When our drinking water is under attack--What do we do? Act Up! Fight Back!

For the past 23 years I have lived in Hemlock. The surrounding environment is absolutely stunning and it makes for an experience to not soon be forgotten. Venturing down to Hemlock or Canadice lakes makes for some pretty rugged wild adventures into the woods where the bears hibernate and the bald eagles soar. Sometimes late at night I can hear the coyotes howling at the moon. The two lakes are magical spots that have magnificent ancient histories surrounding them, including but not limited to being one of the largest tracts of old growth forest in North Eastern America. These lakes and their undeveloped surroundings have also acted as the source of Rochester's drinking water for over 130 years.

On December 17th, the Democrat and Chronicle (D&C) reported that “the Monroe County Water Authority and the City of Rochester, are about to begin discussions that could lead to a radical restructuring” which could lead to a possible ownership change for Hemlock and Canadice lakes. Rochester Mayor Robert Duffy wants to permanently preserve the land which encompasses the two lakes, but has also not ruled out the possibility of development. Rumors are also around that some folks would like to develop the land and although the specific groups are not mentioned in the article it seems that one of the prime prospects for making a profit off of Hemlock Lake could come from logging companies.

Hemlock Lake and Canadice Lake should remain forever wild and the surrounding community should be able to directly participate in the decisions that most effect their lives, such as the preservation of this eco-system in their backyard. The Finger Lakes region of Upstate, NY along with the Great Lakes make for one of the highest concentrations of fresh water in the entire world and we need to protect these natural resources from further development along with promoting a more sustainable lifestyle. Read the full article here.

Additional Information: Article originally posted at York Staters | City Paper: Ferry's problems aren't like Water Authority's | The Return of the Water Scandal | Monroe County Water Authority board members' corporate and political affiliations | Atlantic (NY) Chapter of Sierra Club Refutes Arguments of MCWA for New Water Supply Plant | Will the New Webster Water Plant Help or Hurt the Community of Monroe? | Protecting New York's only remaining undeveloped Finger Lakes | Should we cut old growth trees in Hemlock? | A Case for the Preservation of the Hemlock-Canadice Watershed in a Natural State by Stephen Lewandowski