Harvesting has
concluded for the 2018 season. The crew will pick up weed fragments collected
into rows or piles at shore through October 15 where access allows. Aquatic plants will continue to be cut by boat
propellers and wind action, and wash up on shore, especially as plants begin to
naturally die off at the end of their growing season. Removal of vegetation washed into shore reduces nutrient
recycling from these plants back into the lake. Reducing nutrients in Honeoye
Lake is a lake management goal, consistent with the Honeoye Lake Watershed
Management Plan and Honeoye Lake HABs Action Plan. Residents are encouraged to
rake up plant debris and contact the Aquatic Vegetation Management Program for
pickup. Some residents compost the aquatic plant fragments for their own
gardens or other uses. However, if you don’t have space or need at your
property, the AVMP crew is happy to assist. Weed debris picked up by the AVMP crew
and transported off the lake is composted at area farms, an excellent reuse of
these nutrients. For shoreline pickup, contact us at (585) 396-4458 or email
betsy.landre@co.ontario.ny.us
Please note there are locations where the harvester may be
used to pick up weed fragments, particularly where loads are sizable and access
of suitable (e.g., North Shore). If you see the harvester on the lake after
September 20, it is being used for fragment pickup and not cutting. Harvesting
(cutting) has concluded for 2018
Finally, as
many residents know, the harvester was not operable due to mechanical issues
this year from July 17 through August 29.
An investigation by the Ontario County Sheriff’s Department into
vandalism of the harvester remains ongoing.
Anyone with tips or information
is encouraged to contact Investigator John Kesel at 396-4833.