Keuka Lake is the central lake of the Finger Lakes which are located in Western New York.
Founded in 1956, the Keuka Lake Association, with over 1600 members, provides a unified voice for those who love Keuka Lake.
Our mission is to preserve and protect Keuka Lake and its natural beauty for future generations.
Keuka is a most special Finger Lake because of the unusual 'Y' shape the lake possesses. Keuka Lake's Bluff Point forms the peninsula in the lake giving it this unique shape.
Please join the Keuka Lake Association and help us protect the beauty of Keuka Lake.
read more about Keuka Lake
LATEST NEWS
Announcement
New Free Fishing Days Announced
Anglers can look forward to four new annual Free Fishing Days in New York State. The new dates are:
September 23, 2017 - National Hunting and Fishing Day
November 11, 2017 - Veterans Day
February 17-18, 2018 - weekend preceding Presidents Day
June 23-24, 2018 - last full weekend in June
The requirement for a fishing license is waived on these days, so it’s the perfect time to introduce someone to the sport or invite friends or family from out of state.
Announcement
TEST RESULTS - ALGAE BLOOMS ON KEUKA
Results from samples tested
Last week, there were several reports and pictures taken, starting Wednesday 9/13 thru the weekend, of “algal blooms” on shorelines of Keuka throughout the lake. The blooms looked like green paint or stain spilled on the water or in some cases like pea soup against the shore. They could also look like an accumulation of pollen or granules suspended in the water column. Samples were taken at two sites in the on the southeast shore and west bluff shore. The samples were analyzed by the College of Environmental Science and Forestry.
RESULTS WERE POSITIVE FOR CYANOBACTERIA (also know as “blue green algae”).
Were these blooms hazardous?
YES ! These blooms are now classified by the Dept. of Environmental Conservation (DEC) as “Confirmed with High Toxins Bloom”.
Cyanobacteria, in the high concentrations, such as in these blooms, produce irritating toxins called mycrocystins. Exposure to mycrocystins can cause skin reactions such as rash/hives/blisters especially to lips and under swimsuits. Inhalation of water droplets can cause runny eyes, cough or other allergic type reactions. Hopefully, no one would have swallowed any water with these blooms but pets may have, and it may cause nausea or vomiting.
What now?
Currently, the blooms have dissipated and the lake is in good condition for recreational activities. However the weather conditions, combined with other factors, which produced the blooms, are continuing. Cyanobacteria and many algae are native to the Finger Lakes. It should be noted that blooms have been reported throughout the entire Finger Lakes region including Skaneateles. Canandaigua, Seneca and Cayuga. Please continue to take precautions and use common sense if you notice any sign of a bloom.
What should I do if I have a bloom on my shoreline?
First, avoid use of water, no swimming etc. until the bloom has dissipated. Keep out pets as well. Watch for any signs of skin irritation or other health issues and report to your physician. You may also report to harmfulalgae@health.ny.gov.
Second, take pictures and email them to HABsInfo@dec.ny.gov and/or info@keukalakeassoc.org. This will help us monitor and assess the on-going blooms. For additional information, call the DEC at 518-402-8179 or KLA at 315-694-7324 or 1-866-369-3781.
Third, if possible take a sample of the bloom in a clean plastic container or clean zip-lock bag and refrigerate. Contact Maria Hudson via email mwhudsn4@gmail.com for pick up to send the sample for analysis. Analysis takes a about a week, but will determine the type of bloom and whether or not it was hazardous.
Finally, thank you so much for supporting the Keuka Lake Association and visiting this website. As always we strive to Preserve and Protect our beautiful Keuka Lake.
Maria Hudson,
KLA Water Quality Co-Chair
Keuka Lake DEC CSLAP
Announcement
ALGAE BLOOMS ON KEUKA LAKE
Algae Blooms in Keuka Lake
What Is Going On?
