Q: How can I assist with Sodus Bay health? A: It is very important for everyone enjoying the bay to help reduce bay nutrients, and assist in removing/not spreading invasive plant species. The reduction of nutrients can be achieved by reducing phosphorous entering the watershed. Phosphorous in fertilizers and human sewage are two main contributors. Invasive plant species include Water Chestnuts, Hydrilla, and Blue Green Algae.
Q: I see your orange and blue harvester in the middle of the bay, outside of the special weed district. I thought S.B.I.A. only worked within 30 feet of docks? A: These harvesters are not S.B.I.A. harvesters! These are the Wayne County harvesters. Please visit The Wayne County website for information: Wayne County Soil and WaterThe S.B.I.A. harvesters are Red and Stainless steel. We have two at this point "Big and Little Red".
Q: I have large amounts of floating weeds at my dock. Why can't they be removed faster? A: Please feel free to call or contact us when you have this or any concern. We have to balance getting to every property with addressing trouble areas. Floating weed locations are unpredictable, and change quickly with the wind direction and amount of boat traffic. We are now very fortunate to have a much larger capacity harvester. We also now (2021) have a new smaller harvester that can get in between most docks and make it easier to pick up weeds on docks and clean in and around most docks. You can immediately help by collecting these weeds and placing them on the end of your dock. We will pick them up as we see them and do a run on Friday mornings to clear them before the weekends.
Q: Why did S.B.I.A. stop spraying chemicals for weeds? A: Chemicals entering the waters of New York State are very strictly regulated. The chemical application that was done in years past is no longer permitted on open waters such as Sodus Bay. The actual removal of nutrients (weeds) benefits the bay tremendously.
Q: Why does S.B.I.A. not get closer to my dock? A: S.B.I.A. uses a mechanical marine harvester that can only get so close to docks and shore. We get as close as it is safe for your property, our drivers, and the harvester. Property owners can help by cutting and placing weeds on the end of the dock, and we will pick them up. In 2021 we purchased a new smaller harvester "Little Red" that can get a bit closer and in between docks better than the larger machine. This should be an improvement in service for most areas this season.
Q: I sometimes see piles of weeds at the end of docks. What is this? A: We encourage owners in the weed district to remove weeds near shore, and under/close to your docks We will pick these up during the week as we see them, and make a run on Friday mornings to clear them off docks.
Q: How do I voice my opinions to S.B.I.A.? A: S.B.I.A. is always interested to hear the thoughts and suggestions of the owners in the special weed district. S.B.I.A. is a non-profit corporation managed by volunteers that are committed to helping enhance and protect everything the bay has to offer. The volunteers take very valuable time out of their day for the betterment of everyone. We kindly ask that criticism be in the form of positive suggestions for improvement. The home page provides a way to provide feedback immediately. Also, please feel free to call us directly at (315) 398-1563. We are always looking for ways to improve! Q: How is S.B.I.A funded? A: S.B.I.A. as an organization is funded through an annual membership. The S.B.I.A administers the weed harvesting program through an annual contract with the Town of Huron. The funds for the weed harvesting are collected from the property owners that are located in special weed districts through a tax assessment. The map of the special weed districts and associated owners is provided on the Harvest Area page. Further information can be provided by contacting the Town of Huron, NY. Town of Huron (315) 594-8074