Lakewood, New York – Officials from Lakewood and Bemus Point are seeking legal recourse regarding new Freshwater Wetlands Regulations that they claim are negatively impacting Chautauqua Lake. This summer, crews from the Chautauqua Lake Association have removed over 19 million pounds of invasive weeds from the lake. However, local leaders assert that regulatory changes enacted earlier this year have created adverse conditions in the lake’s southern basin.
The leaders have filed notices with the state Supreme Court, asking for their concerns to be taken into account in ongoing lawsuits involving the Chautauqua Lake Property Owners Association and Chautauqua Lake Partnership. Both local organizations are contesting the amendments to the Freshwater Wetlands Act. They contend that these changes exacerbate the challenges of managing invasive species and threaten the local economy.
Randall Holcomb, the mayor of Lakewood, expressed his concerns in a legal affidavit, asserting that the revised regulations pose significant threats to lake communities. He stated that the unclear definitions within the regulations and burdensome permitting processes hinder the village’s ability to maintain public lands and support local businesses. Holcomb’s affidavit further calls for a moratorium on the new regulations until comprehensive wetlands maps are published, retroactive impact studies are conducted, and more collaboration among stakeholders is encouraged.
According to Holcomb, recent regulatory frameworks have delayed or complicated access to necessary herbicide permitting, specifically affecting the south basin of the lake. He noted that the lake has been largely unusable for recreational activities, diminishing its value to residents and businesses alike.
Andrew Carlson, president of the Bemus Point Business Association, echoed Holcomb’s concerns. In his own affidavit, Carlson argued that the regulatory changes overlook the lake’s established infrastructure and threaten economic activities reliant on aquatic accessibility. The designation of more areas as Class 1 regulated wetlands has hindered essential invasive species management efforts, including both herbicide application and manual removal.
Carlson raised alarms about the further implications of delayed treatments, stating that the overgrowth of weeds could drive away visitors and impact the economy of Bemus Point. He emphasized that local businesses operate on narrow seasonal timelines, making even minor delays potentially devastating for revenue.
The Chautauqua Lake Property Owners Association, alongside several local governments and advocacy groups, has launched a comprehensive legal push to annul the amendments to the Freshwater Wetlands Act that took effect in January 2025. These organizations, represented in court by attorney William A. Hurst, argue that the amendments violate state and federal due process and lack adequate definitions and regulatory clarity.
Officials from the Chautauqua Lake Partnership also voiced their discontent, stating that portions of the revised act unjustly extend state authority while undermining local autonomy. They criticize the vague definitions and cumbersome regulations, which they argue inadequately protect the ecological integrity of the lake and its surrounding communities.
As local officials prepare to present their arguments in court on Sept. 5, the future of Chautauqua Lake and its surrounding economies remains uncertain, underscoring the complex interplay of environmental protection and community livelihoods.
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