New York State Plans to Buy Hemlock and Canadice

Snuggly nestled away in the rolling hills of the western Finger Lakes in Upstate, New York (NY) hide the lakes of Hemlock and Canadice, the last two undeveloped Finger Lakes. The lakes have been the focus of a lot of public attention lately because the current owner, the City of Rochester - has a contract on the watershed land that will soon run up, and plans are reported to be taking place behind closed doors between the City of Rochester, the Monroe County Water Authority, the State of New York (Dept. of Environmental Conservation [D.E.C]), and outside actors in order to eventually decide the future of the lakes and the surrounding environment. <!--break--> <center><img src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_nFsgIvC_uVw/RdkDS8vIcmI/AAAAAAAAACc/ABntJRt3fLk/s400/img010.jpg" alt="" /></center> [North end of Hemlock Lake around year 2000 or so, a very low water level exposes the remains from the forgotten era of development on the lake] <p> Snuggly nestled away in the rolling hills of the western Finger Lakes in Upstate, New York (NY) hide the lakes of Hemlock and Canadice, the last two undeveloped Finger Lakes. The lakes have been the focus of a lot of public attention lately because the current owner, the City of Rochester - has a contract on the watershed land that will soon run up, and plans are reported to be taking place behind closed doors between the City of Rochester, the Monroe County Water Authority, the State of New York (Dept. of Environmental Conservation [D.E.C]), and outside actors in order to eventually decide the future of the lakes and the surrounding environment. <p> Today, Sunday, December 16th, 2007 - the Democrat and Chronicle, a Rochester, NY newspaper ran a front page color photo of Hemlock Lake's northern boat launch site. <a href="http://cmsimg.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=A2&amp;Date=20071216&amp;Category=NEWS01&amp;ArtNo=712160332&amp;Ref=H3&amp;Profile=1003&amp;MaxW=550&amp;MaxH=430">It's an interesting picture</a>, because the sign shown in the photo clearly states that access is restricted to the area, which makes one think that perhaps the entire area is restricted, in effect alluding to a privatized future. However, in truth the lake and surrounding environment are widely open to public use, all that is required is a free pass that outlines the rules and map of the area, which you can pick up at the northern end of Hemlock Lake. Some of <a href="http://www.cityofrochester.gov/des/docs/watershedbroch.pdf">the rules</a> include no boats over 16 feet in length, no motor over 10 horsepower, no swimming, no fires, no camping, no motorized off-road vehicles, and you are not allowed in some restricted areas. These strict regulations haven't always existed, but they have made the lakes much more secluded and quiet, helping in the natural preservation. <p> <center><img src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_nFsgIvC_uVw/Rdj8msvIclI/AAAAAAAAACU/5-K1dbluT4Q/s400/img006.jpg" alt="" /></center> [in the forest near Hemlock Lake] <p> In regards to the article, the <i>Democrat and Chronicle</i> asks the question - is NY and the DEC responsible enough to be excellent care takers of these vital areas? The following quote from the article makes reference to former NYS governor, George Pataki and current State governor, Elliot Spitzer who appointed Pete Grannis, head of the DEC: <blockquote>Even Pataki's signature environmental initiative — land acquisition — was left to Spitzer's DEC to complete. While the former governor reached agreements to buy more than 1 million acres, many weren't consummated before he left office. <p> So far in 2007, Grannis said, the DEC has had to close on land deals involving about 300,000 acres. The agency now must find enough money to manage the new state lands, he said. <p> It also has fallen to the new regime to pick up the pieces of the long-discussed deal to acquire land around Hemlock and Canadice lakes in Livingston and Ontario counties. Rochester owns 7,100 acres around the last two undeveloped Finger Lakes, which it uses as a drinking-water supply. Conservationists have long urged the state to acquire that land to keep the watersheds in pristine condition. <p> Unlike any of his predecessors as DEC commissioner, Grannis has toured the lakes — he boated on Hemlock during a visit in October — and he said state action is now a priority. <p> "They're extraordinary assets," Grannis said. "Things are moving along toward our eventual taking over responsibility and stewardship for those properties." [1]</blockquote > <a><img style="display:block;margin:0px auto 10px;text-align:center;cursor:pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_nFsgIvC_uVw/R2V1QoVD3lI/AAAAAAAAAeA/cp_vkIJ-6mY/s400/img149.