The county, again this summer, will be holding a Chautauqua Lake Rally which is really a “summit” meeting to discuss all issues facing the lake, including where we are with constructing sewers around the lake. It will be held from 9-11:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 20, at the Casino in Bemus Point.

If you are interested in hearing from the people who know the issues and who are working to improve the quality of the lake, you should attend this meeting. There will be an opportunity to ask questions of those who will be speaking.

A representative of the Chautauqua Lake Association will be there to discuss water quality and the current status of weeds in the lake. The executive director of the Chautauqua Lake and Watershed Management Alliance – a collaboration of 31 lake and watershed-related organizations will provide an update on their activities. Elected officials will also be in attendance, including the county executive. You will also receive an update on where the county Health Department is with its septic system inspection program.

Finally, the engineering firm which has drafted the plans for completing sewers around the lake will update us on where we are with the 12 miles of lakefront which still has no sewers. The sewer districts involved will also be represented. You will be able to ask questions about costs, time-tables for construction, compliance with DEC phosphorus discharge standards – or anything else that might be on your mind.

From the feedback I am receiving, people are beginning to take more interest in cleaning up the lake. One question I have been asked is: “How does the quality of the lake’s water this year compare with other years?” Another query is: “What about the weeds this year? They seem to be heavier in certain parts of the lake than in others.” Then there is always the overriding concern of algae growth: “Are we beginning to get a handle on it? Are phosphorous loadings in the lake beginning to come down?”

Chautauqua Lake is an incredible resource. You just have to look at the people using the lake on a nice summer weekend – water sports, fishing, concerts in Bemus, programs at the institution, boats going in all directions to enjoy the water. Can you imagine a Chautauqua County without the lake?

So, “stick your oar in the water” and come to the Bemus Point Casino and find out for yourself what the latest news on the lake is. On August 20 starting at 9 a.m. that morning you will be able to hear the experts and those dealing with the challenge of maintaining the quality of Chautauqua Lake. The lake continues to be the “engine that connects us.”

Rolland Kidder is a Stow resident.