The combination of a mild winter, low rainfall, and heat are causing an explosion of weed growth in Chautauqua Lake. It is causing big headaches for boaters, especially in shallow waters.
Boater Ken Bly said, "It is hard to maneuver. The weeds grab the rudder."
The Chautauqua Lake Association has four harvesters out on the water, cutting weeds. Barges are then moving the loads of weeds to shore. Eight harvesters were doing the work before funding cuts in recent years.
Now the Chautauqua County Legislature is considering giving the association an addition $100,000 to help.
CLA President Chris Yates said, "We would put another two harvesters, a transport barge, supply vessel, vehcile and staff that would take us up from one-half of our effort today to three-quarters."
Regulations do not allow the use of herbicides to kill the weeds. But studies are underway that might change that sometime in the future.
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