A nonprofit organization that was formed to protect forests, farmlands, gorges and shorelines in the region has released a new report that calls for a $100 million investment in the Finger Lakes.
Finger Lakes Land Trust Executive Director Andy Zepp says toxic algae and sprawling development are chief concerns.
"Last year we had five of 11 lakes experiencing these outbreaks. And just last week, for the first time, in Auburn it was documented that the toxins were present in treated drinking water," he said.
Top strategies to combat those problems include developing plans to buffer streams and compensate farmers.
"To retire those areas that are most sensitive to runoff. And then also construct what I call silt trap wetlands, where runoff from farms as well as highway road ditches can be channeled to slow it down and settle out those nutrients before they enter the lake," he said.
The land trust would also like to see additional spending for the state's farmland protection program.
Zepp says the report is based upon a year of study interviewing stakeholders, and they have proven strategies that work.
He adds there's broad consensus that we need to take care of the resources that are the Finger Lakes.
Here's a link to the group's report:
