What Can You Do To Help?

by Georgia Rampe

All of us, individually, have an obligation and responsibility to protect and preserve Yankee Lake. Our goal, as your Association of Yankee Lake Property Owners, is to provide information, conduct regular tests, and in every way possible, augment community involvement in Lake preservation. As property is developed, and more seasonal and full time residents move to the Lake, it is imperative to maintain the sensitive Lake ecology. As well-informed, responsible homeowners, there are many things each of us can do. Here are some suggestions for what each of us can do to maintain a healthy, clean Lake:

•     Do keep Lake shore disturbances to a minimum, especially removal of natural vegetation. Disturbances dramatically increases surface runoff, erosion, and sedimentation which contributes to aging of the Lake.

•     Do plant deep rooted, woody, native vegetation along Lake shores. Plant roots stabilize the shoreline, prevent erosion, and absorb runoff.

•     Cherish your trees. Clear cutting damages the Lake by permitting road runoff to enter into it.

•     Don’t use herbicides and pesticides in excess on your garden and lawn. Many of these products are toxic to fish and wildlife and flow into the Lake during rainstorms.

•     If you must use a fertilizer, please use phosphate-free fertilizers.

•     Don’t put leaves and branches into the Lake. Adding plant debris increases phosphorus and other nutrients that accelerate aging of the Lake.

•     Do check sludge levels in your septic tank every year. Pump when sludge fills half the tank (2-3 yrs for yr-round resident, 5-6 yrs for seasonal residents). Settled solids will wash into and clog leach fields.

•     Don’t install or use an in-sink garbage disposal. Kitchen garbage overburdens your septic tank and slows its function. Try composting your kitchen scraps and garden clippings to fertilize your plants and enrich your soil.

•     Do use non-phosphate detergents. Most detergents add more phosphorus to the lake and increase algal growth. Be aware of detergents containing surfactants: alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs) are commonly added.

•     Don’t wash anything in the Lake with soap or a cleaning agent. These activities will put phosphorus directly into the water.

•     Don’t allow driveway, roof, or lawn water to run directly into the Lake. Flowing water carries phosphorus-laden sediment and engine petroleums directly into the water. Have run-off diverted into wooded areas.

•     Don’t put sand in the Lake for a beach. Placing sand in a Lake requires a permit from the DEC.

•     Don’t dispose of oil, paint thinner or chemical products on the ground. These products cannot be removed by soil and can contaminate ground water and Lake water. These chemicals are Household Hazardous Wastes, please call the Division of Solid Waste (845-794-4466) to dispose of them properly.

•     Avoid having surfaces blacktopped. Use gravel for your driveway and paths.

Recycle! It's the Law! Recycling is Mandatory in Sullivan County.

•     Newspaper

•     Corrugated Cardboard

•     Mixed Office Paper

•     Cereal Boxes, Shoe Boxes, and Paper Towel Rolls

•     Glass Containers

•     Plastic Bottles and Aluminum

Click here to get more detailed information.

Sullivan County Landfill and Recycling Center
91 Landfill Drive (Off of E. Broadway, Old Route 17), Monticello
Hours: Monday – Friday 7:45 AM – 3:00 PM; Saturday 7:45 AM – 12:00 Noon
Telephone: (845) 794-4466

Mamakating Transfer Station
Dump Road off County Road 56 (Masten Lake Road), Wurtsboro
Hours: Wednesday 7:45 AM – 3:00 PM; Saturday 7:45 AM – 3:00 PM
Telephone: (845) 888-0256