For Release: Wednesday, September 3, 2008
New Buoys to Aid Onondaga Lake Boaters
Increased Recreational Activity Due to Ongoing Environmental Revitalization Highlights Need for Enhanced Boating Safety
Navigational aids have been deployed in Onondaga Lake to identify hazards in water less than four feet in depth and beyond 100 feet from shore, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 7 Director Kenneth Lynch announced today. Onondaga Lake's improved water clarity, habitat and fish diversity has led to increased public interest and the resurgence of recreational activity on the lake, stimulating a focus on navigational safety.
The Onondaga Lake Partnership, of which DEC is a member, has worked in conjunction with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to facilitate the installation of navigational buoys in Onondaga Lake. OPRHP is responsible for the placement of navigational aids throughout the Finger Lakes as well.
Onondaga Lake is approximately 2,880 acres in size and relatively shallow in many areas. As is a common occurrence in many lakes, there are several submerged and partially submerged obstructions that are hazards to motorized and passively-powered boats alike. These hazards include old discharge pipes, abandoned piers, shoals and like objects. Boaters using rowing sculls, fishing boats, sail boats and pleasure craft will now be able to more safely navigate Onondaga Lake.
A map of buoy locations will be presented to the public during the Onondaga Lake Partnership's Annual Progress Meeting at 6:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 29, at the Lakeside Volunteer Fire Department, 1002 State Fair Boulevard. The map will also be available later this month from DEC and at the Onondaga Lake Park Marina.
The Onondaga Lake Partnership was established in 2000 to promote cooperation among federal, state and local governments, and other parties involved in managing the environmental issues of Onondaga Lake and its watershed. The Partnership facilitates and coordinates the development and implementation of improvement projects to revitalize and conserve water quality, natural resources, and recreational uses for the benefit of the public.
Additional information about Onondaga Lake is available online at www.onlakepartners.org.
