Archive: News

The Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization (IO) is teaming up with the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network (Network) and other collaborators to update the Cayuga Lake Watershed Restoration and Protection Plan (RPP).

Hilary Lambert, Steward of the Network, is coordinating the 16-month update process with funding from the New York Department of State and support by the Town of Ithaca. Currently, Lambert and IO members are developing a public participation plan for the watershed’s municipalities, counties and residents. The organization is seeking qualified members for committees to update the watershed plan’s vision and goals, outcomes, and to review and update the RPP sections about the state of the lake.

The original RPP was completed in 2001, the result of a watershed-wide process that drew together town and village officials, local and regional agencies, experts and local residents via meetings and presentations. This group developed a long range visionary plan, harnessing the energy of the lake’s 45 municipalities to evaluate the condition of Cayuga Lake and its streams and formulate protection strategies.

Since 2001, as a result of the original plan, the IO has been awarded six rounds of funding from the NYS Department of State totalling nearly $300,000 for projects devoted to streambank stabilization, habitat restoration, and flood control. In addition, the IO supports public engagement and youth education through the Cayuga Lake Floating Classroom, which provides scholarships, lake access, STEM enrichment cruises and "Trout in the Classroom" programs for over 2,500 students annually.

An updated RPP will help provide sustainable, long-term protection and management strategies for our streams, wetlands, creeks and lake. These invaluable water resources will continue to need our attention and care in the coming years.

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