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5144647077904768594" /></a> [North end of Hemlock Lake, looking south] <p> And in another recently published article, Pete Grannis goes on to say: <blockquote>“The Hemlock-Canadice lakes have been listed as a priority project for the state since the beginning of the State’s Open Space Conservation Plan in 1992,” stated DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis. “The unique resources of the two lakes, the only two undeveloped Finger Lakes, help define the natural character of the Finger Lakes Region of New York State. We are committed, along with the city of Rochester and all the stakeholders, to the long-term conservation of this magnificent ecosystem.” [2]</blockquote > The article also says that: <blockquote> Paul D’Amato, director for DEC’s Region 8, is confident that development is not a threat. He said the current state administration is hoping to make a deal with the city, and the governor and DEC commissioner are both onboard with the idea. He explained, “DEC is excited and prepared to do everything in our power to preserve this unique and special resource.” He then referred to a stack of letters his office had received from members of the The Nature Conservancy, Sierra Club, Adirondack Mountain Club, Coalition for Hemlock and Canadice Lakes, and the surrounding towns and counties, all of which favor DEC ownership of the watersheds. “It’s as universal a one-sided view as I have seen, a classic win-win situation,” he said. [2]</blockquote > <a><img style="display:block;margin:0px auto 10px;text-align:center;cursor:pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_nFsgIvC_uVw/R2V1EYVD3jI/AAAAAAAAAdw/ZaQbExKm5iE/s400/img147.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5144646867451371058" /></a> [One of the many streams that feed the Hemlock!] <p> Back in the 1970s the only place in NY with a nesting pair of bald eagles was at the south end of Hemlock Lake. Because of these bald eagles, the area around Hemlock Lake witnessed further restrictions around the eagles giant nests. Over this past summer, bald eagles where taken off the Endangered Species Act's "threatened" list, now the birds are protected under the "Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act". This is important because the bird's nesting grounds were protected as long as the bald eagle was considered a "threatened" species; but now the less restrictive eagle protection act doesn't put eagle habitats off-limit. Today, after exhaustive efforts to restore the bald eagle population - that included measures such as bringing in fresh bald eagle eggs from Alaska to put in NY nests, the bald eagle continues to soar along the Hemlock and surrounding communities. The area is also home to possibly one of the largest old growth forest tracts in all of North-East America, along with many other fascinating creatures that call this place home: <blockquote>The watersheds have been designated an “Important Bird Area” by the National Audubon Society, and host songbirds, waterfowl, and birds of prey. The uplands are home to black bears, coyotes, red and gray foxes, whitetail deer, ruffed grouse and wild turkeys. Both lakes offer good fishing for brown trout, lake trout, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, pickerel and panfish. Rare and delicate plant life can be found in a number of isolated locations throughout the watershed area. [2]</blockquote > The question remains, how much does it cost to preserve something so vital for all? How much does it cost to stop capitalism from "developing" in areas rich with natural resources? To answer this, it is important to look at the past. For starters, one may want to consider how a lot of this land became property under the current system. <p> <i>The Military Tract</i> - In 1779, when George Washington ordered General John