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The Copake Lake Conservation Society seeks to maintain the
water quality and ecological balance of the lake and its
surrounding area, as well as to provide educational programs
that promote safety and conservation.
To achieve these goals the Lake Management Committee has
established standards for critical factors. Annually they
assess the quality of the lake against these standards and
develop an action plan to adjust as closely as possible to the
standards.
At our Annual Meeting on July
9, 2011, limnologist George Knocklein gave a very
informative Power Point presentation on the current
condition of Copake Lake.
Click here to view the presentation in
.pdf format.
• Swimming Safety – Samples are taken from 15 sampling
locations around the lake and tested for coliform bacteria
levels. If readings exceed state limits the testing is
repeated, and if necessary, the Health Department is
contacted.
• Invasive Weed Control – The CLCS seeks to reduce the
number of non-native weeds in high use areas, and sustain
native weeds to promote recreational fishing and a healthy
lake. Weed surveys are conducted before and during the peak
season, and a treatment is applied in May if necessary.
Click on the following link for information on native and
non-native plants in Copake Lake.
Guide to Aquatic Plants in Copake
Lake
• Lake Clarity – Lake clarity is tested throughout the
summer season. If lake clarity standards are not met, a
copper sulfate treatment may be applied in late June and/or
early August. The goal is to maintain or exceed water
clarity of five feet. Measurements are taken
frequently and will be posted on the CLCS bulletin board at
the Rt 7 corner of the lake during the summer months.
Click on the link below for current lake clarity readings.
Lake
Clarity Chart
• Lake Chemistry – Phosphorus levels are monitored to assure
that nutrients are not encouraging weed growth. High
phosphorus levels can be reduced by encouraging people
within the watershed to keep nutrients, especially lawn
fertilizers with phosphorus, from flowing into the lake. |
