To The Reader’s Forum:

“It’s Disheartening.”

This was a very appropriate title for a front-page photo by Eric Zavinski in the November 9, 2018, Post-Journal. The photo and subsequent article detailed the suffocation of Chautauqua Lake fish species by enormous masses of invasive Eurasian Milfoil and other lake weeds.

This is just another harbinger indicating the need for herbicide applications in areas of the lake being decimated by invasive species. Unfortunately the process, which is governed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and sponsored by “lead agencies” bordering the lake, has encountered a legal “road block.”

The governing body of Chautauqua Institution has filed a second lawsuit and subsequent motions in an attempt to prevent or delay future herbicide applications. The nearly inexhaustible financial resources of the institution are being employed in court to “bully” the lake’s towns, villages, property owners and businesses in an attempt to prevent htem from utilizing every available method to preserve the health of Chautauqua Lake.

It appears the governing body of the institution, entrusted with the internationally respected forum for the discussion of political and social issues, feels their needs and priorities are far more important than the health of our lake and its future existence.

I am a resident of Burtis Bay, a retired educator, and I have lived and enjoyed this lake my entire life. I am personally “disheartened” by the narrow minded, shortsighted, self-righteous approach being taken by the leadership of Chautauqua Institution.

Gary R. Peters Sr.

Jamestown