The Bulletin Spring 2010 www.oneidalakeassociation.org WANTED: A Congressman to Restore Cormorant Control by Matt Snyder As Federal programs go, Oneida “The loss of the critical funding [for USDA operations] would significantly impact Lake’s cormorant management is one of ongoing projects to restore economies around Oneida Lake.” the greatest success stories of all time. – DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis to Senators Charles Schumer and Initiated by retired Congressman Jim Kirsten Gillibrand, June 2009 Walsh in 2004, this U.S. Department of Agriculture endeavor replaced smaller, “I share your concern about this issue and regret that funding was not directed to state-led efforts and produced extremely this important program for the upcoming fiscal year…I can assure you that I will positive, sustainable results - turnarounds support restoring funding in the next budget cycle.” in fish populations and fishing, decreases – Congressman Maurice Hinchey to the OLA, January 2010 in habitat damage, and economic ben- efits that included more than 1,400 jobs “While other states such as Arkansas and Virginia will enter fiscal year 2010 with and $50 million in local revenue. Clear federal support for their USDA programs, 's Congressional delegation evidence from across the country shows must work to restore the program. Federal support was critical in the past and it that the best way to keep these benefits will be needed to keep the program going.” is to keep USDA boats on the water for – State Senator David J. Valesky to Congressman Dan Maffei, the long haul. February 2010 Unfortunately, our new Congressmen “______” haven’t yet proven their commitment – Response from New York’s Congressmen to the OLA regarding a firm to this program. They failed to fund the commitment to cormorant control funding in the 2011 federal budget, program for 2010 and, at press time, we March 2010 still haven’t heard a commitment to fund it for 2011. That’s despite the OLA’s efforts, that started in December 2008, restore cormorant management today to bill that they’re negotiating right now. At to reach out to the USDA and elected return hazing boats to the lake in 2011 this writing, we haven’t seen any proof officials to request permanent funding. and keep them here! that they’ll do so, but a broad coalition In early 2009, our USDA partners told New York is the only state suffering is working hard to help. The New York us that Congress needed to take action this problem. When President Obama’s State DEC, Cornell University and its to provide funding. And since then, New proposed budget cuts threatened cormo- Cooperative Extension, the Onondaga York’s Congressmen have done nothing rant management in several states last County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, productive to help Oneida Lake with its year, the House and the Senate worked Trout Unlimited, Assemblymen Dave cormorant problem. together to protect these valuable, cost- Townsend and Bill Magee, and State The results are disastrous - there will effective programs. Our Congressmen Senator David Valesky have all publicly be no USDA cormorant hazing on Oneida told us they would help. But no one encouraged Congress to restore New Lake this season! Your Oneida Lake As- from the New York delegation attended a York’s cormorant management program. sociation directors and fellow members critical budget hearing last fall! So, while We’ve even heard reports of Vermont fought hard throughout 2009 to focus Virginia, Arkansas, and everyone else saw Senator Patrick Leahy contacting his newly elected Congressmen's attention their funding permanently restored, New New York counterparts. Most important, on the cormorant issue. This February, York and Oneida Lake got ignored. hundreds of OLA members have called the OLA submitted a formal request for Only Congressmen and Senators can or written members of Congress. Congressional appropriations. Now, we put this train back on its tracks. They can More effort is needed – NOW! If need your help to permanently drive accomplish this by inserting funding lan- Washington’s legislative calendar looks the point home - Federal officials must guage in the Agriculture Appropriations (Continued on page 3)

