News

Seneca Lake Update: HABs, Hemlocks, and More

GENEVA, N.Y. – Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association (Pure Waters) President Bill Roege recently joined FLX Morning Podcast last week to share updates on Pure Waters’ work, including invasive species management, water quality monitoring, municipal engagement, and the annual appeal. The conversation highlighted a busy year of progress, unusual trends on the lake, and the critical role volunteers and donors play in protecting Seneca Lake.

New Association Director Joins the Team

Pure Waters recently welcomed Benjamin Klein as the new Association Director. Klein, who previously worked in broadcasting in Elmira, began on November 3. “We’ve been giving him the fire hose treatment,” Roege said. “He’s spinning up fast, and we’re really pleased to have him aboard.” Klein is already leading several major initiatives, including a state grant application focused on invasive species management.

Protecting Hemlocks from Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA)

Roege shared updates on the ongoing efforts to combat hemlock woolly adelgid, an invasive insect that threatens hemlock trees throughout the region. While public lands have been treating HWA for years, Pure Waters is focused on supporting private landowners, who make up much of the watershed. Qualified foresters apply treatments either as a basal bark application or through small injections when trees are located near streams. A recent treatment period was funded by a private foundation, and Pure Waters is now pursuing additional grant funding to complete the next phase of work.

Advancing the Nine Element Plan

The Nine Element Plan to reduce phosphorus and sediment entering Seneca Lake was approved three years ago. Since then, county Soil and Water Conservation Districts and the watershed steward have led implementation efforts. Roege noted that Pure Waters’ strategic planning this summer emphasized the importance of helping municipalities identify projects and secure grant funding. With 42 municipalities in the watershed, coordination is challenging but essential.

A Milder HAB Season Shaped by Weather

Harmful algal bloom (HAB) activity was much lower this summer compared to 2024, when more than 300 blooms were reported. Roege said August’s unusually windy weather likely played a major role in reducing HAB formation. Bloom activity returned in September, which is consistent with recent years. Roege thanked the volunteers who monitor the shoreline and help spread the word when blooms are present.

Cladophora and Aquatic Weeds: A Strange Year

Pure Waters launched a new Cladophora monitoring program this year in partnership with the Finger Lakes Institute. Residents submitted shoreline reports, while college students conducted kayak-based vegetation surveys. This year brought an unexpected trend: almost no aquatic weeds were found. While some Cladophora was present, common species like milfoil and eelgrass were nearly absent. “We’re scratching our heads at what a strange data point that is,” Roege said.

Lake Levels: From Very High to Very Low

Lake levels fluctuated dramatically throughout the season. Spring began at one of the highest levels in years, but by September, levels had dropped to the winter target—almost two months early. Many residents struggled to remove boats and docks before levels dropped too low. Roege noted that the pattern closely mirrored the dry conditions of 2020.

Supporting Pure Waters: Annual Appeal and Volunteer Opportunities

Pure Waters kicked off its Annual Appeal in mid-November, one of the organization’s largest fundraising campaigns. Donations support water quality programs, lake monitoring, education, and restoration projects. Roege emphasized that Seneca Lake matters to everyone in the region, not just lakefront residents. “A lot of people drink the water, swim, boat, and fish here. Even being able to look out over the landscape has a calming effect,” he said. In addition to donations, Pure Waters is seeking volunteers in several areas, including human resources, membership and fundraising, data collection, lake level work, and shoreline monitoring.

Learn more about Pure Waters

To learn more about donating: https://senecalake.org/giving/
To learn more about volunteering: https://senecalake.org/volunteer-opportunities/

Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association is a 501(c)3 organization committed to preserving, protecting, and promoting the abundant resources of the largest Finger Lake. Seneca Lake is a source of drinking water, recreation, and economic opportunity for the greater community and its visitors. Our programs and partnerships make it possible to monitor water quality, educate the public, and evaluate threats to ensure the a healthy future for Seneca Lake and those who depend on it.