The Canandaigua Lake Watershed Council
Towns: Bristol, Canandaigua, Gorham, Hopewell, Italy, Middlesex, Naples, Potter, South Bristol
Villages: Naples, Newark, Palmyra, Rushville
City: Canandaigua
Canandaigua Lake is one of the iconic Finger Lakes located in upstate New York, known for its beauty and the endless opportunities for boating, swimming, and fishing. The lake is also the drinking water source for approximately 70,000 residents. The Canandaigua Lake Watershed Council is an inter-municipal agency charged with maintaining and enhancing the high quality of Canandaigua Lake for generations to come. The Council members include the 14 watershed and water-purveying municipalities for the lake. They utilize an integrated watershed management approach to protect the lake, including research, protection, restoration and when necessary regulation. They are guided by the 2014 Comprehensive Update to the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Management Plan.
The Watershed Council
is now a
501(c)(3) tax-deductible
public charity!
You can now donate to the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Council. Donations are tax deductible. Your support will ONLY be used to fund our highly successful water quality improvement projects to reduce phosphorus, bacteria, pesticides and other pollutants from entering the lake. You support will not be used for our overhead or operating costs.
Examples of some of our past projects can be found HERE.
Checks can be made out to:
The Canandaigua Lake Watershed Council
205 Saltonstall Street
Canandaigua, NY 14424
Contact us for more information:
(585) 396-3630.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Detected in Snow Geese
Update for January 31, 2025
Ontario and Yates County Public Health officials have been alerted to confirmed and suspected cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in deceased Snow Geese found on the west side of Seneca Lake. The HPAI virus is spreading quickly across the state, so it is likely that Canandaigua Lake may experience observations of dead wild birds. The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is providing resources and guidance for communities, including an online reporting platform for the public to help track outbreaks.
How to Report Dead Birds
Residents are encouraged to report any deceased birds to the NYS DEC using the Avian Influenza Reporting Form, which can be accessed online. Alternatively, reports can be made by phone at: 585-226-5380 (Avon office).
Ontario County Public Health Guidance
While the risk of human infection is low, the virus can spread through direct contact with infected birds or contaminated environments. People who work with birds or livestock are at higher risk of infection. To reduce the risk of transmission, residents should:
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Keep wild and domestic flocks separate.
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Take precautions when handling dead birds, such as protecting your hands, eyes, nose, and mouth.
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Practice excellent hand hygiene, including thorough handwashing.
Additional Resources:
Ontario and Yates County Public Health Press Release
Draft Uniform Docks and Moorings Law Updates
Canandaigua Lake benefits from a Uniform Docks and Moorings Law for its shoreline communities. The law was last approved in 2012. The shoreline communities have worked together to develop draft updates to address ongoing issues. The draft updated law, an overview of the changes, and the original law are below. More information will be posted soon.
Uniform Docks and Moorings Law
Read more on the draft 2024 updates to the law above.
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Check out the
Canandaigua Lake Water Trail
THIS IS YOUR GUIDE TO PADDLING ON
CANANDAIGUA LAKE
Visit the website for an interactive map, paddling itineraries, safety information and more.
New Accessible Kayak Launch at Ontario Beach Park
Project Partners: Ontario County, Department of State
A new ADA-accessible kayak launch was installed, along with parking improvements and a path to facilitate use.
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This website was prepared for the New York State Department of State with funds provided under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund Act.