Oneida Lake Bulletin – Your Environmental Voice for Over Sixty Years 1 President’s Message The Oneida Lake Association Inc. Cormorant Management - The People’s Choice Founded in 1945 An article from last summer’s Bulletin entitled “Congress Commits to Cormorant The Bulletin is published by the Funding” praised a local Congressman’s commitment to financial support for cormorant Oneida Lake Association, Inc., so management on Oneida Lake. The article stated, “By late summer, we will know if these that its members may be informed commitments have been honored.” regarding the activities of the At the OLA’s annual legislative retreat last August, Congressman Dan Maffei reaf- Association. The Oneida Lake firmed to us that he understood the issue and would work to maintain funding. He told Association, Inc., was organized us he was committed to this issue. in 1945 to restore and preserve the So we were disappointed to discover, late last year, that Congress never acted to help natural resources of Oneida Lake New York and that cormorant management would shut down across our state for the 2010 and its environs. season. New York is the only state affected in this way! All other states whose cormorant budgets were threatened were able to get funding - permanent funding, in fact - while Officers New York was left to fend for itself in an increasingly difficult fiscal environment. President...... Matthew Snyder Vice President...... Richard Colesante To our elected officials - don’t let us down! More than 1,400 workers, people whose Vice President...... Edward Mills jobs depend on revenues generated by a healthy Oneida Lake fishery, are relying on Vice President...... Lance Vella Congressmen and Senators representing New York State. Tens of thousands of Oneida Treasurer...... James N. D’Imperio Lake anglers are counting on you. Threatened species’ habitat will be lost unless you Board of Directors take real action. Don’t let us down! This program should be a proverbial “slam dunk.” Cormorants nearly destroyed Terms Expiring April 30, 2010 James N. D’Imperio William Schriever Oneida Lake fishing a decade ago, and cormorant management was bringing it back. Thomas Giufre Kurt Snyder Time and again across New York State and across the country, experience has shown Edwin Olmstead Matthew Snyder Thomas Pierce Lance Vella that this federal approach is the only one that works. To his everlasting credit, retired Congressman Jim Walsh advanced this good idea and worked tirelessly to defend Oneida Terms Expiring April 30, 2011 Lake. Paul Metot Scott Shupe Edward Mills Parker J. Stone Most federal projects aren’t cost-effective, but this one is. Very. It creates and protects Richard Percival Tony Van De Valk more than a thousand jobs and generates $47 in local economic impact for every dollar Bruce Schantz Matt White spent. The average cost to taxpayers is less than one-half of one cent per person. Terms Expiring April 30, 2012 This issue isn’t about Democrats or Republicans. It’s not about politics. It’s about Arnold Armani Robert Gang III our elected officials’ responsibility to recognize that cormorant management works and Anthony Buffa Bill Girvan to work hard to protect the good things the program does for their constituents. Richard Colesante Jack Henke Robert Cote Jim Novak In this tough climate, the 2011 budget is Congress’ last, best chance to restore fund- ing. The staffs of Congressmen Arcuri, Owens, and Hinchey have told me they will support a funding request, and we’re hopeful that by the time you read this we’ll get a commitment from Congressman Maffei as well. Even the Senate is getting involved, with reports of powerful Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy calling across Lake Champlain Annual Meeting to find out what’s going on with his New York counterparts. Thanks to support from local elected officials like Assemblyman Dave Townsend, April 21 - Assemblyman Bill Magee, and especially Senator Dave Valesky, we’ve made tremen- dous progress in the last few months. But until Congress takes positive action - until Be there! they show us the legislative proof - the outcome will be in doubt. Help us erase that doubt, and erase Oneida Lake’s cormorants for good! Call your Congressman and Senators and say, “Restore Cormorant Management.” If you’ve al- ready called, call again! You can find addresses and phone numbers on Page 3 and on our Web site www.oneidalakeassociation.org. Don’t delay one minute. The future of Don’t Delay – our lake is at stake! We must be heard. Call your representatives today! Matthew Snyder President - OLA 2 Oneida Lake Bulletin – Your Environmental Voice for Over Sixty Years EDITORIAL OLA Members - Contact Your Representatives! And tell them to restore our effective, essential cormorant management program! It If you live north or southeast of Oneida is absolutely necessary that our representatives get the message that our association, Lake in the 23rd Congressional District our lake, and the Central New York economy need this program. contact: To save Oneida Lake’s program, one of our Congressmen or Senators has to lead a Congressman Bill Owens coalition to advocate for including cormorant management in next year’s federal budget 120 Washington St. (fiscal year 2011). New York’s other Congressmen and Senators need to pull together Watertown, NY 13601 to help the cause. Phone: (315) 782-3150 Arkansas, Virginia, and other states have succeeded in restoring their cormorant Fax: (315) 782-1291 management programs - why can’t New York? Don’t let our state be left behind! Website: http://owens.house.gov Important addresses and phone numbers are listed below. You can access a handy way to look up elected officials by ZIP code at votesmart.org. If you live anywhere in New York, contact: If you live south or west of Oneida If you life east of Oneida Lake in the Senator Charles Schumer Lake, in the 25th Congressional District 24th Congressional District, contact: 313 Hart Senate Building contact: Congressman Michael Arcuri Washington, D.C. 20501 Congressman Dan Maffei 10 Broad St. Phone: (202) 224-6542 PO Box 7306 Utica, NY 13501 Fax: (202) 228-3027 Syracuse, NY 13261 Phone: (315) 793-8146 Website: http://schumer.senate.gov Phone: (315) 423-5657 Fax: (315) 798-4099 Fax: (315) 423-5669 Website: http://arcuri.house.gov/ Senator Kirsten Gillibrand Website: http://mafffei.house.gov/ 478 Russell Senate Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone: (202) 224-4452 Don’t Delay – Call your representatives today! Fax: (202) 228-0282 Website: http://gillibrand/senate.gov

