The project is developing a watershed modeling database that can be used by a community-based organization for evaluating management alternatives for control of water pollution in Cayuga Lake. The project will also evaluate modeling approaches for studies of other high-priority Cayuga Lake contaminants such as sediment, metals, pesticides, and pathogens.

Although management of phosphorus was identified as a high priority in the Cayuga Lake Watershed Restoration and Protection Plan, it cannot be achieved without quantitative information on phosphorus loads and the effects of management. At the present time, we have no good estimates of total phosphorus inputs to Cayuga Lake, and minimal understanding of the effects of possible management on these inputs.

The project has thus far assembled a spatial database that will be used by the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network to develop water quality management alternatives. The database will initially be used with the GWLF (generalized watershed loading functions) model to estimate phosphorus sources in the Cayuga Lake watershed and to evaluate management alternatives for reducing these sources. We will subsequently evaluate modeling approaches for studies of other high-priority Cayuga Lake contaminants, such as sediment, metals, pesticides, and pathogens.

The project will provide information on phosphorus loads and management options, which will permit Cayuga Lake stakeholders to make more informed decisions related to water pollution control and land use planning. The information obtained through the modeling and the subsequent sharing of that information with the public will increase understanding of the sources of phosphorus and the intended benefits of management practices (including but not limited to setting total maximum daily loads). Immediate beneficiaries will be the public officials responsible for land use and water quality planning in the Cayuga Lake watershed. Ultimate beneficiaries will be the citizens and businesses within the watershed. The research is a collaborative effort between Cornell University and the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network. The Network is a community-based, not-for-profit organization made up of citizens, businesses, associations, and local governments from throughout the Cayuga Lake watershed. Through its web page, workshops, and special studies, it is the primary vehicle for stakeholder involvement in Cayuga Lake issues.

Hatch

Cayuga Lake Watershed Network