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Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council 1 Owasco Lake Annual Report Card—2016 Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council ---PAGE BREAK--- Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council 2 About the Owasco Lake Watershed Council Purpose of this Document The Mission of the Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council is to coordinate acons for protecng and restoring the health of Owasco Lake and its watershed and to ensure that Owasco Lake will serve as a source of public drinking water, a recreaonal asset, an economic driver, and an important natural resource for the well-being of watershed residents and those who benefit from its protecon now and for future generaons. The council members represent the towns of Owasco, Fleming, Locke, Niles and Scipio, the city of Auburn and Cayuga County. It is the Coun- cil’s vision that its membership will eventually be populated by repre- sentaves of all of the municipalies within the watershed. The Council 1. Acvely monitors and evaluates the general health of the waters of Owasco Lake and its watershed 2. Supports research in the watershed to help idenfy problem areas 3. Works on implemenng projects by partnering with various agencies including the New York State Department of Environmental Conservaon, the Finger Lakes Instute, Owasco Watershed and Lake Associaon 4. Directs the Inspecon Program to idenfy and stop acvies with- in the watershed that may result in a decrease of water quality. 5. Looks to implement educaonal programs that will increase public awareness about the responsible care and protecon of the wa- tershed. In early 2016, the Owasco Lake Watershed Management Plan was completed. This plan presents a strategy for implemenng recommen- daons to improve condions in Owasco Lake and its watershed and can be found at the following link: : h7p://www.cayugacounty.us/owascolake The purpose of this document is to highlight the coordinated acvies of many partners that were completed in 2016 towards implemenng these recommendaons. ---PAGE BREAK--- Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council 3 The Owasco Lake Watershed Inspecon Program The Owasco Lake Watershed Inspecon Program is responsible for monitoring and responding to water quality issues within the watershed in three counes: Cayuga, Onondaga, and Tompkins. The Watershed Inspecon Commi7ee, a standing commi7ee of the Owasco Lake Watershed Management Program, oversees this Program. The Program's mission is to make regular and thorough inspecons of Owasco Lake, its watercourses, and its watershed to ascertain compliance with the Rules and Regulaons of the Owasco Lake Watershed and to provide educaonal outreach to the watershed community to foster lake stewardship. The Watershed Inspecon Program responds to water quality complaints made by watershed residents and other members of the public. The Program also conducts roune watershed surveillance, monitoring construcon sites, looking for sources of contaminaon such as erosion, problem sepc systems, and agricultural impacts, The Program also parcipated in the NYSDEC harmful algal bloom surveillance program. Funding for the Watershed Inspecon Program is derived through a small percentage of the total water sales of the City of Auburn and Town of Owasco. 2016 Inspecon Acvies Inspecon Program Totals for 2016 Watershed Site Visits/Inspecons: 121 Water Samples Taken: 268 Sites Monitored for Violaons: 48 Agricultural Discharge: 3 Construcon Disturbances: 23 Road Ditch Disturbances: 13 Odor Complaints: 4 Stream Turbidity Concerns: 5 Total Violaons Idenfied: 18 Streambank Disturbance: 3* Improper Animal Carcass Disposal: 5* Refuse Disposal In/Near a Water Body: 2* Agricultural Discharge: 2* Asphalt Sealant Spill: 1* Sepc Failure: 2* Animal Access to Protected Stream Segment: Violaon Corrected * Ongoing Correcve Acon ---PAGE BREAK--- Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council 4 Summary of OLWMC Member Major Accomplishments Signage — WIP Tributary Adopon & Idenficaon Pilot Program (TAIPP), funded by the New York Sea Grant, saw progress in 2016. The creaon of tributary idenficaon signs was completed and the installaon phase began. A total of 25 stream- road crossing locaons throughout the towns of Owasco, Niles, and Fleming will “pilot” this program and steer future efforts. TAIPP was created