In six days of harvesting, the crew pulled an estimated 120 wet tons of vegetation from the lake, or 22 loads. All targeted areas have been harvested. Fragments raked up by residents were removed from several shoreline properties. Harvested material was delivered to area farmers and gardners for composting.
Eurasian water milfoil comprised the majority of the harvested material, particularly at the south end. Water milfoil is a non-native species. As the summer progresses, the structure of the aquatic plant communities will change, with eelgrass likely becoming more dominant.
Next week, our two-man crew will move to Sandy Bottom Beach park to remove overgrown vegetation on top of the outlet weir. Using hand tools, the crew will work on the east side of the weir, continuing an effort started last season.
Removal of this overgrown vegetation helps to facilitate the flow of water into the outlet, Honeoye Creek, when lake level exceeds 803.5 feet above sea level. This lake level -- about halfway between the Honeoye Lake mean high and low marks -- is the management goal for preventing fluctuations that historically caused shoreline erosion and left docks and boats stranded during periods of low lake level.
Harvesting will resume as conditions warrant based on lake inspection and vegetation mapping in cooperation with the Honeoye Lake Watershed Task Force. Residents requesting more immediate harvesting or pickup of shoreline fragments should contact the harvesting staff at (595) 396-4458.