Chautauqua Lake is one of more than 7,600 freshwater lakes, ponds, and reservoirs in the state of New York. P-J photo by Mike Smoker

The Chautauqua Lake Association is intensifying efforts to launch its 2025 Boat Stewards Program in order to combat aquatic invasive species in multiple navigable waterways in Chautauqua County.

Among the various initiatives organized by the CLA, the Boat Stewards program stands out as a significant effort dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the region’s waterways, rivers, and lakes.

Boat stewards educate boaters and water recreationists about the importance of preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species in local waterways. They provide essential information on precautions that can be taken to minimize the risk of introducing these harmful species into natural ecosystems.

“We currently have 12 boat stewards working at seven Chautauqua Lake public launches, plus one at Cassadaga Lake, and two at Lake Erie (Barcelona and Dunkirk Harbor),” Heather Nolan, CLA administrative and community services manager, said in an email to The Post-Journal. “This is the 10th season we have offered this program. It was the first program in this area. Although it was initially funded with the help of a New York state grant, it is now a program included in the CLA’s budget.”

Since its inception in the CLA, the program has achieved significant milestones. Boat stewards have conducted inspections on a total of 86,623 vessels and boats. Additionally, they have engaged with and educated 163,084 individuals on the importance of AIS prevention, said Nolan.

“The Boat Stewards program prevents billions of dollars in costs by intercepting aquatic invasive species (AIS) before they can enter our waterways,” said Doug Conroe, CLA executive director. “Once AIS becomes established in an ecosystem, removal and eradication can be prohibitively expensive. Each year, we conduct inspections on approximately 10,000 watercraft.”

In 2020, the number of inspections reached 19,650. This figure significantly contrasts with the following years: 8,844 inspections in 2021, 10,568 in 2022, 10,778 in 2023, and returning to 10,568 in 2024.

In addition to providing guidance, stewards help individuals learn how to properly inspect, clean, drain, and treat their watercraft and equipment. They also ask about previous launch locations, which aids in assessing the potential presence of invasive species in the lakes or ponds being visited. This information can often be cross-referenced using the iMapInvasives website (dec.ny.gov), facilitating improved management and monitoring of invasive species in local water bodies.

Aquatic invasive species refer to non-native plants and animals that can cause considerable environmental and economic harm, as well as pose risks to human health, according to a DEC factsheet. In New York’s lakes, ponds, and rivers, many aquatic invasive species (AIS) have been identified. These species are often transported between water bodies through watercraft and equipment. Boat stewards play a crucial role in protecting New York State’s waters and educating the public about the dangers posed by aquatic invasive species. According to New York State regulation (NYCRR Part 576), water recreationists are required to take reasonable precautions to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. To support this regulation, the state is expanding its boat steward programs across the state, especially in popular and high-traffic areas. Through direct interactions with boaters, anglers, and other recreational water users, Boat Stewards work to enhance awareness of aquatic invasive species and promote practices such as cleaning, draining, and treating to help mitigate the spread of these invaders.

The DEC offers a variety of valuable resources for both new and existing steward programs on its website. These resources include information on active boat steward locations, public boat launch sites, funding opportunities, and training tools, along with educational materials. For more details, please visit the DEC’s website.

Starting January 1, 2025, New York State will require all individuals operating a watercraft to carry proof of completing a boating safety course, regardless of age, as mandated by Brianna’s Law.

On August 19, 2019, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed into law legislation that established new educational requirements for boaters. This law was named in honor of Brianna Lieneck, an 11-year-old girl from Long Island who tragically lost her life in a boating accident in 2005. Previously, the requirement to complete the state’s boating safety course applied only to individuals born on or after January 1, 1978.

New York state acknowledges boating safety certificates issued by other states that have similar certification programs, according to parks.ny.gov. Individuals may rent and operate a motorboat from a livery without needing to secure a boating safety certificate beforehand. However, livery staff are mandated to provide essential instructions and safety information prior to departure. It’s important to note that operators of non-motorized boats are not required to hold a safe boating certificate; nevertheless, all boaters are strongly encouraged to complete a safe boating course.

For individuals interested in enrolling in a safe boating course, options are available both online and in person. Participants must be at least 10 years old to take part in the program. For those choosing the online route, a list of approved course providers includes America’s Boating Club (previously known as U.S. Power Squadron), Aceboater, American Safety Council, Boat U.S., BOATERexam, BOATsmart, BoatTests101, Drive A Boat USA, and iLearnToBoat. A more comprehensive list can be found at parks.ny.gov/boating/education.

Moreover, certificates issued by the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, State Parks, America’s Boating Club, U.S. Powerboating (which is also offered by Waterfront | SUNY Maritime and New York State Parks), and any NASBLA-certified course from other states are also recognized by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC).