Intermunicipal Organization Receives Funding

By Deb Grantham
Chair Intermunicipal Organization (IO)

Education Committee Chairperson Karin Harjes (left) talked to dozens of people at Lakefest while staffing the IO's display.

The Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization (IO) has been awarded $230,845 to begin implementing the Restoration and Protection Plan completed by the IO in August, 2001. New York State Secretary of State Randy Daniels visited Ithaca on September 4, 2002 to announce the award from the Great Lakes Coastal Watershed Restoration Program through the New York State Department of State. The Town of Dryden in Tompkins County submitted the funding application and accepted the award on behalf of the IO.

The funding will allow the IO to begin erosion control projects on streams in the Fall Creek and Cayuga Inlet subwatersheds in the southern end of the Cayuga Lake Watershed, where the topography is steep, tributary stream banks are heavily eroded and the tributaries carry significant loads of sediment to the lake. Techniques used to control erosion will include biotechnical methods of stabilizing streambanks, restoration of streamside vegetation, and construction of structures (including detention structures, where appropriate) to reduce peak flow. The IO will work with the City of Ithaca and the Town of Caroline to complement work being funded in Six Mile Creek.

King Ferry (on the eastern side of the watershed) and Sheldrake (on the western side of the watershed) subwatersheds contain highly erodible roadbanks and roadside drainage ditches that require stabilization. Techniques for erosion control will include restoration of disturbed areas within the right-of-way, including by re-vegetation with suitable plant species. Targeted roads in the Sheldrake subwatershed include Hall Road in Ovid. Targeted roads in the KIng Ferry subwatershed include the Genoa/Lansing Townline Road and Lake Road in Ledyard.

The Great Lakes Coastal Watershed Restoration Program is one of several funding applications submitted on behalf of the IO since August, 2001. Currently, the City of Ithaca Environmental Labs, Seneca County Soil and Water Conservation District, and the US Geological Survey are developing a monitoring plan for the northern end of Cayuga Lake, including Yawger Creek, that will be funded by approximately $41,000 of US Environmental Protection Agency funding.

In addition to seeking funding, the IO has continued its educational work in the Cayuga Lake Watershed. Beginning in mid-August, 2002, the Education Committee of the IO began a 6-week radio campaign on proper use and disposal of household hazardous wastes and proper car maintenance and motor oil change. The radio spots will air 4 times a week on Lite 97 FM. While the first three spots are being aired, the committee is working on additional spots on groundwater, wells and boating/invasive species.

The Education Committee, chaired by Karin Harjes, also is in the early planning stages for a Cayuga Lake Floating Classroom. A local boatowner/captain initiated the idea and partners in the planning process include the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network and Wells College. The Lake George Floating Classroom is a being used as the model for the Cayuga Lake project.

The IO’s Technical Advisory Committee, chaired by Tom Vawter at Wells College, remains active. Data gaps in our knowledge of the watershed are a critical issue as we move forward in implementing the Restoration and Protection Plan. In March 2002, the committee held a Monitoring Conference at Wells College, coordinated by Linda Wagenet of the Cornell Center for the Environment with assistance from Wells College and the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network. Scientists throughout the watershed and beyond presented their research and findings and considered the need for additional data, including on groundwater and water quality in the northern end of the lake and the tributaries.

The IO continues to welcome participation by the public at IO meetings and on IO committees. Please consult our Web site (www.cayugawatershed.org) for more information.