to connect watershed residents and visitors with the net- work of streams flowing through the landscape of the watershed. The signs provide an idenficaon number which will allow for quick and easy reporng of visual concerns, such as discolored water, petroleum sheens, illegal disposal of rubbish, erosion, or dead fish. Manure Guidelines —WQMA Nutrient Group In early 2016, the Cayuga County Legislature voted to adopt a plan tled Im- proving Manure Management: A Fourteen-Point Countywide Agenda for Ac- on. One of the tasks discussed in the Agenda for Acon was the develop- ment of a set of specific manure management guidelines for the County to promote. These guidelines were created by a working group of the WQMA with review by ten farmers selected to serve as advisors. These guidelines are intended to encourage progress through expanded voluntary use of proven, cost- effecve methods, technologies and techniques and emphasizes the WQMA’s posion that all farm that ulize manure should adopt and imple- ment their own Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans prepared with the assistance of qualified professionals. The guidelines can be found at the link below: h p://www.cayugacounty.us/manuremanagement Coordinated Monitoring—Planning, OWLA, WIP Planning staff held numerous mee#ngs in 2016 for all of the en##es involved in sam- pling within Owasco Lake and its watershed to iden#fy the range of sampling being conducted, eliminate duplica#on, iden#fy new strategic monitoring loca#ons and coordinate protocols. A map indica#ng sampling loca#ons and a spreadsheet lis#ng the parameters being evaluated were developed. A single database was created along with procedures to share the data and keep the monitoring data current. This informa#on is available to the public. Expand Watershed Plan to 9 Element Plan— Planning In 2016, the Planning Department began work on the development of the EPA Nine Element Plan. This project will build upon the recently completed Owasco Lake Wa- tershed Management and Waterfront Revitaliza#on Plan and requires a greater focus on the causes and sources of nonpoint source pollu#on, involving a quan#ta#ve evalua#on of current pollutant loads and load reduc#ons expected fol- lowing the implementa#on of various BMPs. The primary goal of the project is to iden#fy site specific best prac#ces for the use and management of Owasco Lake and the Owasco Lake Watershed to reduce phos- phorus within the Lake and its watershed. Ditch Stabiliza'on—WIP The Watershed Inspecon Program obtained a grant to remediate 100 miles of storm ditches to minimize erosion. Work will begin in 2017. ---PAGE BREAK--- Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council 5 Water sampling data of Owasco Lake Data collected by John Halfman, Ph.D., Hobart William Smith Colleges (Shallow data, collected from sites 1&2) Data analysis conducted by Diane Kiernan, Ph.D., SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Meters ug/L (ppb) ug/L (ppb) mg/L (ppm) ---PAGE BREAK--- Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council 6 Water sampling data of Owasco Lake Data analysis conducted by Diane Kiernan, Ph.D. SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry mg/L (ppm) ug/L (ppb) Acronyms CCE Cornell Cooperave Extension of Cayuga County CCHD Cayuga County Health Department CCPD Cayuga County Department of Planning and Economic Development CCWSA Cayuga County Water and Sewer Authority EPA United States Environmental Protecon Agency FLI Finger Lakes Instute FLLOWPA Finger Lakes – Lake Ontario Watershed Protecon Alliance FL-PRISM Finger Lakes Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management NYSDOS New York State Department of State OLWMC Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council OWLA Owasco Watershed Lake Associaon S&W Soil and Water Conservaon District WIP Watershed Inspecon Program WQMA Water Quality Management Agency ---PAGE BREAK--- Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council 7 Implementaon Status Report # Recommenda#on Priority Ac#ons A-1 Expand to nine element plan. High The Planning Department commi ed to star#ng this work in 2016. The work is ongoing. Important tasks completed in 2016 include: • Execu#on of State Contracts with NYSDOS for funding for the Owasco Lake Watershed Management and Waterfront Revitaliza#on Plan Implementa#on-Incorpora#on of the EPA Nine Key Elements Project. • Prepara#on of Scope of