to:                 Members, honeoye valley association (HVA)

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

subject:     2004 harvesting season report

date:            December 31, 2004

 

            The 2004 Aquatic Weed Management Program (AWMP) harvesting season showed a 23.7% increase over 2003 when comparing the amount of vegetation harvested.  The tonnage harvested was up from 378 tons (2003) to 468 tons (2004). The harvesting season began the end of June and extended into the middle of September.  The total number of harvesting hours was less this year due to no overtime.

For the 2004 Season, AWMP hired a new seasonal harvesting employee, Paul Chatt to replace John Miller.  Randy DePew, a 17-year harvester veteran trained Paul for two to three weeks.  The AWMP thanks John Miller, seasonal harvesting employee (1993 to 2003), for his many contributions to the program during his tenure.

The 2004 Season

Vegetation was heavier during the first half of the summer despite relatively cool temperatures.

Dominant Species- The most prevalent species of vegetation were Elodea and Eel grass.  Eurasian Milfoil, which is usually the most abundant species on Honeoye Lake, was more prevalent than in 2003 but was not the dominating species.  Water Stargrass has become extremely thick in some areas of the lake.  In the more shallow areas, it could become a real nuisance. 

The Northshore/Mountain View section of the lake experienced very light vegetation near the shore; only further out into the lake was any significant vegetation observed.

Around the first of August an algal bloom appeared and remained in most parts of the lake for the remainder of the summer.  This appeared to limit re-growth in areas that had been previously harvested.

Densest Growth-The most dense weed growth was south of the Marina on the east side of the lake.  The program harvested about 25 loads from a small area.

 There is a strong relationship between weed growth and climate.  In years when Honeoye Lake experiences a very cold winter with thick ice followed by a cool wet spring, the vegetation has not been as heavy during the summer.  2004 seemed to follow 2003 as a year following such a pattern.  The winter of 2001-02 was quite mild. Not only did the AWMP harvest a record 660 tons, but the algal bloom resembled the algal blooms of the 1970's, “pea soup.” 

Equipment Problems- The AWMP experienced 5.25 hours of down time for repairs and 16 hours down time due to weather conditions.

Weather- From July 14-27, Honeoye Lake area received extremely heavy rainstorms. This resulted in most of our weather related down time for the season.  Additionally, the storms generated a tremendous amount of runoff to the lake via the tributaries, including the inlet at the south end.  This reduced water clarity and contributed to the August algal bloom. There is little that can be done to prevent this problem given the nature of the problem and the limitations of the equipment available.

The following compares harvesting statistics for selected harvesting seasons. 

 

2004 JUNE/SEPTEMBER

	LOADS	HOURS	HRS/LD	TONS	TNS/HR
SANDY BOTTOM	8	28	3.50	24	0.86
CALIFORNIA RANCH	99	228	2.30	297	1.30
NY BOAT LAUNCH	49	118	2.41	147	1.25
TOTAL:	156 LOADS	374 HOURS	2.40 HR/LD	468 TONS	1.25 T/HR

 

2003 JUNE/SEPTEMBER

	LOADS	HOURS	HRS/LD	TONS	TNS/HR
CALIFORNIA RANCH	111	344	3.11	333	0.97
NY BOAT LAUNCH	18	46	2.56	54	1.17
TOTAL:	129 LOADS	390 HOURS	3.02 HR/LD	387 TONS	0.99 T/HR

 

2002 JUNE/SEPTEMBER

	LOADS	HOURS	HRS/LD	TONS	TNS/HR
SANDY BOTTOM	68	99	1.46	204	2.06
CALIFORNIA RANCH	94	169	1.80	282	1.67
NY BOAT LAUNCH	58	100	1.72	174	1.74
TOTAL:	220 LOADS	368 HOURS	1.67 HR/LD	660 TONS	1.79 T/HR

 

2001 JULY/SEPTEMBER

	LOADS	HOURS	HRS/LD	TONS	TNS/HR
SANDY BOTTOM	19	42	2.21	57	1.36
CALIFORNIA RANCH	80	133	1.66	240	1.80
NY BOAT LAUNCH	80	138.5	1.73	240	1.73
TOTAL:	179 LOADS	313.5 HOURS	1.75 HR/LD	537 TONS	1.71 T/HR

 

 

1994 JULY/SEPTEMBER

	LOADS	HOURS	HRS/LD	TONS	TNS/HR
SANDY BOTTOM	34	50.5	1.48	42	2.02
CALIFORNIA RANCH	115	149.5	1.30	345	2.30
NY BOAT LAUNCH	62	92	1.48	186	2.02
TOTAL:	211 LOADS	292 HOURS	1.38 HR/LD	633 TONS	2.17 T/HR

New Equipment- The Town’s of Richmond and Canadice have purchased a 1985 Aquamarine weed harvester, almost a twin to the present harvester.  Randy DePew has been rehired temporarily for two weeks to assess the condition of the hydraulic motors, hydraulic pump, and Kubota engine and get them running smoothly.  As Program Coordinator, I am pleased to report that the engine ran smooth and except for one hydraulic motor, all motors and hydraulic lines seemed to be in very good shape.  There are some parts of the harvester that will need refurbishing, but the general condition is pretty good.  Hopefully the AWMP will have the full use of two harvesters during the 2005 season.  Whether one is used just for transporting vegetation or harvesting is yet to be determined.

Many Thanks

            As Program Coordinator for the past eighteen 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 two seasonal employees, thank you.  We are looking forward to the 2005 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 the Lake at 396-4489.  Thank you.  

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