Septic tanks must be professionally maintained to operate correctly and preserve our environment. They should be emptied every 2 years for year-round residents and every 3 years for part-time residents. Leakage from a poorly maintained or damaged septic system can stimulate weed growth in the Lake and pollute the waters. Many household chemicals, if emptied
Septic Tank Maintenance and DEC Matching Repair Grant Read More »
The following was published by the Putnam Valley Commission for the Conservation of the Environment, which we provide here in its entirety: In October 2003, the Putnam Valley Town Board adopted two local laws to regulate the cutting of trees in Putnam Valley, viz., local laws 7 and 8 of 2003 (the latter is an
Tree Cutting and Pruning Read More »
Soil erosion, especially from construction and site clearing, is a potential danger to the lake. Stringent precautions are always necessary when the ground is disrupted. Most contractors will be aware of, and use, erosion control measures, but it is prudent to bring this up at the planning stage and to reinforce your concern as necessary.
Increases in impervious areas, such as driveways and roofs, serves to alter the way water flows in a watershed. Increased impervious areas in a watershed reduce percolation while increasing the speed of the water entering the lake thereby increasing its potential for erosion. This basically translates to increased nutrient transport to the lake and such
Impervious Area and Stormwater Management Read More »
The basic principal behind salt management is the same as fertilizer management. Any salt applied to asphalt for ice control will be transported to the lake once the snow melts. Increasing lake salinity will then result along with changes to the ecosystem. Reduce the amount of salt that is used or utilize alternative agents such
Applications of lawn fertilizers and other lawn chemicals may directly run into the lake when it rains. Before conducting any fertilizer applications take a soil sample and determine what nutrients are necessary for a healthy growing lawn. These services are often offered at low or no cost through the local soil and conservation service or
Fertilizer Management Read More »
Establishment or maintenance of an area of native plants and grasses in an approximately 100 foot buffer along the lake shore can enhance nutrient filtering all while increasing vital habitat for the lakes inhabitants. Creating such a buffer can help to intercept sediment and phosphorus before it flows into the lake thereby helping to reduce
The Association employs a limnologist (a specialist in lake ecology) to monitor the health of the lake. Monitoring includes annual checks of the lake’s ecological balance, together with tests of its water with regard to acidity, oxygen, organic matter, and trace elements. This information is used by the Association’s Lake Committee in its recommendations for
Water Quality: Algae and Weed Control Read More »
The Princeton Hydro 2018 Report indicates that Lake Sagamore is in excellent condition. Phosphorus concentrations were slightly above the recommended threshold, while transparency is acceptable and nuisance plant growth is minimal. The following section will touch briefly on what the community can do to ensure the lake is in as good or better condition for
Activities to Protect Lake Quality Read More »
Winter pictures are shown in the slide show on the home page. Click the picture to see larger images. You can also access them from the Picture Galleries at the bottom of the home page and on the menu bar. From the Picture Gallery you may also view several other picture series related to seasons,
New Winter Pictures Read More »