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Finger Lakes Buy Green!

Do you need cleaning, maintenance, office or garden supplies? Check out www.fingerlakesbuygreen.org for local resources and information on where to make environmentally friendly purchases.


Finger Lakes Buy Green

Do septic additives really work?

A portion of the DEC Myth Buster website.

Do septic system additives work? (Spring 2008)

Q: Do septic system additives advertised as cleaners, activators, uncloggers, or restorers really work?

A: The short answer is NO.

At least 1.3 million households in New York State have septic systems. When they are working properly, septic systems keep harmful organisms out of our waters and protect our health.
We've all seen ads that claim adding commercial powders, liquids or granules to septic systems will increase their efficiency, extend their lives, eliminate the need for pumping, or restore failing systems. According the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, these types of products have not been proven effective. Some can actually interfere with the treatment process and contribute to septic system failure.
The life of a properly installed and maintained septic system and drainage field is about 20-30 years. A home septic system is a significant investment, and a failed one is expensive to replace. To get the most out of your investment and extend its life:
• Have the tank pumped and inspected regularly (every five years is recommended)
• Put only biodegradable wastes into the system
• Restrict garbage disposal use
• Conserve water in the home and repair any leaking faucets and toilets
• Don't plan trees or build over the drainage field

Help manage aquatic plants

Show us what you know!
Since early 2009 the Finger Lakes Institute and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Onondaga County has worked collaboratively to manage invasive European frogbit and other aquatic plants through research and educational outreach. The project, funded by the New York Great Lakes Protection Fund Large Grants Program, has included field and laboratory experiments on different control methods, such as hand pulling, surface covers, biological controls, and public education and awareness building programs on European frogbit and other invasive aquatic plant species.
Help us gauge your knowledge and understanding of aquatic invasive plants! Complete the public survey! If your name and contact information is provided on your completed survey, you will be entered to win a prize ($30 value)!! Your feedback will be used to develop educational programs, identify environmental issues of the Finger Lakes, and target future research projects. Learn more about the ‘Managing invasive European frogbit through research and educational outreach in the Great Lakes Basin Project’ here!

DEC SEEKS PARTICIPANTS FOR SUMMER TURKEY SURVEY

York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner PeteGrannis today encouraged New Yorkers to participate in the Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey, which kicks off in August.

Since 1996, DEC has conducted the Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey to estimate
the average number of wild turkey poults (young of the year) per hen statewide and among major geographic regions of the state. This index allows DEC to gauge turkey populations and enables wildlife managers to predict fall harvest potential. Weather, predation and habitat conditions during the breeding and brood-rearing seasons can all significantly impact nest success, hen survival, and poults survival.
“Citizen science efforts such as this not only provide our wildlife managers with
invaluable data and but also give people the opportunity to partner with DEC to help monitor New York’s natural resources,” Commissioner Grannis said.
During the month of August, survey participants record the sex and age composition of
all flocks of wild turkeys observed during normal travel. Those who want to participate can download a Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey form from the DEC website to record your observations. Detailed instructions can be found with the data sheet. Survey cards can also be obtained by contacting your regional DEC office, by calling (518) 402-8886, or by e-mailing fwwildlf@gw.dec.state.ny.us (please type “Turkey Survey” in the subject line).

On the DEC website:
Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey: http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/48732.html
Citizen Science Initiatives: http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/1155.html
DEC Regional Office Contact Information: http://www.dec.ny.gov/about/50230.html
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Gary Goff, Sr. Ext. Assoc., Rm. 104 Fernow Hall, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY 14853
ph. 607-255-2824 fx. 607-255-2815 e-mail
www.cornellmfo.info