Sullivan to destory the Iroquois Confederacy. The "military" campaign actually was more like a real estate tour for the army because at the conclusion of the Revolutionary War, the State of New York set aside 160 million acres of land in the Finger Lakes to be used to pay off debts to the soldiers who had fought without compensation during the war. The higher ranks of the military received more acres, with privates receiving 600 a piece. The land, which included areas in Hemlock and Canadice was distributed in late 1790s. <p> So here is something controversial - what if, the City of Rochester in a miraculous gesture of good will, decided to give the lands known as Hemlock and Canadice Lakes back to the the Seneca Nation, "the keepers of the western door"? I doubt it will ever happen because of the exact presence and importance of the fresh water lakes, but why hasn't anyone mentioned it yet? <p> Now a days, folks talk about buying property, building houses, working jobs, owning things - their stake to life in this modern age. Property - what are these places worth to you and me? Are these areas priceless or worth the millions and millions of dollars that could possibly be paid for them? What is success? And, how do you put a price on life? <p> <a><img style="display:block;margin:0px auto 10px;text-align:center;cursor:pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_nFsgIvC_uVw/R2V1K4VD3kI/AAAAAAAAAd4/T1eW3l-NCUM/s400/img148.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5144646979120520770" /></a> [Hemlock Lake reclaims two boats that will float no more] <p> Works citied:<br /> [1]<a href="http://www.rochesterdandc.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071216/NEWS01/712160332">DEC scrambles to catch up on environmental projects</a> from the Democrat and Chronicle (Rochester, NY newspaper)<br /> [2]<a href="http://www.lifeinthefingerlakes.com/readmore_article2.php">Solid Ground</a> by John Adamski published in <i>Life in the Finger Lakes</i>, winter edition 2007<br /> ___________________________________________________________________________________ <br /> <b>some notes on the vocabulary:</b> <p> <i>The Finger Lakes</i> - The Haudenosaunee were perhaps the first to recognize the lakes as fingers (hand of the great spirit), but the term Finger Lakes is American-English, whatever that means: <blockquote><i>Cayuga</i> - Name come from Iroquois tribe<br /> <i>Seneca</i> - Name comes from Iroquois tribe<br /> <i>Canadice</i> - Meaning "long lake" in Iroquois language; (even though only three miles long)<br /> <i>Honeoye</i> - Meaning "finger lying" or "where the finger lies" in Iroquois language<br /> <i>Hemlock</i> - named for logging community that developed nearby<br /> <i>Conesus</i> - Gahn-yuh-sas; Named for the sheep berries that used to grow along the shore<br /> <i>Otisco</i> - Meaning "waters much dried away" in Iroquois language<br /> <i>Skaneateles</i> - Meaning "long lake" in Iroquois language;(romantics also tried to tie word to meaning "beautiful maiden")<br /> <i>Owasco</i> - Meaning "lake of the floating bridge" in Iroquois language<br /> <i>Keuka</i> - Meaning "Canoe landing" in Iroquois language<br /> <i>Canandaigua</i> - Meaning "place selected for settlement" in Iroquois language</blockquote > ____________________________________________________________________________________ <br /> <b>other related articles I've written:</b> <p> <a href="http://loveyourdestiny.blogspot.com/2007/06/hemlock-canadice-appraisal.html">Hemlock &amp; Canadice: An Appraisal</a> <p> <a href="http://loveyourdestiny.blogspot.com/2007/11/books-hemlock-and-canadice-lakes.html">Books: Hemlock and Canadice Lakes</a> <p> <a href="http://www.infoshop.org/inews/article.php?story=20061218163037700">Hemlock &amp; Canadice: Last Two Undeveloped Finger Lakes Face Possible Development</a> <p> <a href="http://yorkstaters.blogspot.com/2006/10/hemlock-new-york-unequivocal.html">Hemlock, New York: An Unequivocal Exclamation</a> <p> <a href="http://loveyourdestiny.blogspot.com/2007/09/ghost-town-in-upstate-what-else-is-new.html">Ghost Town in Upstate (What Else is New?)</a> (the City of Rochester also "leases/owns" a lot of this old ghost town, a few miles into the Hamlet of Hemlock, along the lakes outlet, and could possibly be included in any deal)

