Tammy Schack, director of the Chautauqua Lake Property Owners Association (CLPOA), addressed the Chautauqua County Legislature during the second privilege of the floor on Dec. 17, urging the body to step up attention and management of Chautauqua Lake.

Schack invited legislators and County Executive Wendell to the CLPOA wetlands public meeting on Jan. 10, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at the Lawson Center in Bemis Point and said the CLPOA represents nearly 500 supporters who value independence from government funding and want a candid perspective on lake issues. She said the Chautauqua Lake and Watershed Management Alliance funds three lake-maintenance organizations with substantial grants and will soon grant alliance board seats to those groups, a process she suggested gives the institution a strong voice while excluding newer organizations.

"We hope the new year will bring a significant increase in the legislature's attention to Chautauqua Lake, and the existential threat affecting its viability and role as the county's economic engine and cash cow," Schack said. She urged a comprehensive plan, stronger leadership and effective management to address what she described as decades-long problems.

Why it matters: Chautauqua Lake is an important local economic and environmental asset; stakeholders told the legislature they expect coordinated action on lake health, management and representation on alliance boards. The CLPOA requested legislative attention and attendance at its January meeting.

What’s next: Legislators were invited to the Jan. 10, 2026 CLPOA wetlands meeting; the legislature may consider lake-related agenda items in 2026 or refer them to committees for further study.