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to:                 Members, honeoye valley association (HVA)

from:           Robert l. pierce jr., aquatic weeds harvesting program coordinator

subject:     2008 harvesting season report

date:            October 14, 2008

            The 2008 Aquatic Weed Management Program (AWMP) harvesting season showed a decrease from 2007 when comparing the amount of vegetation harvested.  The tonnage harvested was down 2 percent, from 777 tons (2007) to 762 tons (2008).  The harvesting season began on July 3 and extended into mid-September.  The total number of harvesting hours was less than 2007 due to major mechanical problems with both harvesters, leak in the dump truck fuel tank and weather related issues.

For the 2008 Season, our seasonal harvesting employee’s were Paul Chatt, John Miller and Randy DePew.   The AWMP is deeply grateful to the seasonal harvesting employees for their many contributions to the program during the harvesting year.

The 2008 Season

The first three weeks of harvesting showed vegetation a little lighter than previous years.  The total number of loads in 2008 was 254 but the weed growth was much less vigorous than in 2007.  The Ontario County harvester was used 11 weeks and the Canadice/Richmond harvester was used 8 weeks.  Only the county harvester was used in September due to two seasonal employee’s returning to their previous jobs.

Dominant Species- Overall the quantity of vegetation for the harvesting season was about average.  Water Stargrass was slightly heavier than in past years.  For the first time in several years Eurasian Milfoil beds were very heavy around South and North Forest View on the east side of the lake and from West Shore Cove south to the Inlet on the east side of the lake.  One of the heaviest areas for weeds in the past few years has been from California Ranch Point north to the Canadice-Richmond town line but this year the vegetation was much lighter.  North of the Canadice-Richmond line to Sandy Bottom was extremely light compared to past seasons.  Pickets Cove’s on the eastside had vegetation that was pretty heavy with Stargrass but much lighter from North Shore to Wendts Point.  Wendts Point south to the New York State Boat Launch was heavier than usual with Eurasian Milfoil and Elodea.  

For most of the harvesting season the water in Honeoye Lake was very clear.  Around Labor Day the first signs of an algal bloom started to appear but only lasted a couple of days.  Alum treatment of the Lake in the fall of 2006 may have helped limit the time and duration of the algal bloom.  On September 20 and 21, 2007 the final application of the alum treatment was completed which represented the 20% that was not applied in 2007.  Water clarity of the Lake may also have been favorably affected by the 2006 and 2007 alum applications. Other factors including weather may also have played a part in increased water clarity.

Equipment Problems- The AWMP experienced a total of 60 hours of down time for repairs for both harvesters and dump truck and 19 hours down time due to weather conditions. 

The following compares harvesting statistics for selected harvesting seasons. 

2008 JULY/SEPTEMBER

2007 JULY/SEPTEMBER

2006 JUNE/SEPTEMBER

2005 JULY/SEPTEMBER

 2004 JUNE/SEPTEMBER

  2003 JUNE/SEPTEMBER

 2002 JUNE/SEPTEMBER

Many Thanks

            As Program Coordinator for the past twenty-two years and on behalf of the staff of the Ontario County Planning Department, Aquatic Weed Management Program, we appreciate the thoughtfulness and consideration shared with us this past year-especially to the AWMP's three seasonal employees, thank you.  We are looking forward to the 2009 harvesting season and praying for a cold winter and thick ice. Please remember our doors are always open. Please feel free to contact us for constructive conversation on managing Honeoye Lake’s aquatic weed problem at 396-4489.  Thank you.  

Robert L. Pierce Jr.
Aquatic Plant Control Coordinator
20 Ontario Street
Canandaigua, NY 14424