Priorities of the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network
Mission
The Cayuga Lake Watershed Network advocates for the health of Cayuga Lake and its watershed in a changing world.
Vision
A Network of individuals, institutions, and communities united in the protection of our region’s water resources for people and nature.
Motto
“It takes a Network to protect a watershed.”
Activities
The Network offers two free community conferences for the public annually on water issues of concern at the north and south ends of the lake; publishes four newsletters each year; maintains this website; reaches over 1000 via our listserv; cooperates with other groups in shared events for the public, and educates/advocates for the protection of Cayuga Lake, its creeks, land and communities.
Program Goals
Monitor the impacts of climate change on the watershed and lead the effort to engage the community and organize mitigation efforts.
- Establish CLWN as the leading organization that raises awareness about the impacts of climate change to the watershed.
- Investigate and report on the potential impacts to the watershed related to climate change and advocate for actions to address them.
Educate youth and adults on detrimental impacts to water quality and encourage implementation of best management practices.
- Watershed Stewardship: Empower private landowners, recreational users, and visitors to take action and make informed decisions about care of the lake and watershed.
- Nutrient Pollution: Investigate the role of the Network in increasing agricultural best management practices.
Serve as a leader and connector to help community members, conservation partners, businesses, and local governments work collaboratively to understand best management practices, address and prioritize threats, and pursue joint projects to improve the health of the lake and watershed.
- Regularly convene stakeholders and provide opportunities for improving collaboration and communication.
- Encourage implementation of the Cayuga Lake Restoration and Protection Plan across the jurisdictions within the watershed.
- Identify opportunities to collaborate with regional higher education institutions.
For complete text of the Network strategic plan adopted in 2020, click here.
Are we political?
Our primary focus is education, community engagement, and science-based stewardship to protect Cayuga Lake for generations to come.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we follow strict federal guidelines. Any legislative lobbying related to issues affecting our watershed is an insubstantial part of our overall programs.
Decisions about land use, water quality, and environmental protections are made by governments at every level, so it’s necessary that the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network engage in some policy conversations. We do this by advocating for science-based solutions, sharing data, and elevating the voices of community members who depend on clean water.
Importantly, we are always nonpartisan. We do not endorse candidates or political parties. Instead, we focus on the issues—because clean, safe water is essential to everyone, regardless of political affiliation.