The unusual history of the Hemlock-Canadice Lake watershed, among the Finger Lakes, causes it to have unique values. Preservation of these special educational, scientific, geological, ecological, aesthetic, archaeological and historical values will require a comprehensive approach involving the City of Rochester, local residents, private not-for-profit conservation organizations, municipal governments and the State of New York.
There are many reasons to be concerned about the preservation of the Hemlock-Canadice watershed in its present natural form. The City of Rochester will continue to need large quantities of high quality drinking water, and the values of the lands and lakes themselves are worthy of preservation. The protection of these valuable resources can be planned and executed in such a way that the City enjoys continued access to good water and the citizens of New York State are satisfied that the watershed's wildlife, woodlands, geological rarities, and aesthetic opportunities are protected. Parts of a preservation project would be possible without major funding, but a comprehensive program will require a major commitment by the State either through a dedicated fund or a bond act and a well-funded education and acquisition program for private property owners mounted by not-for-profit conservation groups.
To read full-text of the article A Case for the Preservation of The Hemlock-Canadice Watershed in a Natural State By Stephen Lewandowski, edited for the Sierra Club 2007 Environmental Forum, please click here.
The Coalition for Hemlock and Canadice Lakes is an organization that favors greater protection of the watershed lands surrounding Hemlock and Canadice Lakes, the sources of the City of Rochester’s drinking water. The Coalition was formed in 1987 by Steven Lewandowski, with assistance from CEI. In 1989, they were successful in getting NYS Tax Law reformed so that the Towns of Springwater, Canadice, Conesus, Richmond and Livonia would automatically receive payments-in-lieu-of-taxes from NYS on any lands that NYS acquired (the watershed lands of the City especially) in these Towns.
The Coalition has always been a small organization with most of its members located in the watershed area. It has a single purpose: permanent protection of the City's 7,200 acres of watershed land.
At present, the City of Rochester owns 7,200 acres of the combined 35,000 acre watershed of the two lakes. The shorelines of the lakes are completely undeveloped, and very little human activity is apparent from the lakes. The “little lakes” present an opportunity to be in a wilderness-like setting, similar to Adirondack lakes but only 25 miles from Rochester. They are heavily used by hikers, hunters and fishermen.
Hemlock and Canadice Lakes are unique among the Finger Lakes for their natural condition. Hemlock and Canadice Lakes have been used by the City of Rochester for water supply since the 1870s. Discussions have been taking place between the City of Rochester and the Monroe County Water Authority that may result in changes to the watershed’s current protected status (to view a copy of the letter sent to Mayor Duffy and the Rochester City Council on April 17, 2007 please click here). The Coalition meetings continue to discuss the means to keep the watershed lands and lakes in a natural condition.
The Coalition has been circulating an “Appeal for Conservation” and inviting other organizations to sign on to the call. For further information, contact Stephen Lewandowski at 394-5030 or email him.
Hemlock Lake in March, by Valerie Sauers, 4th yr photography major at Rochester Institute of Technology
CEI has recently joined the Coalition for Hemlock and Canadice Lake and will serve as fiscal agent for contributions to a special fund to support the education work of the Coalition and help gain broad public understanding and support for protection of the watershed.
In Abeyance- Hemlock and Canadice: An art exhibit, featuring the works of Gloria Betlem, Christine Sevilla and Kent Divers, providing a focus for contemplation of the value and the future of the “little lakes”. Stephen Lewandowski will be the featured speaker at the Opening Event Friday, September 21, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m at Williams Gallery of the First Unitarian Church. More information about the event can be found here.
The Future of Hemlock Lake & the City’s Water was featured on WXXI's Bob Smith Show on May 9, 2007. Guests included Paul Holahan, City Environmental Commissioner and Jim Howe, The Nature Conservancy of Central & Western New York. Notes from the show are available here.
Sierra Club's 9th Environmental Forum in 2007 focused on the Hemlock-Canadice watershed. To view their website on related issue please click here.
Hemlock and Canadice Lakes- Pastels and photography by Gloria Betlem