Work and Scope Approval by NYSDOS • Establishment of Watershed Advisory Commi ee • Prepara#on of Request for Proposals (RFP) for Science/Engineering Consultant w/ NYSDOS Approval • Circula#on of RFP; Review of Proposals and Selec#on of Preferred Consultant (CCPD) B1-a. Iden#fy and remove barriers to implemen#ng improved prac#ces. High B-1-b. Seek addi#onal sources of support for programs/ services aimed at reducing nutrient and sediment loss. Medium B-1-c. Enforce exis#ng regula#ons and laws that prohibit livestock access to streams and manure runoff. High The WIP contacted 3 agricultural opera#ons in the Owasco watershed who were allowing farm animals unrestricted access to streams. The Watershed Inspec#on Program contacted the farmers. Compliance was obtained on two of the opera#ons, and Soil and Water is working with the third on an alterna#ve water system and buffer along the stream. B-1-d. Coordinate/improve communica#on between agricultural community and other stakeholders. High The Nutrient Work Group reached out to a number of farmers to obtain input on the devel- opment of Manure management guidelines. Ten Farmers agreed to review and comment on proposed draEs. (WQMA/Nutrient Group). OWLA members par#cipated in several open houses at dairies, tours of ag fields and dairy associa#on mee#ngs. (OWLA) B-1-e. Implement agricultural BMPs in a strategic manner to reduce the loss of soil, nutrients, fer#lizers, ani- mal wastes, crop residues, and pes#cides from the landscape. High (Top Priority) Con#nued exploring op#ons for easements in sensi#ve areas (this may take more than a year to fully implement). (CCE) ---PAGE BREAK--- Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council 8 # Recommenda#on Priority Ac#ons B-1-g. Support development/use of technologies such as mobile apps, nutrient boom. Medium Grant funds have been set aside for the nutrient boom (OWLA) B-1-h. Provide technical assistance on emergency re- sponse procedures/resources for farms of all sizes Medium B-1-i. Iden#fy and promote measures to reduce the use of pes#cides and loss of nutrients and sediment. High One Pes#cide and one IPM class for various crops were offered; the number of watershed farmers par#cipa#ng is unknown. A class discussing cover crops, conserva#on #llage, conser- va#on plan#ng and erosion preven#on was offered with NRCS; the number of watershed farmers par#cipa#ng is unknown. Soil test interpreta#on was available to the farming com- munity and CCE staff assisted with Cornell research on nitrogen fer#lizer recommenda#ons. (CCE) B-2-a. Pursue funding to complete projects as defined by subwatershed streambank assessment programs. High B-2-b. Design and implement stream restora#on to re- store natural hydrologic and biological processes, taking climate change into account. High B-2-c. Coordinate annual monitoring efforts to refine priority areas of document effec#veness of resto- ra#on measures. High The monitoring subcommi ee met prior to the monitoring season to review and coordinate sampling efforts. All monitoring loca#ons and parameters were documented on a map and spreadsheet. (OLWMC) B-3-a. Assist watershed municipali#es in amending local laws to control nonpoint source pollu#on. High Planning Staff met or corresponded with a number of Town and Village Boards within the Owasco Lake Watershed in 2016 to introduce the land use tools (regulatory/zoning) and mu- nicipal best prac#ces (opera#onal) available to locali#es to reduce and control nonpoint source pollu#on. Staff communicated with elected and appointed officials in the following municipali#es: Town of Moravia, Town of Venice, Village of Moravia, Town of Fleming, Town of Scipio, Town of Owasco, Town of Niles Most of these municipali#es were not ready to adopt new or addi#onal regula#ons and/or opera#onal changes to advance these watershed goals at this #me - or felt that what they had in place currently was sufficient. Although staff will follow up with these and other B-1-f. Assist in implemen#ng recommenda#ons of the Cayuga County Manure Management Working Group Advisory Commi ee. High (Top Priori- ty) Manure Management Guidelines were developed and submi ed to the WQMA. (CCHD, CCPD, S&W, CCE) Implementaon Status Report ---PAGE BREAK--- Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council 9 Implementaon Status Report # Recommenda#on Priority Ac#ons B-3-a. (cont) Assist watershed municipali#es in amending local laws