<p>Snuggly nestled away in the rolling hills of the western Finger Lakes in Upstate, New York (NY) hide the lakes of Hemlock and Canadice, the last two undeveloped Finger Lakes. The lakes have been the focus of a lot of public attention lately because the current owner, the City of Rochester - has a contract on the watershed land that will soon run up, and plans are reported to be taking place behind closed doors between the City of Rochester, the Monroe County Water Authority, the State of New York (Dept. of Environmental Conservation [D.E.C]), and outside actors in order to eventually decide the future of the lakes and the surrounding environment.</p> <!--break--><p></p><center><img src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_nFsgIvC_uVw/RdkDS8vIcmI/AAAAAAAAACc/ABntJRt3fLk/s400/img010.jpg" alt="" /></center> [North end of Hemlock Lake around year 2000 or so, a very low water level exposes the remains from the forgotten era of development on the lake] <p> Snuggly nestled away in the rolling hills of the western Finger Lakes in Upstate, New York (NY) hide the lakes of Hemlock and Canadice, the last two undeveloped Finger Lakes. The lakes have been the focus of a lot of public attention lately because the current owner, the City of Rochester - has a contract on the watershed land that will soon run up, and plans are reported to be taking place behind closed doors between the City of Rochester, the Monroe County Water Authority, the State of New York (Dept. of Environmental Conservation [D.E.C]), and outside actors in order to eventually decide the future of the lakes and the surrounding environment. </p><p> Today, Sunday, December 16th, 2007 - the Democrat and Chronicle, a Rochester, NY newspaper ran a front page color photo of Hemlock Lake's northern boat launch site. <a href="http://cmsimg.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=A2&amp;Date=20071216&amp;Category=NEWS01&amp;ArtNo=712160332&amp;Ref=H3&amp;Profile=1003&amp;MaxW=550&amp;MaxH=430">It's an interesting picture</a>, because the sign shown in the photo clearly states that access is restricted to the area, which makes one think that perhaps the entire area is restricted, in effect alluding to a privatized future. However, in truth the lake and surrounding environment are widely open to public use, all that is required is a free pass that outlines the rules and map of the area, which you can pick up at the northern end of Hemlock Lake. Some of <a href="http://www.cityofrochester.gov/des/docs/watershedbroch.pdf">the rules</a> include no boats over 16 feet in length, no motor over 10 horsepower, no swimming, no fires, no camping, no motorized off-road vehicles, and you are not allowed in some restricted areas. These strict regulations haven't always existed, but they have made the lakes much more secluded and quiet, helping in the natural preservation. </p><p> </p><center><img src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_nFsgIvC_uVw/Rdj8msvIclI/AAAAAAAAACU/5-K1dbluT4Q/s400/img006.jpg" alt="" /></center> [in the forest near Hemlock Lake] <p> In regards to the article, the <i>Democrat and Chronicle</i> asks the question - is NY and the DEC responsible enough to be excellent care takers of these vital areas? The following quote from the article makes reference to former NYS governor, George Pataki and current State governor, Elliot Spitzer who appointed Pete Grannis, head of the DEC:<br /> </p><blockquote>Even Pataki's signature environmental initiative — land acquisition — was left to Spitzer's DEC to complete. While the former governor reached agreements to buy more than 1 million acres, many weren't consummated before he left office. <p> So far in 2007, Grannis said, the DEC has had to close on land deals involving about 300,000 acres. The agency now must find enough money to manage the new state lands, he said. </p><p> It also has fallen to the new regime to pick up the pieces of the long-discussed deal to acquire land around Hemlock and Canadice lakes in Livingston and Ontario counties. Rochester owns 7,100 acres around the last two undeveloped Finger Lakes, which it uses as a drinking-water supply. Conservationists have long urged the state to acquire that land to keep the watersheds in pristine condition. </p><p> Unlike any of his predecessors as DEC commissioner, Grannis has toured the lakes — he boated on Hemlock during a visit in October — and he said state action is now a priority. </p><p> "They're extraordinary assets," Grannis said. "Things are moving along toward our eventual taking over responsibility and stewardship for those properties." [1]</p></blockquote> <a><img style="display:block;margin:0px auto 10px;text-align:center;cursor:pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_nFsgIvC_uVw/R2V1QoVD3lI/AAAAAAAAAeA/cp_vkIJ-6mY/s400/img149.