Environmental Conservation, NYS Department of Division of Fish & Wildlife

The meeting included a presentation from the Director of the Dairylake Freshwater Institute regarding the Jefferson Project, detailing monitoring, experiments, and forecasting related to the lake's behavior, including studies on invasive species like the Asian clam, and water quality issues such as salt runoff and increasing phosphorous levels. A significant portion of the discussion involved a homeowner association's proposal to modify dock spaces, including securing necessary deeds, clarifying the position of swim areas relative to the proposed dock configuration, and addressing concerns about neighbor proximity and existing citations related to improper dock installation. There were also discussions regarding boating safety, including the distribution of educational materials in marinas and boat rental places, and the necessity of turning off boat motors during recreational activities like swimming.

The meeting addressed several items, including the approval of the minutes from the previous meeting and the fiscal actions report. A significant portion of the discussion centered on Project Review Resolution 2020 Dennis 16, concerning an application by Green Flash Holding Group to modify an existing U-shaped wharf by adding a closed-sided boathouse. The applicant cited safety and aesthetic conformity to the property as reasons for the modification, noting that the previous structure included a two-story hotel and cabins that caused greater visual obstruction. Neighboring property owners expressed concerns regarding the visual impact of the closed-sided structure compared to the previously permitted open-sided structure. Commissioners discussed the minimal visual impact according to aerial analysis (estimated at 5% obstruction of a 180-degree view) versus the procedural issue of the applicant having started construction without final approval, for which a fine was paid. Discussions also referenced another unapproved construction project on the Rutherford property adjacent to Chuckle Lodge.

The meeting addressed concerns regarding the status of the FWMB, particularly in Region 5, with the DEC encouraging a refocus on the board's primary statutory purpose: encouraging the preservation and development of fish and wildlife resources on privately-owned lands and improving public recreational access to those resources. Key discussion points included Region 5's pheasant hunt initiatives, Region 6's development of a handbook for new board members, and Region 9's lack of legislative involvement in regional meetings. The board recognized the need to refocus and reorganize, clarifying the distinction between the FWMB and the NYSCC. The state board was tasked with providing guidance to regional boards to ensure adherence to statutory purpose. Alvin Montana was approved as the new Vice Chair. Action items included distributing bylaws and statutes to members and compiling membership lists.

The meeting involved reviewing and approving the Project Review Action Report, which recommended acceptance of the report prepared by staff dated April 10, 2018. A significant portion of the discussion centered on a tour boat permit application from Watersports for the operation of two towing vessels in areas deemed over capacity according to a recreation study. Commissioners debated the impact of increased boat traffic, particularly related to water skiing and wakeboarding in Huddle Bay, contrasting the applicant's professional operation with general public boat usage and historical capacity levels. Concerns included shoreline impact and potential future restrictions leading to a five-mile-per-hour zone. The commission also discussed the permit renewal process, which typically occurs every five years, and whether to impose conditions on the current applicant.

The meeting focused on several agenda items, including the review and potential correction of previous meeting minutes and subsequent project review actions. A significant portion of the discussion concerned a Class A marina modification by Dunham's Bay Road, involving an unusual situation with two separate lakefronts belonging to the same parcel, necessitating a conservative approach to treating each wave front individually regarding regulations. A property owner presented a case for a variance related to a jet ski ramp, detailing the property's history, environmental stewardship, and the financial hardship of relocating the structure ($11,000 cost) or combining properties (estimated $500,000 impact on value). Staff also presented an analysis regarding a permit application from 10 John's Bay Road LLC, seeking to modify a marina by reducing seasonal berths from 28 to 14 while increasing the motorized rental fleet from 12 to 20. The analysis compared current usage metrics (e.g., 1.1 trips per day on weekends, 0.6 on weekdays for rentals) against the proposed changes, noting that while the total number of vessels decreases, the shift from seasonal ownership to rentals could result in an estimated 7% weekday and 4% weekend increase in boat trips in the bay. Concerns were also raised about the long-term implications if the rental slip designation changes business models.