North Harmony is the latest Chautauqua Lake adjacent municipality to pass a resolution opposing wetlands regulations proposed by the state DEC.

Town residents asked a lot of good questions – including some that haven’t come up yet – that include whether or not the Army Corps of Engineers be involved, a concern about what restoration projects may come and if that may affect Watts Flats, as there is no restoration in that area besides brush hogging the field, vagueness, the town having no ability to enforce the regulations, government overreach, potential loss of tax base, increasing need for permits and possible harm to farmers and the timber industry.

With so many local governments coming out in opposition, it’s curious that the Chautauqua County Legislature hasn’t yet signaled its opposition to the increased regulation of Chautauqua Lake. That’s especially true as Findley Lake officials have begun raising opposition. The legislature is overdue on taking a stand on an issue that could have far-reaching implications on several legislators’ districts. County Executive PJ Wendel reversing course to ask for a delay implementing the regulations was a good step, but it’s time for legislators to take a stand one way or the other.

The Chautauqua County Legislature aside, though, we hope the state DEC is paying attention to the questions being raised. Far from fear-mongering or a simple lack of understanding, the questions being raised from elected officials around the lake show many of the town and village officials around Chautauqua and Findley lakes have a clear understanding of the watershed areas they govern and the interconnectedness of their local economy and environmental protection. The questions they are asking can’t be set aside with a smile and a handshake. Streamlined permits that have been promised by the DEC are a step, but it’s worth asking – why pursue these heightened regulations on developed lakes if nothing is going to change? Obviously, there will be changes. Those changes should be more clearly explained by the DEC before the regulations take effect in January, not after. A rural county like ours needs to know what the regulations could mean for farmers and the timber industry. There needs to be more clarity on what will and won’t require a permit for those who own property around the lake. Much more information is needed on changes to in-lake maintenance activities. And, given the time, effort and expense to bring the Army Corps of Engineers to Chautauqua Lake, it’s worth knowing now whether or not the Corps of Engineers’ eventual recommendations will be able to be implemented without additional red tape from the state.

We hope DEC officials are listening, because people here are sending a clear message – these regulations are making people as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.