WANTED: A Congressman to Restore Cormorant Control Congressman Maurice Hinchey (Continued from page 1) Member, House Subcommittee on anything like last year’s, April will be a critical time. If funding language isn’t inserted Agriculture Appropriations now, it’ll be an uphill battle to add it later and Oneida Lake's vital program could be 2431 Rayburn House Office Building lost forever. Washington, D.C. 20515 This is an important election year. Congressmen should know that their constituents Phone: (202) 225-6335 will hold them accountable for Oneida Lake. Senators should know that we expect Fax: (202) 226-0774 them to help our lake by restoring cormorant management permanently. OLA members Website: http://house.gov/Hinchey should use their powers of the "pen and phone" to make sure Congress gets the point - cormorant management is too important to sacrifice because of political mistakes! Hopefully, we’ll have good news to report by our April 21 annual meeting. You can check the OLA’s website for details. But - until USDA boats return to Oneida Phone calls Lake - we need to keep the pressure on the elected officials who have, so far, let us down. Congressional commitments are hollow until legislative actions enforce them. help save Our Congressmen and Senators must act together to legislate cormorant management Oneida Lake’s funding for New York. Keep the heat on. Don’t let them forget Oneida Lake again! Contact your elected fishery! officials from the list on this page. Tell them to “Restore cormorant management now!”