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5144647077904768594" /></a> [North end of Hemlock Lake, looking south] <p> And in another recently published article, Pete Grannis goes on to say:<br /> </p><blockquote>“The Hemlock-Canadice lakes have been listed as a priority project for the state since the beginning of the State’s Open Space Conservation Plan in 1992,” stated DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis. “The unique resources of the two lakes, the only two undeveloped Finger Lakes, help define the natural character of the Finger Lakes Region of New York State. We are committed, along with the city of Rochester and all the stakeholders, to the long-term conservation of this magnificent ecosystem.” [2]</blockquote> The article also says that:<br /> <blockquote> Paul D’Amato, director for DEC’s Region 8, is confident that development is not a threat. He said the current state administration is hoping to make a deal with the city, and the governor and DEC commissioner are both onboard with the idea. He explained, “DEC is excited and prepared to do everything in our power to preserve this unique and special resource.” He then referred to a stack of letters his office had received from members of the The Nature Conservancy, Sierra Club, Adirondack Mountain Club, Coalition for Hemlock and Canadice Lakes, and the surrounding towns and counties, all of which favor DEC ownership of the watersheds. “It’s as universal a one-sided view as I have seen, a classic win-win situation,” he said. [2]</blockquote> <a><img style="display:block;margin:0px auto 10px;text-align:center;cursor:pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_nFsgIvC_uVw/R2V1EYVD3jI/AAAAAAAAAdw/ZaQbExKm5iE/s400/img147.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5144646867451371058" /></a> [One of the many streams that feed the Hemlock!] <p> Back in the 1970s the only place in NY with a nesting pair of bald eagles was at the south end of Hemlock Lake. Because of these bald eagles, the area around Hemlock Lake witnessed further restrictions around the eagles giant nests. Over this past summer, bald eagles where taken off the Endangered Species Act's "threatened" list, now the birds are protected under the "Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act". This is important because the bird's nesting grounds were protected as long as the bald eagle was considered a "threatened" species; but now the less restrictive eagle protection act doesn't put eagle habitats off-limit. Today, after exhaustive efforts to restore the bald eagle population - that included measures such as bringing in fresh bald eagle eggs from Alaska to put in NY nests, the bald eagle continues to soar along the Hemlock and surrounding communities. The area is also home to possibly one of the largest old growth forest tracts in all of North-East America, along with many other fascinating creatures that call this place home:<br /> </p><blockquote>The watersheds have been designated an “Important Bird Area” by the National Audubon Society, and host songbirds, waterfowl, and birds of prey. The uplands are home to black bears, coyotes, red and gray foxes, whitetail deer, ruffed grouse and wild turkeys. Both lakes offer good fishing for brown trout, lake trout, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, pickerel and panfish. Rare and delicate plant life can be found in a number of isolated locations throughout the watershed area. [2]</blockquote> The question remains, how much does it cost to preserve something so vital for all? How much does it cost to stop capitalism from "developing" in areas rich with natural resources? To answer this, it is important to look at the past. For starters, one may want to consider how a lot of this land became property under the current system. <p> <i>The Military Tract</i> - In 1779, when George Washington ordered General John Sullivan to