Pictured is John Jablonski III, Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy Special Projects Coordinator.
John Jablonski III, Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy Special Projects Coordinator, presented a program entitled, “Re-Wilding Our Landscapes for Water Quality Protection,” at the New York State Federation of Lake Associations Central New York Regional Conference at Preble on Sept. 13. He presented information showing that lakes that have watersheds with 75% or more land in forest have high water quality and as lakes have increased percentages of watershed lands in agricultural and urban use above 25%, water quality and lake conditions decline. He noted typical suburban development patterns with turf and pavement as dominant land cover types are not compatible with healthy streams and lakes. Agricultural land use and suburban development are causing serious harmful algal blooms toxic to animals and humans not just in New York State but also in the Chesapeake Bay area, Florida, and across the country. To address this problem and improve lake water quality, he illustrated the two main ways the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy works to keep lands in a natural condition to protect stream and lake health. The Conservancy undertakes conservation of key sites essential to protecting water quality. To date, it has conserved 1,300 acres of land at 35 nature preserves. Its other major initiative is the LakeScapes Program, which is assisting over a 100 landowners each year to re-wild or naturalize their waterfronts, stream sides, and yards to help capture stormwater, filter pollutants, and provide vital native plant habitats for healthy waterways and ecosystems. For more information on land conservation or the LakeScapes program, visit www.chautauquawatershed.org. To learn if your land is eligible for conservation, or to schedule a presentation to your municipal board or community group on community and individual actions to reduce lake pollution, algal blooms and lake plant growth, contact the Conservancy at 716-664-2166 or e-mail them at info@chautauquawatershed.org.