to control nonpoint source pollu#on. High municipali#es in 2017, we believe working with local community residents and lake advo- cates in a grassroots effort to encourage their local officials to adopt effec#ve regulatory and opera#onal prac#ces may be a more effec#ve approach. (CCPD) B-3-b. Con#nue to offer training to municipali#es on is- sues that can be addressed through local codes. High This effort is parallel with the ini#a#ve outlined above (Item B-3a). (CCPD) B-3-c. Seek funds to assist municipali#es with updates to local regula#ons. High B-3-d. Advocate that municipali#es incorporate projec- #ons of climate change. High Eco Talks advoca#ng for local climate change responses and local community planning efforts that take climate change into considera#on were published. (CCE) B-4-a. Target training specifically to watershed-related issues for municipal decision makers and personnel. High Planning staff holds an annual training series in land use for local appointed officials focused primarily on educa#on and training for Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals members. The trainings are typically two-hour, interac#ve sessions and include presenta- #ons, wri en materials, resources and in-depth case studies. In July 2016 staff expanded the training series to incorporate a specific training on Stormwater Management and Review of Erosion and Sediment Control Plans. The staff also promotes and refers municipal officials to similar training sessions and resource offered throughout the year by a number of en##es including the County SWCD, CNY Regional Planning & Development Board, Wayne County Local Government Trainings, the Cornell Local Roads Program and the NYS Planning Federa#on. (CCPD) B-4-b. Provide training on storm water management BMPs to watershed municipali#es of all sizes, striving for compliance with MS4 requirements. High B-4-c. Incorporate NYDOT design and guidance docu- ments, standard specifica#ons, and procedural manuals into local laws and highway department opera#ng procedures. Low B-4-d. Encourage municipali#es to take advantage of training programs such as Cornell Local Roads. Low ---PAGE BREAK--- Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council 10 # Recommenda#on Priority Ac#ons B-4-f. Encourage municipali#es to par#cipate in programs on environmental impacts of road maintenance prac#ces. Medium B-4-g. Assist watershed municipali#es in sharing resources. Medium B-4-h. Implement BMPs at municipal facili#es. Medium B-4-j. Remediate eroding ditches and make improve- ments, including plan#ng to reduce erosion risk. High The Watershed Inspec#on Program obtained a grant to remediate 100 miles of storm ditches. Work will begin in 2017. (WIP) B-4-k. Incorporate projec#ons of changes in precipita#on events due to climate change on the design of infrastructure. Medium B-4-l. Stop applying herbicides to right-of-way and stream banks at road crossings. Medium B-4-m. Inves#gate the feasibility of using alterna#ve deicing materials and installing computer- controlled spreaders on plow trucks. Medium B-4-e. Inves#gate and implement innova#ve approaches to storm water management. Medium Implementaon Status Report ---PAGE BREAK--- Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council 11 # Recommenda#on Priority Ac#ons B-4-n. Ensure that emergency response procedures and resources are in place to address fuel and chemical releases from transporta#on and storage accidents. Medium B-5-a. Plant new vegeta#on and maintain exis#ng vege- ta#on to protect streambanks and lakeshore areas. High B-5-b. Plant trees, construct rain gardens and install other “green infrastructure” on private property. High B-5-c. Iden#fy and stabilize areas of streambank/ lakeshore erosion on private property. High Work has progressed towards installa#on of BMPs on Veness Brook (OWLA, SWCD) B-5-d. Conduct stream, lakeshore and roadside cleanup events. Medium B-5-e. Educate homeowners and property managers; recognize those who install landscaping that is protec#ve of water quality. High Eco talk ar#cles on water quality and watershed were published. Conserva#on Field Days program was provided on watershed science, using a watershed model to explain func#on of watershed and responsibili#es of living in one, and ac#ons students can take to improve watershed health (CCE) Public educa#on and outreach efforts included March to Lake Day, Lake Day, ar#- cles in the