Oneida Lake Bulletin – Your Environmental Voice for Over Sixty Years 3 The Lake in 2010 severe declines. Our creel surveys show that the population can generate angler by the Cornell Field Station Staff catch rates (#fish caught per hour) equal to the seasons when walleyes were very Oneida Lake boasts a long history of abundant. Thus, Oneida Lake remains one providing diverse opportunities. Central of New York’s premier walleye lakes. New York benefits from the lake’s eco- While the lake’s walleye population nomic magnetism and that prosperity’s should be able to sustain valuable angling effects ripple throughout our state and into the near future, we are concerned with nation. Fish and fishing, especially, of- Cornell intern Dana Seidel hefts a 60-inch, the consistently low levels of recruitment fer tremendous economic benefits to the 65-pound sturgeon. of new fish, a situation that arose in the Oneida Lake region. early 1990s. On average, walleye year their fillets are delicious. We encourage Scientists at the Cornell Biological classes contribute around 50,000 fish to sportspersons to take advantage of these Field Station have been monitoring the the population annually. This is roughly fish. lake for over fifty years and appreciate this the same number that anglers harvested opportunity to share an update on the state Ever-Growing Sturgeons during 2006 and 2007. “Young of the year” of the lake in 2010 with the OLA Bulletin’s Lake sturgeons stocked between 1995 walleyes (small, immature fish) haven’t readers. and 2004 continue to thrive. In 2008 we survived well for the past five years, so netted a seventy-two pound sturgeon; this Our Educational Outreach Program harvest increases could reduce walleye behemoth remains the largest we have While the primary mission of our insti- numbers. seen. We tagged many of these great fish tution is research, the Field Station started Comprehensive creel studies are too and encourage anglers to call us if they the Oneida Lake Education Initiative in expensive to conduct annually but, in catch one, giving the location and tag 2008. The OLA, New York Sea Grant, 2010, we will initiate a modified program number of their catch (315-633-9243). Cornell Cooperative Extension, and the to monitor walleye catch and harvest Central New York Regional Planning and rates through interviews with anglers. If Another Exotic Species Development Board partnered with us in you are approached by one of our clerks, A fresh discovery in 2009 is the exotic the project. This program uses the web to please take a few minutes to answer their shrimp, Hemimysis anomala, in the diet of channel Oneida Lake into six local school questions. Your information helps us better a white perch. Follow-up samplings indi- districts (www.oneidalakeinfo.org) understand the walleye fishery. cate that they are widespread. This shrimp, another import from the Caspian Sea and sponsors teacher-training sessions that A Stable Yellow Perch Population disseminate scientific information. region of Southern Europe, was brought Adult yellow perch numbers continue to the Great Lakes by transoceanic ship- The Lake’s Walleyes to hover around one million. While the ping. Hemimysis feed on algae and other Our samplings over recent years re- population has grown since the mid-1990s, zooplankton, so we must monitor their vealed an adult walleye population that we are concerned with its slow recovery impacts on the lake’s food web carefully. since cormorant management began. An- fluctuates between 350,000 and 450,000 Concerning Cormorants fish. This number exceeds levels observed glers still enjoy good catch rates, however, The hazing program for double-crested from 1994 through 2003, when cormorant and action from summer through fall can cormorants may be suspended during the predation and biological changes produced be excellent. summer of 2010, but hopefully reinstated Bass Numbers Rise soon thereafter. Cormorant numbers will Our catches of smallmouths continue definitely increase in the absence of the to indicate a population three times larger program and the birds’ proliferation will than in the years before the mid-1980s. cause declines in both walleye and yellow The lake’s bass fishing ranks among the perch populations. best in the state, attracting national atten- In Summary tion and enriching the local economy. All people who care about Oneida White Perch Galore Lake must bond to preserve and protect White perch remain abundant. Their this invaluable body of water. We at the underexploited population creates superb Field Station pledge to monitor the lake’s Cornell biologist Randy Jackson explains fishing opportunities. And, to top it off, biology to assist and enhance their efforts, walleye lore to a group of visiting students. and to join them in this noble cause. 4 Oneida Lake Bulletin – Your Environmental Voice for Over Sixty Years Constantia Hatchery Happenings by Carl Rathje Our hatchery’s staff enjoyed great inch walleye fingerlings for success last year. Because Oneida stocking throughout New Lake’s ice was completely gone by York. No eggs or fry left the March 31, workers set twelve trap nets state. along the shore. Then the weather turned Through May and June, ugly, with nasty winds, snow and cold, hatchery staff kept busy but the walleyes were ready to spawn. feeding walleye fry live Hatchery personnel netted 29,817 adult brine shrimp on a 24-hour walleyes and collected over 325 million schedule. The fish grew eggs during the next ten days! rapidly, reaching almost two Hatchery technicians net walleyes during the spawning Oneida Lake’s healthy walleye inches by the end of June. “run.” population impressed all our visitors, as An experimental stocking of many large adult fish up to ten pounds 254,000 these fish was started in seven employees finished their walleye season, were captured and thousands more were state waters. Black Lake (St. Lawrence they assisted at the State Fair’s aquaria seen during their Scriba Creek spawn- County) and Otisco Lake (Onondaga exhibit. Our staff also participated in the ing runs. The creek’s upper dam made County) received 180,000 and 44,000 salmon egg collection at Lake Ontario, for an excellent observation area and respectively. The fish were marked with the fall Cayuga Lake trout netting and our building’s lobby enlightened guests a special technique that stained their egg collection, and the Adirondack with informational videos, displays, and bones; this helps fisheries’ biologists landlocked Atlantic salmon netting and guides. Our hatchery’s spring walleye collect information on survival and egg collection. egg collection is a great time for fami- growth. Specific stocking information As spring nears, the hatchery pre- lies, school tours, and special interest for any fish species can be found on the pares for another year. Staff members groups to visit. Public hours run from NYSDEC website - www.dec.ny.gov/ are busy mending nets, maintaining 8:30 am to 3:30 pm each day from April outdoor/7739.html. boats and equipment, ordering supplies, to September. The summer’s agenda concluded and scheduling workloads. It won’t be The hatchery raised 164 million with the hatchery’s raising an additional long before the cold weather vanishes, walleye fry and stocked them in Oneida 38,000 advanced five-inch “fall finger- so don’t forget to plan your visit to the in late April. Additionally, eleven other ling” walleyes, which were stocked hatchery just after ice out, when thou- NYS state waters received thirty-four into the Black River (Lewis County) sands of adult walleyes enter Scriba million fry. Approximately one and and Lake Pleasant (Hamilton County). Creek to spawn. Give us a call at (315)- one-half million were transferred to Building on past efforts, we reared and 623-7311 for further information and the South Otselic and Chautauqua fish stocked paddlefish and round whitefish remember - “fishing is great in New York hatcheries and these facilities nurtured in New York as part of the endan- State” - because of facilities like ours. the fry to 400,000 pond-cultured, two- gered species program. After hatchery

Update: East End Public Launch by Richard Colesante

Your board of directors has been working diligently to obtain a seasonal, public boat launch on Oneida Lake’s east end. We have met several times with the DEC, the State Canal Corporation, officials from the village of Sylvan Beach, Assemblyman David Townsend, Senator David Valesky, and other elected representatives. After examining five different sites, we believe that the Canal Corporation is willing to open the seasonal launch under the Route 13 Bridge over the Barge Canal at Verona Beach. This site was closed about ten years ago after issues arose involving traffic congestion from summer boat launches. To prevent this problem from recurring, the OLA has proposed launch opera- tion dates from the day after Labor Day to the day before Memorial Day. Up to four cars with trailers can park at this site but, at this point in the discussions, expanded parking remains questionable. The OLA board of directors will continue to work towards a year- around, public boat launch at the lake’s east end. We have long been dedicated to improving public access to Oneida Lake’s rich offerings.

