MLID at work

Our CSLAP volunteers take water samples and record observations on factors such as weather and water clarity and temperature every two weeks throughout the summer season, submitting samples and observation data to a centralized lab for testing. In return, we receive valuable water-quality testing data, and we help the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the New York Federation of Lake Associations (NYSFOLA) understand the condition of participating lakes around the state. 

CSLAP volunteers must take a NYSFOLA certification class to learn how to take samples and record observations, to keep all of the gathered data as uniform as possible. Randall Duggan of Mohegan Highlands has been our primary CSLAP volunteer, with assistance from other volunteers from around the lake. We're grateful for their dedication to this important job. 

One of the key tools used in observing water quality is a Secchi disk, an 8-inch disk with alternating black and white quadrants. when you lower a Secchi disk into the water of a lake until you can no longer see it, the depth of the disk—the Secchi depth—is a measure of the transparency of the water.

Thermoclines,  microcystins, filamentous algae, eutrophication, biomass, bathymetric map...limnology—the study of lakes—has a language all its own.

The Mohegan Lake Improvement District is always pursuing a better understanding of the latest developments in limnology and their application in our own lake. As a member of the New York Federation of Lake Associations (NYSFOLA), MLID maintains a dialogue with other lake management associations, and many members attend the annual NYSFOLA conference, a  unique opportunity to hear from experts in the field and learn about the latest in limnological services and treatments. In addition to the yearly conference, smaller local associations offer mini-conferences on topics relevant to lake quality.  

MLID also seeks the input of seasoned limnologists regarding Lake Mohegan, including inviting them to speak at our meetings, consultations with our leadership, and contracted specific studies.  One of the most comprehensive studies was conducted by limnologist Patrick Goodwin, who focused on Lake Mohegan for his MA in Limnology from SUNY Oneonta's lake management program. You can see his completed report here. 

MLID hires and oversees our lake manager and seasonal staff. This wonderful crew take on whatever challenges arise in maintaining our lake and the MLID assets on shore. Our staff operates the weed harvester, "Jaws," to keep swimming areas clear of entangling weeds. You might also see them operating the handheld weed razor, hand-pulling those pesky water-chestnut plants early in the season, picking up debris, and clearing branches. Our staff is often called upon to set out public notices on water-treatment days, and operate the water taxi on Lake Day. When special projects arise—like dismantling a collapsed boathouse or rebuilding a dock—our staff has got it covered!

Our MLID lake staff maintains the complex aeration system, ensuring that air is flowing through the lines underneath the water to the aerators on the lake bottom, and replacing parts of the system as needed.