A boat used as a New York State Parks and Recreation Marine Services Navigation Aid sits trailered at Long Point State Park last week. P-J Photo by Jay Young

As summer weather hits Western New York, preparations continue to ensure that Chautauqua Lake is healthy and ready for use.

The New York State Parks and Recreation Department deployed a navigation aid vessel last week to Long Point State Park. According to Vince Horrigan, interim Chautauqua Lake & Watershed Management Alliance director, the boats were being used to set buoys that help keep swimmers and boaters aware of depth changes and obstacles in the lake.

Local municipalities and interested parties are still awaiting the results from Solitude Lake Management’s weed survey, which will offer useful information for this year’s management strategy. The issue was discussed during a Lakewood Village Board meeting on Tuesday, with trustee Ted McCague informing those in attendance that he believed the survey had been delayed due to low water temperatures.

Horrigan confirmed that information on Wednesday.

“Ted is correct. I am told that the survey will be done this next week,” Horrigan said.

Information from the survey will likely play a role in herbicide applications this year, as parties look to determine the extent of weed growth early on.