Ci#zen, development of Cove Captain packet informa#on, installa#on of signs in the watershed. (OWLA) B-5-f. Maintain sep#c systems properly. High 1652 sep#c system inspec#ons on proper#es fron#ng the lake, within 500 E. of the lake, and within the watershed of the towns adjacent to the lake were performed in 2016 as required by the Cayuga County Sanitary Code. 3 failures were found and 2 have been corrected and the third repair is pending. The WIP began the planning process for inspec#ng sep#c systems in Tompkins County. (CCHD, WIP) Implementaon Status Report ---PAGE BREAK--- Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council 12 Implementaon Status Report # Recommenda#on Priority Ac#ons C-1-a. Establish a formal working group to develop decision criteria and lines of communica#on regarding short-term adjustments to lake level and the rule curve. Medium The City of Auburn and OWLA have coordinated communica#ons of lake level adjust- ments. OWLA provided info on USGS lake level data to its membership (Auburn, OWLA) C-1-b. If short-term lake level adjustments do not provide adequate management, ini#ate formal review of the rule curve. Medium D-1-a. Iden#fy and convene interested par#es to devel- op, update, and implement annual monitoring/ sampling plans. High The monitoring subcommi ee met prior to the monitoring season to review and coordi- nate sampling efforts. All monitoring loca#ons and parameters were documented on a map and spreadsheet. Partners included FLI, OWLA, CCPD, WIP, CCPD, OLWMC) D-1-b. Iden#fy current funding sources and seek addi#onal sources that could be u#lized in implemen#ng plans. Medium Planning staff held numerous mee#ngs in 2016 with all of the en##es involved in Owasco Lake Sampling and Monitoring Program. The mee#ngs iden#fied the range of sampling be- ing conducted, eliminated duplica#on, iden#fied new strategic monitoring loca#ons and coordina#on protocols. A single database was created along with procedures to share the data and keep the monitoring data current. Although some addi#onal FLLOWPA funding was allocated to Dr. Halfman / FLI for expanded sampling in 2016, the sampling program resources in place were made more efficient and effec#ve through this consolida#on and coordina#on of effort. (CCPD) OWLA provided training to its membership on pursuing grants. Obtained grant from Toyo- ta to address erosion control and purchase of a rapid response equipment trailer for the OLWIP (OWLA) D-1-c. Designate a responsible party to review and upload data annually to the integrated database. High Cornell University has uploaded 2016 data to the integrated database. Planning located missing historical sampling data and worked with Cornell University to upload this data into the database. Planning also worked with Cornell University to correct loca#on IDs. The integrated database is available at h ps://github.com/SoilWaterLab/owasco-lake-p- database/blob/master/OLW_P_database.xlsx.(CCPD, Cornell) D-1-d. Develop and implement standard communica#on protocols for organiza#ons involved in monitoring. High ---PAGE BREAK--- Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council 13 # Recommenda#on Priority Ac#ons E-1-a. Con#nue ac#ve engagement with regional part- ners to share informa#on and knowledge. High Cayuga County Planning Department par#cipates in the Finger Lakes Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (FL-PRISM). A presenta#on on the FL-PRISM priority invasive species was made at the November 3, 2016 WQMA mee#ng and training provided on invasive species as part of NYS Invasive Species Week. CCE remains connected with PRISM and Cornell invasive species programs to keep abreast of new invasive species threats and exis#ng infesta- #ons (CCPD, CCE) E-1-b. Employ watercraE stewards during peak recrea#onal periods. High E-1-c. Provide signage and informa#on at marinas and boat launches and public rights-of-way. Medium E-1-d. Con#nue annual monitoring and control measures to reduce Asian clam popula#on. Medium The Planning Department organized the Asian clam survey conducted on July 27, 2016 by members of the Invasive Species Working Group of the Cayuga County Water Quality Manage- ment Agency. Planning wrote a report and presented the results to the WQMA and Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council. (CCPD) E-1-e. Develop a template rapid response plan for terres- trial and aqua#c invasive species. Low New York State