OLA Directors Lance Vella, Matt Snyder, Bill Girvan, and John Harmon met with DEC official Steve Hurst and four others to discuss concerns regarding the bass fishery in Oneida Lake. This team will provide an article in the Spring OLA Bulletin to address the issue.

 

OLA past Presidents Matt Snyder and John Harmon helped to sponsor the first American Fisheries Society student-run conference at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. In his address to the conference, Director Snyder spoke about the Oneida Lake Association and its history and mission.

 

OLA Director George Reck once again spearheaded a fall roadside clean up on the off ramp of Route 81 at Bartell Road.

Directors John Harmon, Rowly Hrywnak, and Patricia Cerro-Reehil greeted the historic canal boat, The Seneca Chief, during its stop in Brewerton. The trio of Directors staffed an informational booth about the OLA.

 

• The OLA held its annual Networking Meeting, with several representatives of law enforcement, civic organizations, DEC, and elected officials in attendance.
• OLA President Lance Vella and Directors Matt Snyder and John Harmon met with State Senator Chris Ryan to express concerns about DEC’s new wetlands regulations.
• President Lance Vella and Director John Harmon attended the New York State Federation of Lake Associations annual conference.
• Director John Harmon addressed the Cicero Town Board regarding OLA’s concerns about DEC’s new wetlands regulations.

Director Patricia Cerro-Reehil conducted three successful water chestnut weed pulls on Oneida Lake.

OLA awarded Central Square High School senior Michelle Brissette the OLA Scholarship in Memory of Eugene Kadlubowski. Michelle will attend Paul Smith’s College to pursue environmental studies.

 

OLA conducted another well-attended Annual Membership Meeting, with a variety of speakers and vendors.

Captain Tony Buffa was honored with the presentation of the 2025 Conservationist of the Year Award.

The OLA presented awards to our Youth Fishing Contest winners, Ezra and Connor.

OLA developed a position paper regarding concerns about DEC’s new wetlands regulations. This position was fully discussed in the Spring Bulletin.

Director George Reck led a team of volunteers during an Earth Day roadside clean up.