Aquatic Vegetation Control (AVC) is a form of nutrient management that is one of several management techniques used to manage non-point source water pollution that is natural but also impacts a balanced ecosystem for water quality. Selective harvesting invasive species and some high concentrations of water weeds verses letting them die off and fertilize seedbeds within a waterbody does three things for the environment:

      1. Removes nutrients from waterbody in specific areas to prevent high growth of stronger weeds;
  1. Reduces the potential for continuous spread of some highly invasive aquatic weeds like Water Chestnut;
  2. Increases flow from the outlets of streams into the waterbody to allow for regular movement of water thus preventing algal blooms.

There are other benefits to this management technique which include pathways for boaters to navigate into open waters, pathways for fisherman to access weed-beds for better fishing and better ascetics for the community. The District’s Aquatic Vegetation Control program subcontracted by Wayne County, began on June 13th and will provide 1 service to specific areas in 2022 through September 9th. The tentative schedule has been posted but is subject to change based on technical review weekly by the staff for addressing water quality impairments. Further schedule updates can be found on the District’s website.

For additional information on Invasive Species Management and the Aquatic Vegetation Control program please go to visit the AVC Program Webpage

New York State Fishing Access Site’s new floating dock system at Port Bay South, June 2022

Water Quality continues to be a concern due to changing weather, and temperatures, through watershed management. Throughout the summer of 2022 until Columbus Day, District staff will be reviewing water quality and positing updates if there are specific concerns on the waterfronts and how to manage them throughout Wayne County.  Watersheds are the entire area that supplies water to a waterbody. This can potentially make up 1000s of acres of land with various topography, and use.  Water quality update reports will include descriptions based on weather patterns, temperature, what you are seeing in the water, invasive species and local water quality projects.

The District monitors water quality across Wayne County throughout the year and tried to address targeted issues that have been brought up by the communities. One of the positives from the COVID response was the District’s Landowner Assistance Program (LAP forms) and Municipal Assistance Program (MAP forms) that are available online to help target and narrow down issues. This form is fillable and allows the landowner or municipal leader to upload a request and photos in real time from our Website.

This report allows us to see where review is needed. The LAP/MAP program is for technical review by trained technicians. It is not a grant program.  The District staff will review the site through technical maps, permitting needs and water quality considerations and then will follow up with the requestor by email or by phone depending on the initial review findings. On a rare case, there may be a request for an on-site visit. This process may take 2-3 weeks depending on the amount of requests that come in at once.

The District’s Technical Staff is made up of 5 people that have made community water quality their professional career. They focus on the “bigger picture” of watershed management while working to address the water quality impacts of the local community.

 


Wayne County Soil and Water Conservation District and the Wayne County Federation of Sportsmen Clubs are pleased to announce the 25th Wayne County Youth Fishing Derby for anglers ages 4-16. The event runs June 17th-July 29th, 2022 and covers the waters in Wayne County. 

Responsible local conservation recreation is a crucial part of continuing to help New Yorkers stay active and a great way to spend time with immediate household and family members while building lasting memories of having that “FISH ON”. Social distancing and masks encouraged.

REGISTER FOR THE YOUTH DERBY

New this year, Jarvis Bait in Wolcott along with Grantley Bait and Tackle in Ontario will be weigh in stations. ALL stores sell bait are a perfect way to expand fishing opportunities on the Erie Canal and Lake Ontario west. Other stations are Krenzer Marine, Hughes Marina, Davenports, and Bay Bridge bait shops.

The Youth Derby is designed as three tournaments in one.
• AL SHULTZ MEMORIAL CHALLENGE is for youth ages 4-7 years of age. Anglers compete to catch the most pan-fish; Blue Gill, Perch, Rock Bass, Sun Fish, Largemouth bass OR smallmouth bass. Although the fish, other than perch do not need to be weighed anglers must complete a fish entry form.
• MERCHANTS CHALLENGE is for youth anglers ages 8-16 and is considered the “Grand Slam” – Catch all 5 of shallow-water species Perch, Walleye, Largemouth bass, Northern pike & Smallmouth bass. The angler’s cumulative weight of all five wins.
• SPECIES CHALLENGE is open to all entrants. In this derby, anglers compete to catch the largest fish in any of the 5 species: Perch, Walleye, Largemouth, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass

The entry fee is $5.00. Prizes will consist of merchandise and trophies. The prize structure is based on the number of registered entrants.

