PLA’S PISECO LAKE-FRONT CLEAN-UP
AND SURVEY FOR INVASIVE AQUATIC PLANTS WORK PROJECTS
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED TO SURVEY FOR INVASIVE AQUATIC PLANTS AND CLEAN UP STORM AND HUMAN CAUSED DEBRIS around boat-launch sites, stream inlets from other bodies of water (Oxbow Lake, Evergreen Lake) and locations of heavy existing aquatic plant growth, such as the area between Fall Steam and Cold Stream inlets. Volunteers will also pick up any manageable storm or human caused debris from the Lake at those locations. Please email Dave Wilson (dwilson128@aol.com) to volunteer.
LAKE-FRONT OWNERS ARE ASKED TO CLEAN UP ANY MANAGEABLE STORM OR HUMAN CAUSED DEBRIS on their shorelines anytime between now and August 31. Optional: if comfortable, survey the lake-front areas of their property from the shore out to approximately 10 feet of water depth for the presence of invasive aquatic plants. Please collect a specimen, keep it moist, and contact Dave Wilson if you find any invasive plants.
THIS ACTIVITY WILL HELP MEET ONE OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ADIRONDACK CENTER FOR LOON CONSERVATION’S LOON-FRIENDLY LAKE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM IN WHICH THE PISECO LAKE ASSOCIATION IS PARTICIPATING. IN ADDITION TO A MORE PLEASANT-LOOKING SHORELINE, BENEFITS INCLUDE: RECOGNITION ON THE ACLC WEBSITE AND DISCOUNTS ON MERCHANDISE AT THE ADIRONDACK LOON CENTER AND ACLC FIELD TRIPS.
On August 29th, a loon was observed on a beach, near the Knox hangar, with another loon following, but staying in the water on the Lake. The loon stayed on the beach for nearly 1/2 hour. The owner called to inform the Arends about the incident, and they gave him the phone number for the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation. Both Griffin Archambault and Dr. Nina Schoch from the Center followed up with the owner and copied the Arends in an email. There could be a variety of explanations for this loon behavior including one loon chasing the other in a territorial dispute, lead poisoning, or another cause.
The loon was banded, and Nina wrote after viewing a photo, it may be a loon that was banded in 2004 on Big Bay. The loon, which has a broken upper beak, which she’s had for years, has been seen periodically on several lakes in our area. The white color by the corner of her mouth might be her fall molt starting up. Another possible reason for the white on the corner of her mouth, could be tangled fishing line. Griffin suggested we alert people on the Lake about the incident and watch out for any loon that may have fishing line tangles in its beak. In such a case, the Loon Center would attempt a rescue. If possible, a photo would be of much assistance. Anyone seeing a loon encumbered by fishing line, or showing unusual behavior, such as climbing on the shore, not moving away from approaching people, etc., should contact the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation (518-354-8636). Please also call (518-548-2730) or email the Arends (arend866@gmail.com. Should you encounter a loon carcass, please wrap it in two trash bags and freeze it. Call the Arends, who will pick it up and contact the Loon Center for analysis.