Oneida Lake Bulletin – Your Environmental Voice for Over Sixty Years 5 Annual Meeting at Cicero-North Syracuse High School Notice of Board of Wednesday, April 21, 2010 Directors’ Elections by Capt. Tony Buffa Attention OLA members! Don’t The OLA’s 65th annual meeting occurs to attend, we encourage you to join forces miss your chance to vote at the 2010 on Wednesday, April 21, at 6 P.M., in the with us to continue our long tradition of annual meeting, to be held Wednes- Cicero-North Syracuse High School au- being the largest and most active lake as- day April 21, 2010 at Cicero-North ditorium! Plenty of parking is available sociation in the state and perhaps the entire Syracuse High School auditorium. in the school’s lots. This is an extremely country. Members in good standing who important event because Oneida Lake’s This year’s meeting will begin promptly attend the meeting will have the fishery is in danger! with a short business session at 7:00. opportunity to vote on the follow- After more than a decade of cormorant Our theme is “Help Restore Funding for ing slate of eight OLA members management - including six years of spec- Cormorant Control on Oneida Lake.” Our who are seeking election to three- tacular success by the USDA - Congress agenda contains some fascinating speak- year terms on the OLA’s Board of chose not to fund the program this year. As ers. Biologists from the DEC and research- Directors: James N. D'Imperio, of this writing, we are still hoping to see ers from the Shackleton Point Field Station Thomas Giufre, Edwin Olmstead, evidence of a firm Congressional commit- will discuss our fishery’s health. Personnel Thomas Pierce, William Schriever, ment to fund it for next year. Oneida Lake from the USDA Nuisance Control Unit Kurt Snyder, Matthew Snyder, and needs the support of all our members to will explain the status of the cormorant Lance Vella. make Congress restore the program. This management program. The director of meeting is perhaps the most critical we the Constantia Hatchery will evaluate this Attend the meeting and invest in have held in recent years. Your lake needs season’s walleye spawning “run.” Oneida Lake’s future. The lake’s envi- YOU to attend--and bring your friends! The Association will also award its ronmental integrity is constantly being Doors open at 6 P.M. Early arrivals prestigious “Conservationist of the Year” challenged. There is strength in numbers, can enjoy our numerous exhibits. We are plaque to an outstanding local environ- however, and the OLA can meet those happy to once again announce that Gander mentalist. The meeting will close with the challenges with your support. Mark your Mountain and Bass Pro shops will exhibit distribution of door prizes and drawings calendars - WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, new merchandise and donate door prizes. for three GPS units. One winner will be 6:00 PM, CICERO NORTH SYRA- OLA membership processing begins at chosen from the attendees, the other two CUSE HIGH SCHOOL - OLA. 6:15. Although membership is not required from our membership at large. Oneida Lake’s Cormorant Management, 2009 by Martin Lowney, NYS Director - USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services Wildlife Services conducted cormorant between April 9 and September 25. Two This bird wintered around Mosquito management activities on Oneida Lake for hundred thirty-five birds were lethally Lagoon, Florida, from 2007 through 2009. the 12th consecutive year during 2009. removed from the lake; 16,980 were It migrated during the spring and arrived at Unfortunately, a funding cut necessitated harassed with 2,345 pyrotechnics dur- Oneida Lake on April 29, 2009. The bird a reduction in the ing 719 staff hours. remained on Oneida Lake at least until July number of hours No cormorant nest- 26, when the transmitter ceased operation. that our staff hazed ing activity was ob- Funding for the continuation of cormo- cormorants. This served for the second rant management on Oneida Lake and in reduction produced consecutive year. New York was eliminated from the federal a four percent in- As an interesting budget for 2010 and, as a result, manage- crease in the aver- sidelight - one of four ment and research ended on September age number of cor- cormorants we cap- 30, 2009. All future cormorant manage- morants observed tured and fitted with ment and planning efforts are uncertain on the lake. a satellite transmitter unless Congress restores funding. This on Oneida Lake in year, Wildlife Services’ role will shift from Wildlife Services Dan Hojnacki of the U.S.D.A. and Cornell May 2007 contin- protecting the walleye and yellow perch harassed and dis- Ph.D. candidate Robin Debruyne band a ued to transmit into fisheries, common terns, and native