Kasoag Lake

Kasoag Lake Conservation Association Meeting
Kasoag Lake Tavern and Grill
August 10, 2024

• Treasurer’s report: Kelly
  • Key points
    • The Association has paid almost all of our required 25% contribution for the Grant
      from Lake District funds, submitted and received our 1 st reimbursement from the Grant of
      $4,800 from the General Fund.
    • Note there are two funds:
      • 1] General Fund (money from membership dues, fundraising events);
      • 2] Lake District Fund (money from tax receipts). Lake District funds are used for expenses
        related to treating, identifying, and managing aquatic plants.
      • The KLCA board has to report to
        the town on the Lake District account quarterly.
• Jet Skis
  • Last meeting Don H reported complaints about jet skis on the lake. Since then, Lynne
    B did some research and done correctly, we can prevent jet skis on the lake. We
    covered pros and cons of having/not having jet skis permitted.
  • Pros
    • We don’t have to assume responsibility for monitoring and enforcing these watercraft on
      the lake if there are not restrictions and attracts people to the lake.
  • Cons
    • Decreases in water clarity
    • Spread/Import invasive species
    • Erosion
    • Exhaust goes directly into the water
    • Noise
  • NYS Boating Law: maximum speed on the lake is 5 mile per hour if you are within 100’ of the
    shoreline. Comment was made that pontoon boaters may not comply with the letter of the
    law, but they are respectful of the law..
  • Discussion was opened to solicit opinions of members
    • John questioned “isn’t it easier to enforce the current law?” DEC of NYS Police Enforcement often
      leads to other engagement such as checking boat registrations.
  • Other comments
    • It is a one-time cost to enact a jet ski ban.
    • If there was/is a problem, we’d have to call the sheriff or town to enforce.
    • If we enact this law, signage is required to communicate the ban.
    • Lynne B commented that a law provides a clear line about what is acceptable
      and what is not.
  • Differing opinions
    • Unidentified lake owner stated that spending time and money on a jet ski law is not
      worth it. Not that many jet ski’s on our lake.
    • Linda B stated that she wants a ban because it is dangerous to our grandchildren when
      they are in the water and jet skis are out and about.
  • Lynne B took a straw poll (informal vote) and results were approximately 50%/50%
    for and against a ban.
  • Other comments and questions
    • The Lake is experiencing gentrification, don’t know what the future holds for the level of
      jet ski activity with new owners buying up property.
    • Actual costs for a law would be brought before the town.
    • Do other lakes ban/pass this ordinance?
      • Lynne B commented “yes, towns
        can ban personal watercraft.”
    • The cost would be covered by the general fund.
• Public access at Pine Grove Road
  • There is a private dock at the public access site on Pine Grove Road. There is a question of
    whether this is permissible, as it limits public access. It is town property and a town issue to
    resolve. Lynne B stated “there is a town board meeting August 14th , I will be
    attending and voicing my concern.”
• Green Pond
  • DEC has done some research and opined that we, Kasoag Lake property owners, can be
    restricted from using Green Pond. DEC has not provided this decision in writing. While the
    ruling is questionable, we don’t have the funds to legally challenge it.
  • KLCA will continue to provide information about Green Pond access to members as it becomes
    available, but we are not the Green Pond police. We are not making or enforcing rules
    regarding Green Pond access, simply providing information to members as we receive it.
    We work cooperatively with Green Pond on our Lake Treatment and will continue to work
    towards Green Pond access.
  • Will B, a Kasoag Lake property owner as well as the owner of Green Pond, has access to
    the Facebook neighborhood page and the comments on Green Pond Access. It was noted that
    comments on Facebook don’t necessarily represent the Lake Association’s point of view.
    Lynne B will change the name of the Facebook page (e.g., Friends of Kasoag Lake) so it is not
    directly linked to KLCA.
• Member questioned whether the Association should even have an official Facebook page?
  Lynne B stated, we try to be selective on what we publish on Facebook. Members-
  only information is shared via email.
• Sundry Items
  Members can still buy Ducks for the Duck race.
  Regarding Culvert work, Gary stated that the town will wait to repair the road/bridge over the
  waterway in Shingle Mill Creek because the water level is too high due to rainfall.
• Motion to adjourn, Linda B and seconded by Rob G.