Submitted Photo This image was captured from a drone that flew over Cassadaga Creek in early January. Representatives with the Cassadaga Lakes Association say beaver dams, shallow creeks, and overgrown trees and brush are making it impossible for Cassadaga Lakes to drain in a timely manner, which is causing flooding in the village.

While flooding in Cassadaga appears to be getting worse, a representative with the Cassadaga Lakes Association says they are developing both short and long-term plans.

During the Chautauqua County Legislature’s Planning and Economic Development Committee meeting, officials met with county Watershed Coordinator Dave McCoy and Bob Reuther with the Cassadaga Lakes Association.

McCoy noted that Cassadaga Lakes, which is actually three lakes connected, has had some flooding recently. “We’ve been receiving some concerning reports about water levels. Coincidentally, we’re having one of those old fashioned winters, where we’re getting a bunch of snow and the water level is as high as we would like to see it,” he said.

In December Kim Collins, a founding member of the Cassadaga Community and Business Alliance, shared photos on Facebook regarding the flooding, which was reported in The Post-Journal and OBSERVER. “Outside of the fact that properties are being destroyed, and shorelines are being eroded, the big concern at this point is all of the septic systems overflowing into our lakes,” she stated.

She had a video be made of the flooding taken by a drone. The four-minute video was played during the committee meeting.

Reuther noted the drone footage began at the Maple Avenue bridge and went south to Luce Road.

According to Reuther, there are protected wetlands where the lake appears to be plugging up. “It’s always been a chronic problem. Within the last three years, it’s become a serious problem,” he said.

Reuther said under the Maple Avenue bridge, there is sediment and sand buildup from runoff.

He also said there are beaver dams plugging up the area as well, so they’re working with trappers but having limited success. “This is an ecosystem out there. … You can’t just destroy it. It’s wetlands. It’s got a purpose,” he said.

At the same time, Reuther said something needs to be done because of the flooding. “Not only is our lakeside getting inundated, but we have septic tanks in Cassadaga, and if this water reaches these septic tanks, we’re losing a lake,” he said.

Reuther noted between Cassadaga and Lily Dale, they get 20,000 to 30,000 people a season. “I know we’re not Chautauqua Lake, but we get a fair share of tourist dollars,” he said.

Reuther said he is working with the Department of Environmental Conservation and there are some action items under consideration.

First is to clear out the sand and sediment buildup under the Maple Avenue bridge. Reuther said this is a short-term solution.

Secondly, they want to manage the beaver population and to provide more options to control the high lake waters.

Finally, they want to find a new way to drain excess water to moderate lake levels. He proposed this be done by lowering the lake that borders Lily Dale, possibly with a tubing system.

Reuther said the Cassadaga Lakes Association would also like to make the Cassadaga Creek navigable to kayaks and canoes. “Ecotourism adventures can be a worthy addition for both local folks and visitors to enjoy,” he said.

Mark Geise, deputy county executive for economic development and chief executive officer of the county Industrial Development Agency, said in 2019 a feasibility study was completed regarding managing the water level in Cassadaga Lakes. That study has been given to the DEC to review.

Eventually, Geise said, they want to have a meeting with the DEC to come up with short, medium and long-term goals regarding lake levels.

McCoy said the Cassadaga Lakes Association receives $6,000 annually from the county’s 2% waterways occupancy tax collected. He added that maintenance right now is about $25,000 annually.

Geise said while the lake group is not seeking additional funds at this time, he said he wants the committee to be aware of what the Cassadaga Lakes Association is doing, should additional funding be required in the future.