forests persed cormorants cormorant. for fifty-seven days 2009. to providing technical assistance only. 6 Oneida Lake Bulletin – Your Environmental Voice for Over Sixty Years schooled walleyes suspend, trollers score The OLA Fishing Corner with these combos. Inshore, along weed lines and on structure, the spinner/worm A Walleye Angler’s Starter Kit tandem will keep you busy with not only walleyes, but also every other creature that by Captain Tony Buffa has tails, scales and fins. Oneida Lake, long revered for its The second item in Fourth on my list are walleye fishery, often frustrates seasoned the kit is a “blade bait.” “crankbaits” - plastic anglers as well as novices. Both groups This is a metal, vibrat- lures that are shaped like can benefit by reviewing the “basics” of ing lure fished like a jig, minnows. Shallow, me- walleye angling, information that one only more vigorously. dium, and deep diving might place in an Oneida Lake walleye Popular brands include “bills” direct these plugs fishing “starter kit.” the XPS Lazer Blade, through the water. The The first, and perhaps most important, Heddon Sonar, and Mad lures come in floating, skill in the kit is knowing how to use a River Sports Jigging jerking, and suspending black/purple bucktail jig with a night Blade. You will need the models. Some even rattle! crawler attached. Jigging accounts for 1/4, 1/2, 5/8, and 3/4 oz. They’re great to retrieve the lion’s share of the walleye harvest models, depending the over structure or troll in throughout May and June - and the black/ depth and mood of the deep water. Standard col- purple pattern works best. Bouncing this fish. The smaller models ors include chrome/silver, jig across the bottom attracts foraging vibrate faster, often giv- blue/silver, chartreuse, ing walleyes the motiva- “firetiger,” and shad, but walleyes in any depth. Robbie Reilly and a nice pickerel tion to strike. I call this other patterns materialize Jigging is a casting “art” for some he caught with Captain Tony. anglers, but it can be a challenging chore extremely effective lure every year. “Rapala” is for beginners. I advise maintaining contact a “strike instigator” and prefer gold blades. probably the most popular brand. with the bottom and working hard - keep Our third item is a spinner and worm On any given day, one of these weapons casting - until that first strike. Success, combo. Spinners and worms, whether from the starter kit can out-fish the others. however, depends on the presence of drifted or cast and retrieved, account for It’s up to you to discover which one is bottom-oriented walleyes and this makes significant catches of walleyes, particu- most effective. Have a safe and successful good fish detection equipment is a “must.” larly during July. In the open water, where Oneida Lake fishing season. Early Duck Days: Oneida Lake Duck Hunting, 1930-1944 by Dr. William Schiess Last spring’s Oneida Lake Bulletin “Deepwater Point.” We often pitched a popular with duck hunters. Our favorite included an article entitled “Angling tent on Gravel Point, the southeast point duck loads (#4 shot) cost $1 a box. Memories,” in which OLA member and on Dunham’s, and hunted Friday through Early season flights commonly con- lifelong sportsman Dr. William “Bill” Sunday. Fortunately, Dunham’s had a large tained black ducks, teal, and wood ducks. Schiess recounted fishing adventures from population of rabbits in those days, pro- We didn’t see local mallards then. There his youth. Bill’s article received such a viding good fun when the ducks weren’t were, however, migratory mallards that warm response that we decided to ask him flying. flew down in mid-season - we called for more. Thus, as Bill approaches his 90th We used a pair of 16-foot wooden these birds “redlegs.” Local mallards ap- year and the OLA celebrates its 65th, we’re rowboats to transport our equipment. An peared after World War II, when they were honored to publish some of his recollec- outboard motor powered one boat, and we introduced to the lake. They quickly and tions of Oneida Lake duck hunting. used this vessel to haul gear and hunters. aggressively competed against the black My Oneida Lake waterfowling days go We towed the other boat, which was used ducks and teal for nesting space and food back to the 1930s, when my father rented to carry and put out our decoys. We also - and for the female black ducks! Dunham’s and Frenchman’s Islands from rowed this boat to chase the occasional Bluebills were the most plentiful ducks; New York State for duck hunting. We cripple and retrieve downed birds. In those lesser scaup arrived early and greater kept a blind on the west end of Dunham’s, days, it was illegal to chase cripples with a scaup later in the season. The major blue- facing