Schumer Announces Army Corps To Conduct First Site Visit To Investigate Growing Invasive Weed Problem In Chautauqua Lake

Press Release

Schumer Announces Army Corps To Conduct First Site Visit To Investigate Growing Invasive Weed Problem In Chautauqua Lake

Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that representatives from the Army Corps Engineers will visit the Chautauqua Lake area on May 21 to see first hand the damage caused by the rapid spread of the Eurasian Milfoil. In February, Schumer called on the United States Army Corps of Engineers to immediately step in to counteract the rapid growth of invasive weeds in Chautauqua Lake. The invasive weeds, known as Eurasian Milfoil, are taking over the lake and wreaking havoc for local boaters, residents, and tourists who can no longer navigate the lake without encountering the odorous weeds.

"This is very good news for all of us who fear the weeds are devastating the lake," Schumer said. "The milfoil must be rooted out before more irreparable damage is done. Chautauqua Lake is the gem of Chautauqua and we need to be doing everything we can to keep it clean, safe, and beautiful. I appreciate the Army Corps positive response to my request and look forward to working with them to address and solve this very serous problem."

Representatives will meet at Chautauqua Lake on May 21. The initial meeting with Corps staff is now scheduled to begin at 9:00AM at the Chautauqua Lake Association's Office. The details of the two day visit have yet to be worked out.

On February 13, Schumer sent a personal letter to Lieutenant General Carl A. Strock, Commander and Chief of the Army Corps on the Army Corps asking him to immediately step in to assist state, local, and community efforts to eradicate the weeds.

The rise of the Milfoil, which has spread exponentially in the Southern Basin of the lake, has led to concerns over human and aquatic health, noxious odors, unsightly tangles of weeds on shore, and clogged unnavigable waterways for recreational boaters. This invasive species of plant has placed an enormous hardship on local governments, which have organized the Chautauqua Lake Management Commission that for the first time establishes a unified lake management program to tackle the problem. Homeowners are also worried about property values as the Milfoil has become unsightly and emit a foul odor.

Schumer said that Chautauqua Lake is at the heart of Chautauqua County's economy and quality of life. The lake is linked to half of the county's yearly tourist spending and over a quarter of its assessed property value.

Invasive species are non-native plants, animals, insects or other organisms that can cause harm to the environment, farm land, crops, bodies of water, and even human health. Invasive species are a form of biological pollution and are recognized as one of the leading threats to biodiversity in Upstate New York. Invasive species attack all aspects of Upstate New York's agricultural and environmental sectors and have been around since the beginning of international commerce.

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