Department of Environmental Conserva#on developed a “Rapid Response for Invasive Species: Framework for Response” which was released in December 2016. The Planning Department will review this in 2017 and consider adop#on and deployment of the plan. (CCPD) E-1-f. Coordinate to development a plan to respond to the invasion of hemlock wooly adelgid, emerald ash borer, and emerging terrestrial threats. Medium An Eco Talks ar#cle was wri en about emerald ash borer. (CCE) E-1-g. Explore the feasibility of boat washing sta#ons, and if feasible, look for funding to implement. Medium D-1-e. Prepare and distribute an annual report card for a general audience. High Implementaon Status Report ---PAGE BREAK--- Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council 14 Implementaon Status Report # Recommenda#on Priority Ac#ons E-2-a. Con#nue to partner with regional agencies to review macrophyte management techniques. Medium E-2-b. Con#nue to support weed harves#ng by Cayuga County SWCD in problem areas. Medium E-2-c. Review and update “Aqua#c Weeds: Nuisance and Necessity: Managing Waterweeds in Cayuga, Owasco, and Seneca Lake,” republish and adver#se its availability. Medium E-3-a. Con#nue surveillance monitoring for HABs and provide #mely no#fica#on to stakeholders. High A Harmful Algal Bloom surveillance and monitoring plan was developed in the spring of 2016. A no#fica#on system was set up by the Health Department and the WIP. In addi- #on the CCHD used mul#ple media outlets to no#fy the public of cyanotoxins in Auburn’s and Owasco’s drinking water. (CCHD, CCPD, NYSDEC, OWLA, WIP) E-3-b. Train a network of observers in key areas around the lake shoreline. Medium 35 lakefront volunteers were trained to monitor for HABs in 24 zones around the lake. The WIP made periodic inspec#ons of the lake via boat. FLI also monitored the lake during their sampling visits and reported any occurrences of HABs. (NYSDEC, OWLA, WIP) E-3-c. Inves#gate the possibility of developing local analy#cal capability; if feasible, ini#ate analysis program. Medium The CCHD reached out to the New York State Department of Health regarding developing local analy#cal capability to analyze for cyanotoxins. Due to the current technology it does not appear feasible. (CCHD) E-4-a. Assist in implemen#ng Emerson Park Master Plan recommenda#ons. Medium ---PAGE BREAK--- Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council 15 # Recommenda#on Priority Ac#ons E-4-b. Acquire public fishing rights and develop access, considering people with disabili#es. Medium E-4-c. At Owasco flats, improve the kayak/canoe launch; improve parking areas, trails, and the County access road u#lizing green infrastructure planning; treat invasive plants. Medium E-5-a. Acquire parcels to be managed to protect water quality and wildlife resources in perpetuity. High E-5-b. Con#nue work to improve hydrologic func#oning of this area. High The Planning Department con#nued to advance the Owasco Flats Wetland Restora#on and Riparian Buffers PILOT Project during 2016, which is funded by a $715K Green Infrastructure Grant through the NYS Environmental Facili#es Corpora#on. Work undertaken included: • Working with project engineers to bring design and construc#on bid documents to 90% comple#on and submission for review by NYS EFC and the permiVng agencies; • Prepara#on and submission of the required Wetland Permits to the ACOE and NYSDEC; • Scheduling and hos#ng comprehensive site visit and project assessment by the per- miVng agencies and funder; The project is in the final design review and permiVng stages and under #me constraints for construc#on and comple#on within the scope of the grant term. (CCPD) E-5-c. Seek opportuni#es to enhance recrea#onal use while protec#ng fish and wildlife. Medium E-5-d. Assess currently closed publicly owned areas and recommend whether they can be opened. Medium F-1-a. Encourage the coun#es of Tompkins and Onondaga to adopt a sanitary code. Medium Implementaon Status Report ---PAGE BREAK--- Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council 16 Implementaon Status Report # Recommenda#on Priority Ac#ons F-2-a. Support efforts to extend public sewers in areas where current on-site wastewater disposal systems may compromise public health and environmental quality, aEer carefully considering poten#al impacts. High The Cayuga County Water and Sewer Authority applied for and received a grant to review the water