destory the Iroquois Confederacy. The "military" campaign actually was more like a real estate tour for the army because at the conclusion of the Revolutionary War, the State of New York set aside 160 million acres of land in the Finger Lakes to be used to pay off debts to the soldiers who had fought without compensation during the war. The higher ranks of the military received more acres, with privates receiving 600 a piece. The land, which included areas in Hemlock and Canadice was distributed in late 1790s. </p><p> So here is something controversial - what if, the City of Rochester in a miraculous gesture of good will, decided to give the lands known as Hemlock and Canadice Lakes back to the the Seneca Nation, "the keepers of the western door"? I doubt it will ever happen because of the exact presence and importance of the fresh water lakes, but why hasn't anyone mentioned it yet? </p><p> Now a days, folks talk about buying property, building houses, working jobs, owning things - their stake to life in this modern age. Property - what are these places worth to you and me? Are these areas priceless or worth the millions and millions of dollars that could possibly be paid for them? What is success? And, how do you put a price on life? </p><p> <a><img style="display:block;margin:0px auto 10px;text-align:center;cursor:pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_nFsgIvC_uVw/R2V1K4VD3kI/AAAAAAAAAd4/T1eW3l-NCUM/s400/img148.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5144646979120520770" /></a> [Hemlock Lake reclaims two boats that will float no more] </p><p> Works citied:<br /> [1]<a href="http://www.rochesterdandc.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071216/NEWS01/712160332">DEC scrambles to catch up on environmental projects</a> from the Democrat and Chronicle (Rochester, NY newspaper)<br /> [2]<a href="http://www.lifeinthefingerlakes.com/readmore_article2.php">Solid Ground</a> by John Adamski published in <i>Life in the Finger Lakes</i>, winter edition 2007<br /> ___________________________________________________________________________________ <br /> <b>some notes on the vocabulary:</b> </p><p> <i>The Finger Lakes</i> - The Haudenosaunee were perhaps the first to recognize the lakes as fingers (hand of the great spirit), but the term Finger Lakes is American-English, whatever that means:<br /> </p><blockquote><i>Cayuga</i> - Name come from Iroquois tribe<br /> <i>Seneca</i> - Name comes from Iroquois tribe<br /> <i>Canadice</i> - Meaning "long lake" in Iroquois language; (even though only three miles long)<br /> <i>Honeoye</i> - Meaning "finger lying" or "where the finger lies" in Iroquois language<br /> <i>Hemlock</i> - named for logging community that developed nearby<br /> <i>Conesus</i> - Gahn-yuh-sas; Named for the sheep berries that used to grow along the shore<br /> <i>Otisco</i> - Meaning "waters much dried away" in Iroquois language<br /> <i>Skaneateles</i> - Meaning "long lake" in Iroquois language;(romantics also tried to tie word to meaning "beautiful maiden")<br /> <i>Owasco</i> - Meaning "lake of the floating bridge" in Iroquois language<br /> <i>Keuka</i> - Meaning "Canoe landing" in Iroquois language<br /> <i>Canandaigua</i> - Meaning "place selected for settlement" in Iroquois language</blockquote> ____________________________________________________________________________________ <br /> <b>other related articles I've written:</b> <p> <a href="http://loveyourdestiny.blogspot.com/2007/06/hemlock-canadice-appraisal.html">Hemlock &amp; Canadice: An Appraisal</a> </p><p> <a href="http://loveyourdestiny.blogspot.com/2007/11/books-hemlock-and-canadice-lakes.html">Books: Hemlock and Canadice Lakes</a> </p><p> <a href="http://www.infoshop.org/inews/article.php?story=20061218163037700">Hemlock &amp; Canadice: Last Two Undeveloped Finger Lakes Face Possible Development</a> </p><p> <a href="http://yorkstaters.blogspot.com/2006/10/hemlock-new-york-unequivocal.html">Hemlock, New York: An Unequivocal Exclamation</a> </p><p> <a href="http://loveyourdestiny.blogspot.com/2007/09/ghost-town-in-upstate-what-else-is-new.html">Ghost Town in Upstate (What Else is New?)</a> (the City of Rochester also "leases/owns" a lot of this old ghost town, a few miles into the Hamlet of Hemlock, along the lakes outlet, and could possibly be included in any deal)</p>