What is a MANAGEMENT PLAN?
A management plan serves as a guide to the restoration, enhancement, and maintenance of a lake. Plans can come in all shapes and sizes, so to speak. Issue-based plans focus on a particular aspect of the lake that is disrupting the ecosystem or displeasing lake-goers and often provide short-term results. Comprehensive plans are all encompassing -covering any and all aspects affecting the lake- and offer a wide range of short and long-term solutions.
Why do we need a Lake Ronkonkoma management plan?
As the largest freshwater waterbody on Long Island, this lake has been affected by pollution and the suburban sprawl. Over the years, a multitude of factors have affected the water quality and the lake ecosystem. An urbanized watershed washes nutrients into the lake allowing invasive plants and algae to flourish. The fish community is altered by the presence of invasive plants and the absence of native plants. High bacteria counts in the water along with decreased transparency make this lake less appealing to swimmers and waders. Many factors will need to be addressed to restore and bring new life to the lake!
Who is developing the plan? Who is carrying it out?
Monica Matt is a graduate student developing the management plan for Lake Ronkonkoma. She will be collecting all kinds of data from 2017-2018. Along with her observations, insight and data from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, United States Geological Survey, and many other sources will be used to evaluate trends and create a sustainable management plan.
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It will be up to YOU to carry out the actions described in the plan! Taking care of the lake is not just a job for one person or organization. Do your part in keeping the lake clean by partaking in best management practices! Clean the shoreline, avoid heavily fertilizing your lawn, and throwing lawn clippings or other natural debris into places where nutrients will wash into the lake! Be sure to maintain your septic tanks and other sanitary systems too as they can leech into the lake.