Welcome to the Skaneateles Lake Watershed

Home Page

News Articles

Watershed Maps

Questions Answered

Calendar of Events (pdf file)

Photo Album (leaving this website)

Local Streams

Carpenter's FallsThe streams of the Skaneateles Lake Watershed are filled with stories as well as water. To explore the stories of four streams around the lake and find out how natural and human history have interacted to create the watershed as we see it today, download “Finger Lakes Awareness: Streams of the Skaneateles Lake Watershed" (pdf file, 1.05 MB)

There are three major tributaries to Skaneateles Lake that flow year-round: Shotwell Brook, Bear Swamp Creek, and Grout Brook. Shotwell originates in the northeast section of the town of Skaneateles; Bear Swamp originates in the Town of Sempronius at the south west end of the lake; and Grout Brook originates in Cortland County at the southern end of the lake. There are also numerous, steep gorges throughout the watershed where water flows during spring thaw and after heavy rainfalls.

 


10 Ways you can Protect Local Streams

  • Don't mow to the edge! Create a streamside buffer by maintaining and planting trees, woody shrubs, & perennial gardens. The buffer helps keep pollutants out of the stream, keeps the water shaded and cool, and reduces erosion!

  • Cover exposed soils and steep slopes with mulch or plants to reduce erosion and keep sediment out of streams.

  • Store household hazardous wastes properly. Keep paints, cleaners, oil, and other chemicals where they have no exposure to rainwater.

  • Retain storm water from rooftops & driveways by diverting it into a rain garden or rain barrel.

  • Use fertilizers & pesticides sparingly, and never before the weather forecast calls for rain!

  • Pick up after your pet to keep harmful bacteria from washing into the streams.

  • Keep ditches and storm drains clean from litter, leaves, road salt, and sediment.

  • Wash your car and pets on the lawn - not the driveway.

  • Maintain your septic system and have it pumped every 3-5 years.

  • Minimize impervious surfaces.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural History

Lake Ecology

Watershed Statistics

Population Statistics

Geography

Local Streams

Watershed Protection

Watershed Inspection

Agricultural Program

Land Protection

Management Plan

Agencies in Watershed

Stormwater

Rain Catchers

Helpful Links (leaving this website)

Aquatic Plants

Septic Systems

Drinking Water and Well Maintenance

Landscaping for Water Quality

Rain Gardens

Rain Barrels

Erosion Control and Stormwater

Zebra Mussels

Water Recreation