Frenchman’s - a spot we knew as motorized boat and retrievers were not yet (Continued on page 8) Oneida Lake Bulletin – Your Environmental Voice for Over Sixty Years 7 Duck Hunting Happy 65th Birthday to the OLA! (Continued from page 7) This year the OLA commemorates three generations of environmental activism and bill migration occurred during the first achievement. Started in 1945 by Dr. Benjamin Sauer (the first president), Fred Kreuzer, two weeks in November, when thousands Eric Will, Maximilian Frey, T.C. Cramer, and Syracuse Mayor Frank Costello, among traded up and down the lake. Three Mile others, the fledgling OLA garnered immediate praise in a Herald-Journal editorial: Bay was a favorite area for scaup hunt- “All citizens of Central New York and indeed the whole state will approve heartily ers. The bluebills remained on Oneida for the decision of sportsmen and others to organize an Oneida Lake Association. Protection most of the season and were followed by of this fine body of water is important not migrations of redheads, canvasbacks, and only to fishermen but to the public gener- whistlers. ally. The lake should be preserved in all its Our hunting changed around 1939, beauty and its waters protected. when private interests purchased the is- When half a thousand citizens assemble lands. Ever adaptable, we erected a blind to insist on protection of the lake, that is a in the shallows northeast of Long Point by clear indication to the state how the public a spot we called “Peck’s Point” (named for feels. We are assured now that resolutions Duncan Peck, a noted 19th century water- will be introduced in the Legislature this fowler), and enjoyed good hunting there. winter for a thorough investigation of con- Later, we hunted the McMahon Farm (the ditions and that a strong organization will site of today’s Oneida Shores Park) and insist upon full protection of Oneida Lake that site offered good duck and pheasant and needed remedial measures.” shooting until the state bought it. Sauer and his directors protected a very Today, Oneida Lake still provides out- different aquatic ecosystem. Today’s Asso- standing duck shooting at several of the ciation deals with issues such as cormorant public and private places that Bill named. predation on critical fish populations; the The Oneida Lake Association works hard lake’s adjustment to changes induced by Steve Schilder’s Post-Standard cartoons to represent its hunting constituents’ in- invasive species; the effects of expanding helped the OLA recruit members. terests by setting waterfowl seasons and shallow water vegetation; the need to preserve public access; and concerns regarding maintaining lake access. We’re committed shoreline development. The first OLA worried about illegal walleye netting, the product to making sure that today’s young Oneida of a latent “fish pirate mentality.” In 1945, walleyes (commonly called “Oneida Lake Lake hunters have a chance to collect pike”) could still be marketed and this bothered sportspersons tremendously. memories like those Bill Schiess so gra- Other issues appear prominently in news articles that covered the infant OLA. Fluc- ciously shares. tuating water levels created major concerns because the Caughdenoy Dam had yet to be upgraded. Several years of slow duck hunting prompted waterfowlers to voice their opinions. Septic drainage into the lake’s basin which, combined with Oneida’s normal nutrient-rich water, nourished incredible algal blooms, inspired notable alarm. Sylvan Beach members loudly protested what they felt was the over-netting of emerald shiners (“buckeye” minnows) by the state and by private bait dealers. The politically savvy Sauer and his board saw the need for strong Albany connec- tions. State Senator Vincent R. Corrou and Assemblyman Frank Emma of Utica were the OLA’s guests at that first meeting, as was Assemblyman Harlow Bacon of Rome. Bacon and former State Senators Frank Wallace and George Fearon were a part of the OLA’s organizing committee. Future Assemblyman Richard Brown of Bridgeport served as one of the first vice-presidents and future Assembly candidate Millard Rogers of Brewerton was active in association affairs. History has recorded the achievements of those first OLA boards. The legislature banned walleye sales in 1961. The Verona Beach opened in 1947. The Caugh- denoy Dam received a needed renovation shortly thereafter. The seeds of wastewater treatment, planted by the founders six decades ago, germinated with sewer district construction in the 1970s. Oneida Lake became a better, safer place because of these A young bill Schiess poses proudly with his leaders and, on this 65th anniversary of the association’s genesis, we remember them limit of Oneida Lake bluebills. with admiration and praise.

