran) and replace many inadequate septic systems with “enhanced treatment systems.”  There is a probability of available funding to complete this project and this solution for Lake Kitchawan is less complicated than possible solutions for the other Lewisboro lakes. If adequate funding is awarded, Kitchawan may be designated as the first phase in remediating septic pollution in our lakes. 
  • Alternatives for mitigating septic pollution in the remaining Lewisboro lakes are being actively studied by Lewisboro, Westchester County, and NY State officials, as well as the DEC and Lewisboro residents.   There are many variables to be considered before deciding the best solution for each of the lakes.  For this reason, additional research is needed and applications to fund continued planning are being initiated this year.  It is hoped that proposals for the other lakes will be available soon.  Implementation of these plans will, however, take time and need to be completed in stages. 
  • A Community Outreach group of Lewisboro lake residents has been formed to update residents on the continued progress to find feasible and affordable solutions to mitigate septic pollution in all our lakes.  Information will be available through individual lake associations, on lake association websites and in other publications.  The Community Outreach group will work closely with Tony Gonçalves, Lewisboro Town Supervisor, to keep everyone informed.

We are grateful to have the continued support, guidance, and availability of these officials:

Tony Gonçalves, Lewisboro Town Supervisor; Chris Burdick, NY State Assembly Representative; Peter Harckham, NY State Senator; Erica Pierce, Westchester County Legislator; Millie Magraw, Westchester County Water Quality and Planning Dept Coordinator; and Tom Snow, NYC Watershed Coordinator, NYS DEC. 

Anthony Catalano and Ken Kohlbrenner, from the engineering firm of Woodard and Curran, have provided the vital planning work as well as a considerable amount of time and insights to this project.

The Lewisboro Lakes Coalition members who have currently been part of the “Working Group” with the officials listed above are; Janet Andersen, Tadeusz Rajwer, Jonathan Peters, Allison Settineri, John Gusmano, Sue Enos, Carol Sherwood, Susan Allport and Leah Graygor.  The entire “Working Group” has had monthly or bimonthly meetings since January 2023.

Lewisboro Lakes:

  • Eastern area: Lakes Kitchawan, Oscaleta, Rippowam, Truesdale, Waccabuc, and Whatmore
  • Western area: Lake Katonah and Timber Lake