and wastewater needs of Cayuga County. (CCWSA) F-3-a. Work with Groton, Locke and Moravia to create wellhead protec#on programs. Medium F-3-b. Strictly enforce the Rules and Regula#ons of the Owasco Lake Watershed and exis#ng NYSDEC regula#ons to protect surface and ground water. High The WIP sent one viola#on le er in 2016. CCHD, WIP, and Planning are having periodic mee#ngs with NYSDEC staff to discuss enforcement issues. (WIP, CCHD, CCPD) F-3-c. Con#nue financial support to the Watershed Inspec#on Program. High The City of Auburn and Town of Owasco increased their financial commitment to the WIP in 2016. (Auburn, Owasco) F-3-d. Assist City of Auburn and Town of Owasco with iden#fying/evalua#ng treatment op#ons to improve treated drinking water quality. Medium During the cyanobacteria blooms, the CCHD assisted the City and Town to op#mize their treatment plants. Both municipali#es have hired engineers to further improve their plants’ ability to remove cyanotoxins. (CCHD) F-3-e. Assist City of Auburn and Town of Owasco with monitoring raw water and finished water quality when cyanobacteria are in the vicinity of their intakes. High During the cyanobacteria blooms, the water operators at Owasco and Auburn monitored their water quality. When the plant was impacted by the blooms, the CCHD collected raw and fin- ished water samples for analysis at Wadsworth. (CCHD, Auburn, Owasco) G-1-a. Develop an annual work plan based on this Plan’s recommenda#ons. High The Planning Department prepared an Annual Work Plan that outlined the tasks the department would work on in 2016 and submi ed the Plan to the OLWMC for review and confirma#on. (CCPD) ---PAGE BREAK--- Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council 17 # Recommenda#on Priority Ac#ons G-1-b. Consider measures to improve the long-term effec#veness of the Council to guide lake restora#on and protec#on; review other organiza#onal structures and consider adding standing commi ees. High G-2-a. Establish a subcommi ee of OLWMC members to tap exis#ng resources and pursue new sources of funding. High G-2-b. Examine the feasibility and, if feasible, create a funding mechanism for watershed protec#on based on voluntary dona#ons by water users. High G-2-c. Crea#vely explore new sources of assistance to carry out specific watershed protec#on ac#vi#es. High G-2-d. Seek grants, possibly in collabora#on with others. High. H-1-a. Provide educators with sugges#ons on expanding students’ opportuni#es to learn about watershed processes, benefits of a healthy watershed ecosys- tem, and use of ethical principals in moral reason- ing about watershed environments. Medium The message regarding being a good environmental ci#zen was emphasized in Eco Talks ar#cles and Conserva#on Field Days presenta#ons. (CCE) Implementaon Status Report ---PAGE BREAK--- Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council 18 # Recommenda#on Priority Ac#ons H-1-b. When communica#ng, convey that humans are an integral part of the Owasco Lake ecosystem, and that the ecosystem has an intrinsic value separate from its ability to support human uses. Medium H-2-a. Establish a robust on-line resource for Owasco Lake and watershed informa#on. High The Communica#on and Branding Commi ee obtained funding and prepared a Request for Proposals (RFP) for crea#ng a website with informa#on on all County Lakes including Owas- co Lake. (WQMA) H-2-b. Review case studies to iden#fy successful components of exis#ng outreach plans that can be used in the Owasco Lake watershed. Medium H-2-c. Establish branding and messaging to enhance public awareness and understanding of watershed issues. High The Communica#on and Branding Commi ee obtained funding and prepared an RFP for crea#ng a communica#on and branding plan for the WQMA. This will include enhancing awareness and understanding of watershed issues throughout the County, including the Owasco Lake Watershed. (WQMA) H-2-d. Leverage partnerships to extend the message to mul#ple audiences. High H-2-e. Provide partners with outreach tools that can be easily adopted, and sugges#ons for adap#ng these tools as part of micro-campaigns targeted at specific audiences. Medium H-2-f. Adopt and circulate a relevant guidebook for residents on ways to protect the lake. Medium H-2-g. Con#nue to collaborate to develop, seek funding for, and promote educa#on and workshops tailored to watershed residents. Medium Implementaon Status Report