West NY News

The Chautauqua Lake Symposium convened a diverse group of stakeholders, scientific experts, and community members on Sunday at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron, NY. The event, initiated by Chautauqua County Executive Paul M. Wendel Jr., was themed "Strength in Unity: Advancing Chautauqua Lake Together."

The symposium aimed to share knowledge and expertise to improve the health and future of Chautauqua Lake. “The symposium highlighted the importance of collaboration and scientific insight in addressing the challenges facing Chautauqua Lake,” said Wendel. “We need to continue rich collaborations and discussions among stakeholders and experts, focusing on sharing vital data, insights, and actionable solutions. This collective effort is crucial for the betterment of Chautauqua Lake and its surrounding communities.”

Wendel expressed gratitude to several key participants including Julie Barrett O'Neill, NYSDEC Region 9 Regional Director; Chad Staniszewski, NYSDEC Region 9 Assistant Regional Director; Bonnie Lockwood, Governor Kathy Hochul’s WNY Regional Director; Senator George Borrello; Assemblyman Andrew Goodell; Dr. Allison Hrycik from the Darrin Freshwater Institute at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the Jefferson Project; Harry Kolar with the Jefferson Project; LtCol Paul Lord from SUNY Oneonta; Dr. Richardson from NC State University; and Marion Divers with the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

“I also want to thank the numerous attendees who participated in the symposium, especially those who engaged in the Q&A sessions, facilitating meaningful dialogue and the exchange of ideas,” continued Wendel. “Your involvement is essential to our shared mission of preserving and enhancing Chautauqua Lake.”

For those unable to attend in person, the entire symposium was live-streamed and is now available for viewing on Chautauqua County's YouTube page.

For more information about the symposium and ongoing efforts to protect Chautauqua Lake, please visit: chqgov.com/CHQLakeSymposium