8 Oneida Lake Bulletin – Your Environmental Voice for Over Sixty Years Oneida Lake Photo History Quiz Each of the “water photos” was taken at an Oneida Lake locale. Name the places (answers below).

Bluewater Nautical Dvds & Videos ™ www.marinevideos.com U-Dock-It 315-699-5517 www.u-dock-it.com Navigation, GPS, Radar Fishfinder Instruction DVDs For both new & experienced Skippers

1405 NYS Rt 49 • Cleveland, NY 13042 USA Since 1952

WWW.JACKCOLEMAN.COM

Autobody • Collsion • Towing • Recovery • Sand Blasting • Detailing • Glass • Lightweight With Over 50 Years of Excellent Reputation, We Are Your Collision Decision

• Wood-grain Finish Office: 315-675-8652 FAX: 315-675-3756

• Holds shape under snow load Oneida Community Clubhouse, Lewis Point. Lewis Clubhouse, Community Oneida

Bottom left photo, Theissen's Marina, Brewerton ; Photo right, right, Photo ; Brewerton Marina, Theissen's photo, left Bottom (877) 387-0320 Bay; South Upper Marina, Lake Oneida photo, left Top Answers:

Oneida Lake Bulletin – Your Environmental Voice for Over Sixty Years 9 • Complete Prescription Service Nicholas & Nancy • Hospital & Home Healthcare Chervinsky Sales & Rentals Registered Pharmacists 812 State Rt. 49 • Hallmark Cards 676-4441 PO Box 143 • Gift Shop 9679 Main Street • Brewerton, NY Cleveland, NY 13042 (315) 675-3662 CLEAN 1-2 BEDROOM COTTAGES, A NGLERS’ with cable television. B AY Equipped kitchens, decks - lake views. BOAT RENTALS - Bait & Tackle C OTTAGES Boat Launching & Docking - Gas & Ice

www.fishingcny.com On the North Shore of Oneida Lake • www.fishoneida.com

BORIO’S RESTAURANT “Overlooking Beautiful Oneida Lake” 6 Minutes from Route 81 (Exit 30 - Cicero) Off Lakeshore Road ■ Lunches ■ Dinners ■ Receptions ■ Banquets CLOSED ON MONDAYS 699-2249 www.borios.biz 10 Oneida Lake Bulletin – Your Environmental Voice for Over Sixty Years Report Tagged Sturgeon

Sturgeon in Oneida Lake and nearby waters may be tagged. Biologists at Cornell University and NYSDEC need your help to track these fish. Yellow tags may be attached at the base of the dorsal fin. If you catch a tagged Cornell Field Station Bridgeport, NY 13030 sturgeon, please write down the number on the tag and (315) 633-9243 length of fish, release the fish immediately, and call Cor- nell University at (315) 633-9243 or contact NYSDEC at (315) 785-2262 as soon as possible.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

"YOUR COMPLETE MARINE SERVICE & PARTS FACILITY" Service on all inboard & inboard/outboards [email protected] Wood, Fiberglass & Metal Hull Repairs. Haulouts by Marine Railway to 24ft Wide Open Year Round Wayne E. Carroll Helen M. Carroll 1801 Route 31 • P.O. Box 607 • Bridgeport, NY 13030 5405 Bennett Street, P.O. Box 583 (315) 633-2661 • Fax (315) 633-8319 Brewerton, New York 13029-0583 www.fremacmarine.com 315-676-3762 • Fax: 315-668-6177 www.brewertonboatyard.com Authorized Dealers For: Volvo Penta • Mercury/MerCruiser • Onan Marine • Crusader • Chrysler • OMC Cobra • Westerbeke • Interlux Yacht Paint Center

Lake Ontario Noted for trophy size 29 branches located throughout Trout & Salmon “The Bandito II” Cortland, Madison, Oneida, 30-foot Sportcraft with a 10 ft. Onondaga and beam and a 6 passenger capacity Port: Oswego Marina, Oswego Counties Oswego, New York 475-2100 Oneida Lake New York State’s Finest Walleye Fishery www.alliancebankna.com “My Gal Cal II” 28 Foot, OffShore with a 6 Passenger capacity Port: Fremac’s Marina, Lakeport, New York (315) 633-2694 Member FDIC

Oneida Lake Bulletin – Your Environmental Voice for Over Sixty Years 11 NON-PROFIT ORG OLA U.S. POSTAGE ONEIDA LAKE ASSOCIATION, INC. PO BOX 3536 PAID SYRACUSE, NEW YORK 13220-3536 SYRACUSE, NY PERMIT NO. 999

Fish aboard the 24" Aquasport Center Console OBSESSION III OPEN YEAR-ROUND Conveniently Located at the Oneida Lake Marina Fully Insured / USCG Licensed Captain Seafood-Steaks-Pasta We use Daiwa Total Quality Equipment! Overlooking Beautiful Oneida Lake! For Information & Reservations Just 10 minutes from the Turning Stone Casino on our 6 and 3 Hour Trips, call: Thruway Exit 34, Canastota, NY 3/4 mile west of Route 13 on Route 31 (315) 439-7236 (315) 697-7007 e-mail: [email protected] www.pier31.com http://www.fish4walleye.com ONEIDA LAKE Oneida Lake Association, Inc. ASSOCIATION MEMBER P.O. Box 3536 Syracuse, New York 13220-3536 Membership valid through April 30, 2011 MEMBERSHIP $5.00 Name______It’s Your Lake Street ______Help to Preserve It City______State______Complete information, Zip ______Phone ( )______cut along dotted line and mail.

12 Oneida Lake Bulletin – YourPlease Environmental Support Voice for Over Your Sixty AdvertisersYears