Date: 1/9/21 10:12 am From: Bard Prentiss <bvanwoert13...> Subject: [cayugabirds-l] Dryden Conservation Board Resolution Recommending Preservation of Dryden Lake Dam
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DRAFT 12/29/2020
Dryden Conservation Board Resolution Recommending Preservation of Dryden Lake Dam
Whereas there has been a dam at Dryden Lake Dryden, NY since circa 1801; and
Whereas the body of water known as Dryden Lake, created by the building of the dam, has provided numerous benefits to the citizens of the Town of Dryden and surrounding areas for over two hundred years, with its benefits changing and expanding over two plus centuries; and
Whereas the lake originally provided power for a sawmill and ice harvesting, it created additional waterfowl and wildlife habitat that has made the lake today a birding “hot spot” with 228 species observed, providing migratory bird rest areas and nesting and foraging habitat (Canada geese, ducks, loons, herons, Bald Eagles) as well as habitat for numerous mammals, amphibians, turtles, etc; and
Whereas Dryden Lake and its surrounding areas provides many forms of year round recreation for town and surrounding area residents, such as fishing, ice fishing, hiking, jogging, dog walking, biking, cross country skiing, snow shoeing (on the Jim Schug trail), kayaking, canoeing, ice skating, hunting, trapping, bird watching, picnicking, etc; and
Whereas Dryden Lake and its surrounding natural areas are an important educational resource, being used both for formal classes in ecology and natural resources (Cornell University) and informal education of everyone from young children to lifelong education participants; and
Whereas the Town of Dryden currently provides a community park at the Lake under an agreement with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation; and
Whereas the Dryden Lake park is a popular location for many community events with the lake being the center piece for those events; and
Whereas the lake has a rich historical and cultural value to the citizens of the town; and
Whereas the NYS DEC is considering the removal of the dam and the elimination of Dryden Lake in the form it has existed for over two hundred years; and
Whereas the Dryden Town Board has requested a recommendation from the Conservation Board on the future of the Dryden Lake dam and ultimately Dryden Lake itself.
Therefore, let it be resolved that the Town of Dryden Conservation Board recommends to the Dryden Town Board that the latter take all necessary action to ensure the preservation of a dam and the body of water known as Dryden Lake, maintaining its current contribution to the recreational and ecological benefits provided to the Dryden community.
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