The Okara Lakes are comprised of two similar but separate bodies of water—Lake Tekini and Lake Easka—each possessing different aquatic attributes. Tekini, a spring-fed lake has an outlet that eventually heads toward the Moose River.
Easka, the larger of the two lakes, is fed from Beaver and Rock Ponds (east toward Thendara) with an outlet also heading towards the Moose River.
The floor of Lake Easka tends to have a “softer” and more organic makeup with Lake Tekini having a primarily sandy bottom.
Both bodies of water contain native plant life.
The primary difference is a native plant known as bladderwort.
While it exists in both lakes, Easka, with its more organic floor, is prone to a larger population of this specific plant.
The netlike vegetation has been identified as “Common Bladderwort” (Utricularia vulgaris).
As the name suggests, it is a very common type of bladderwort, a native species and, in this case, a native nuisance species.
Mild concern was expressed by lakefront property owners around 2006 when the long vine and web-like plant started appearing on the surface of the lake.
Residents who have been here for decades recall the plant existing underwater and not impeding normal water activities.
In recent years, the growth of bladderwort became extremely aggressive causing neighbors to take the issue seriously.
The last few summers have produced large mats, especially in August, of the plant floating on the surface challenging normal water activities. Lake water testing has revealed no increased levels of e-coli.
Waterfront property owners have organized, involving the DEC and APA, to work out an ecologically sound plan to provide good stewardship and maintain the health of the lake.
The most responsible course of action seemed to be the introduction of sterile grass carp into the lake.
These fish have a life expectancy of 7-10 years, do not reproduce and are strictly vegetarians.
Otter Lake used this method successfully a number of years ago when they were faced with the same issue. The difference between the two lakes is size and Otter Lake’s use of motorized boats.
Lake Easka is limited to paddle/oar craft or electric motors.
Also, because of the nature of the lake, it is not the intent to eliminate all vegetation, rather to control and reclaim the natural balance that once existed while protecting the rest of the plant community as much as is practical.
This requires a lengthy and detailed process that includes: An aquatic mapping of existing emergent and submergent aquatic vegetation which is part of the application process, a DEC-required hydrologic/hydraulic analysis of the spillway, and construction of a fish barrier which will retain fish, and not impede the flow of water.
Sensitivity needs to be maintained in design for neighbors whose waterfront borders the immediate area. Also, development of an “Aquatic Plant Management Control Strategy”; yearly phosphorous testing; and purchase of sterile grass carp.
The engaging of multiple agencies and engineering firms to perform the listed tasks requires a staggering financial commitment which is impossible for one or even several people to assume.
The estimated cost for this effort is roughly $25,000 and complications—such as responsibly dealing with the lake outlet—are certain to drive the cost higher.
The Okara Lakes property owners, who have the most to gain or lose, have organized and engaged our neighbors to make financial contributions to this remediation project.
There has been strong support among waterfront property owners, and their contributions have made it possible to move forward with this initiative.
Recently, property owners with “lake rights” have been asked to contribute at a reduced level. This is an ongoing effort and more funds are needed to meet the financial commitment.
As of this writing, plant, water and fish surveys have been completed which clearly reveals that the bladderwort is at a nuisance level in Lake Easka.
We are waiting for information from an engineering firm for construction of a fish barrier downstream from the outlet spillway.
There are a number of complicated steps required in the permitting process and if all goes as planned, the expected target date for stocking carp will be spring of 2017.
It is hoped that everyone realizes that the health of the lake affects the quality of the community.
If the lake problem is not responsibly remedied conditions will deteriorate creating a negative effect on the Okara community.
The Okara Lakes Association has partnered with the Central Adirondack Partnership (CAP-21) to allow for contributions to be tax deductible.
Individuals and organizations interested in supporting this lake remediation project may donate by making tax deductable contributions to: CAP-21/Okara Lakes Association, P.O. Box 642, Old Forge, NY 13420. For more information contact CAP-21 at 369-3353 or at info@cap-21.com.
The Okara Lakes Association thanks you for your interest and support in helping us restore and preserve these beautiful lakes.