Legislator Jack Eddington joined Canaan Lake community members and environmental professionals to begin the process of remediating the Canaan Lake system now being stifled by the invasive plant life known as cabomba and milfoil weed.

The weeds have made bathing and boating impossible, while having an even more detrimental impact on the native aquatic life in the lake.

Leg. Eddington has been working with the Suffolk County departments of Environmental Energy and Health Services to launch the project that will study both the Canaan Lake and Yaphank Lake systems. The Yaphank Lakes are also suffering from the invasive weeds.

This first meeting, which took place at the Canaan Lake Beach Club and was for the steering committee only, addressed the historic and current conditions of the Canaan Lake system and options to restore the system to health.

“Restoring these lakes to their former beauty is going to be a long and costly process that will require tenacity and patience. For now, we are in the beginning phases of the project during which our experts must conduct continuous studies on both lake systems in order to determine the best way to eradicate the weeds and restore the systems to health. It won’t be easy, but we know what the goal is and we are committed to it,” said Leg. Eddington.

The first public meeting for the Canaan Lake Restoration Project is scheduled for Wednesday, April 28, 7 pm at the Canaan Elementary School. Discussion will include an outline of the problem and restoration options. For more information go to www.suffolkcountylakes.net.

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