There have been several reports starting Wednesday 9/13 thru this weekend of “algal blooms” on shorelines of Keuka from Hammondsport to the north end of the east branch and along the west bluff. The blooms look like green paint or stain spilled on the water or in some cases like pea soup against the shore. They could also look like an accumulation of pollen or granules suspended in the water column. The blooms are a naturally occurring phenomenon throughout the Finger Lakes resulting from the current calm and warm conditions. These conditions were preceded by winds and cool nights (which have stirred the water column) and early season storms (which delivered nutrients from runoff). Canandaigua, Seneca and Cayuga have all reported blloms.
Are these blooms hazardous?
These blooms are currently classified by the Dept. of Environmental Conservation (DEC) as “suspicious” , possibly cyanobacteria, which in high concentrations, can produce irritating toxins. People and pets should avoid the water when blooms are present. Samples of the bloom have been taken and sent for analysis to the College of Environmental Science and Forestry, (ESF). Results will be available by the end of next week 9/22.
What is Cyanobacteria?
Cyanobacteria is a unique aquatic bacteria, which obtain their energy through photosynthesis, they are also referred to as “blue green algae” although they are not a true algae. Cyanobacteria and many algae are native to Keuka and other Finger Lakes in low concentrations. It is not unusual for Cyanobacteria, and possibly other opportunistic organisms, to take advantage of the current ideal conditions to increase and concentrate their populations on our shorelines.
What should I do if I have a bloom on my shoreline?
First, avoid use of water, no swimming etc. until the bloom has dissipated. Keep out pets as well. Watch for any signs of skin irritation or other health issues and report to your physician. You may also report to harmfulalgae@health.ny.gov.
Second, take pictures and email them to HABsInfo@dec.ny.gov and/or info@keukalakeassoc.org. This will help us monitor and assess the on-going blooms. For additional information, call the DEC at 518-402-8179 or KLA at 315-694-7324 or 1-866-369-3781.
Third, if possible take a sample of the bloom in a clean plastic container or clean zip-lock bag and refrigerate. Contact Maria Hudson via email mwhudsn4@gmail.com for pick up to send the sample for analysis. Analysis takes a about a week, but will determine the type of bloom and whether or not it was hazardous.
Finally, thank you so much for supporting the Keuka Lake Association and visiting this website. As always we strive to Preserve and Protect our beautiful Keuka Lake.
Maria Hudson,
KLA Water Quality Co-Chair
Keuka Lake DEC CSLAP
Navigation & Recreation
Keuka Lake Anglers' Diary - 2016
Invasive Species
Boat Stewards Volunteers NEEDED!!!
Hello Keuka Lake Association Members!
As many of you already know from attending KLA annual meetings and reading KLA newsletter, the KLA watercraft steward program is our first line of defense in protecting Keuka Lake from introductions of new aquatic invasive species. In 2016, the KLA was awarded a grant from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation for $100,000 to help fund the watercraft steward program for three years.
The grant requires a 25% match of $30,000 that the KLA must meet through direct expenses or in-kind matches of expenses or volunteer time. We rely largely on volunteers to assist with the watercraft steward program--volunteer hours are valued at $12/hour and are applied towards meeting the $30,000 match.
We have a group of dedicated volunteers and we are incredibly grateful to them for donating their valuable time! If we don’t meet our match then we default on the grant and place our watercraft steward program in jeopardy.
Please let us know if you’d like to volunteer. Shifts are two hours long and you can open the attached July 2017 calendar to view the available dates and times. Volunteers always work alongside a paid steward (Ryan, Chris, Kati, and/or Bryan), so they have assistance and support when at a boat launch. Keep an eye out for the August schedule in the coming weeks.
Volunteering is a great way to become involved in the efforts to keep our lake clean and to also raise awareness concerning the spread and impact invasive species have in the ecosystem. Please contact program coordinator Bryan Hill if you would like to volunteer: 0brykh@gmail.com.
Thank you so much in advance for your purposeful consideration of this important matter.
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