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to:               Members, Honeoye Valley Association (HVA)
from:           Robert l. Pierce jr., Aquatic Weeds Harvesting Program Coordinator
subject:       2005 harvesting season report
date:           December 30, 2005
cc:              Kristen Mark Hughes, director

            The 2005 Aquatic Weed Management Program (AWMP) harvesting season showed an 83% increase over 2004 when comparing the amount of vegetation harvested.  The tonnage harvested was up from 468 tons (2004) to 855 tons (2005). The increase in harvested vegetation was due to a second machine harvesting vegetation.  The harvesting season began on July 5 and extended into the later part of September.  The total number of harvesting hours was increased immensely by the addition of a second harvester.

For the 2005 Season,  our seasonal harvesting employee’s were, Paul Chatt, the return of John Miller and  Randy DePew.   The AWMP thanks the seasonal harvesting employees for there many contributions to the program during the harvesting year. 

The 2005 Season

Vegetation was fairly steady throughout the harvesting season.  The old record of 220 loads in 2002 was with one harvester.  The total number of loads in 2005 was 285 but the weed growth was nowhere near as vigorous as in 2002.  Ontario County harvester was used 12 weeks and harvested 173 loads and 529 tons.  The Canadice/Richmond harvester was used 9 weeks and harvested 112 loads and 336 tons.  Only one harvester was used in September due to two seasonal employee’s returning to their previous jobs.

Dominant Species- The most prevalent species of vegetation were Elodea, Eel grass, and Coontail.  Eurasian Milfoil, which is usually the most abundant species on Honeoye Lake, was more prevalent than in 2003 but was not the dominating species, less than 10%.  Water Stargrass has become extremely thick in some areas of the lake.  In the more shallow areas, it could become a real nuisance. 

The most concentrated amounts of Eurasian Milfoil were from Pickerel Point to around 6100 Southwest Shores, especially late in the summer.  The heaviest weed beds were located at the southwest portion of the lake and at Pickets Cove and north of Trident Marina.

A very unusual occurrence this year was the almost total lack of an algae bloom despite a very hot summer.  For most of the summer, the water clarity was the best it has been since the weed-harvesting program began back in 1987.

Densest Growth-The most dense weed growth was located at the southwest portion of the lake and at Pickets Cove and north of Trident Marina.

 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.  2005 seemed to follow 2004 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 a total of 33.5 hours of down time for repairs for both harvesters and 18 hours down time due to weather conditions. 

The following compares harvesting statistics for selected harvesting seasons. 

2005 JULY/SEPTEMBER

 2004 JUNE/SEPTEMBER

 2003 JUNE/SEPTEMBER

2002 JUNE/SEPTEMBER

 2001 JULY/SEPTEMBER

 1994 JULY/SEPTEMBER

New Equipment- The Town’s of Richmond and Canadice purchased a 1985 Aquamarine weed harvester, almost a twin to the present harvester.  As Program Coordinator, I am pleased to report that the new harvester ran smoothly and except for one small chain, all motors and hydraulic lines functioned properly.  There are some parts of the harvester that will need refurbishing over the winter, but the general condition is pretty good.  Hopefully the AWMP will continue to have full use of two harvesters during the 2006 season. 

Many Thanks

            As Program Coordinator for the past nineteen 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 2006 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