The District will be accepting payments by cash or check, registrations are being taken online and paid using any major credit card. The entrant’s registration number is generated at checkout. ( click here to register online)

Thank you to all the businesses and clubs in Wayne County that support this great youth fishing opportunity: Nancy Wilkes of McDonald’s in Wayne County,  PJ Unisex Salon, Lyons National Bank, Franklyn House Tavern, Zip N’ Zin Charters, Lyons Veterinary Clinic, Sodus Rotary, Katlynn Marine, Rubinos on the Bay, Ashley Insurance, Fowler Marine, Clingerman Taxidermy, Dynalec Corporation, Patons Sodus Market, Humbert Farms, KC Baily Orchards, Johnson Forest Management, V&C Development, Lake Breeze Orchards, Farm Bureau of Wayne County, Ely & Leene Insurance, JJs Hot Dogs, Mack’s Auto Joey’s Northside Grocery, Termatec Molding Inc, Cornerstone Reality, Finger Lakes Aquaculture, David and Sue Williamson, Sodus Bay Sportsman Club, Wayne County Tourism, Wayne County Soil & Water Conservation District, Wayne County Federation of Sportsmen Clubs, and of course, all the bait and weigh stations.

Participants will enter fish personally caught only in the Wayne County, NY in the waters of Lake Ontario (1/2 mile west of Ginna Plant and east to Blind Sodus Bay) and its embayments; the waters of the Erie Canal and streams located in Wayne County, NY in accordance with all NYS Department of Conservation Fishing Rules and Regulations. Participants must have a valid NYS fishing license unless exempt by law.
The Derby Awards Banquet, sponsored by McDonald’s of Wayne County is on August 7th, 2022 at the Sodus Bay Sportsmen Club in Sodus Point, where prizes and trophies will be awarded. The Federation of Sportsmen Club and the District are working out ways to practice social distancing but still provide awards and prizes to youth anglers.

To register for the Youth Derby visit https://waynecountynysoilandwater.org/youth-derby/

New York Invasive Species Awareness Week! (June 6th-June12th)
Invasive species are our specialty, so we have a few events going on to help you celebrate this year’s NY Invasive Species Awareness Week! Taking place from Monday, June 6th to Saturday, June 12th, this is the perfect opportunity to get outside and take a look at invasive species threatening ecosystems in the Finger Lakes region. Whether you want to be on the trail or on the water, we’ve got something for you. Check out what we’ve got going on near you, and register now!

2022 Soil Health & Climate Resiliency Field Days

Join the New York Soil Health team and partner organizations at a soil health field day! The statewide event series will take place May-August 2022. For more information visit https://www.newyorksoilhealth.org/fielddays/#.YpZDFSzMKUk

Join the Wayne County Master Gardeners at a Vegetable Gardening Workshop on Saturday, May 21st from 9 to 11:30 a.m. This includes two topics.

To register, send $5.00 per person, payable to CCE Wayne County, or stop by our office M-F, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Masks are required at this event.
IMPORTANT: Write Veg. Workshop and your phone number on your check, so that we register you for the correct workshop.

The topics:
“Vegetable Garden Planning -The Time-Space Continuum” – get the most out of your garden space gardening space through garden planning. Topics covered include space saving techniques, amount to plant, spacing/variety selection, when to plant, succession planting, and crop rotation.
And, “Growing Sweet Potatoes at Home” – learn everything you need to know from propagation to storage and go home with a sweet potato plant to grow in your garden or a large container. (We’ll also have a few additional sweet potato plants for purchase)
For special needs, please contact us two weeks prior to this event.

Location: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Wayne County, 1581 Rte 88 N. Newark, NY 14513 Spaces are limited and filled on a first paid basis.

Follow us on Facebook & Instagram