The annual Bob Brower Scientific Symposium was hosted by the Owasco Watershed Lake Association on Saturday, March 19.
The theme of this year’s virtual event focused on humans’ impact on water quality in Owasco Lake. Topics discussed included phosphorus reduction and nutrients deposited into the lake via rain, according to The Citizen.
Dr. John Halfman, professor of Environmental Studies at the Finger Lakes Institute at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, gave his annual presentation on the status of the lake. Halfman, who has been gathering test samples from the lake for over 15 years, said rainfall appears to be one of the biggest factors impacting water quality in the lake. He noted heavy rainfall from August 18 – 20, 2021 brought harmful nutrients to the lake.
Halfman also emphasized the importance of implementing the recommendations from the Owasco Lake Nine Element Plan to reduce the amount of phosphorus making its way into the lake.
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