Diet for a Small Lake

Written in 2009 as part of a collaboration between the DEC Division of Water and the New York State Federation of Lake Associations, the second edition of Diet for a Small Lake is a significantly updated version of the 1990 publication sharing the same name. As indicated by the official title, Diet for a Small Lake: The Expanded Guide to New York State Lake and Watershed Management is a compendium of information about the ecology, monitoring, and management of lakes and watersheds throughout New York State, drawing from the vast experience of many state lake management experts. This guide is written for both lake residents and professionals, and includes numerous case studies and examples from New York State lakes.

This document is for government or personal use only. Commercial distribution of the document is strictly prohibited without written permission from New York State Federation of Lake Associations. Specific copyright restrictions are outlined in the introduction to the book.

This publication is available in both paperback and hardcover from the New York State Federation of Lake Associations (NYSFOLA) at 1-800-796-3652 or at the NYSFOLA website indicated in the "Links Leaving DEC's Website" area at right.

You may download the entire book (PDF) (8.54 MB) or individual sections as listed below.

Introduction - Table of Contents, Preface, About NYSFOLA, Introduction (PDF) (1.37 MB)
Chapter 1 - Lake Ecology: Getting Your Feet Wet (PDF) (1.40 MB)
Chapter 2 - Lake Montauk to Lake Erie: 7,850 New York State Lakes (PDF) (647 KB)
Chapter 3 - Lake Problems: Acid Rain to Zebra Mussels (PDF) (1.33 MB)
Chapter 4 - Problem Diagnosis: Seeing Beyond the Symptoms (PDF) (857 KB)
Chapter 5 - Fisheries Management: Matching Expectations and Reality (PDF) (0.99 MB)
Chapter 6 - Aquatic Plants: Not Just Weeds (PDF) (1.54 MB)
Chapter 7 - Algae and Other Undesirables: Getting Rid of Yuck (PDF) (738 KB)
Chapter 8 - User Conflicts: Learning to Share (PDF) (903 KB)
Chapter 9 - Watershed Management: The Big Picture (PDF) (953 KB)
Chapter 10 - Legal Framework: It Helps to Know the Rules (PDF) (874 KB)
Chapter 11 - Management Plan Development: Putting the Pieces Together (PDF) (896 KB)
Chapter 12 - Implementation and Evaluation: Don't Stop Now (PDF) (518 KB)
Appendices - Appendices & Index of Terms (PDF) (434 KB)