Over the last 25 years, KLWA has stocked 750 triploid grass carp. Occasionally, we have all wondered how many carp are still in the lake. Big splashes and minimal weeds have been good indicators they are/were living the good life in our lake.
The month of July was rainy. Historical records show it was record setting rain - top 4 in the last 100 plus years. On July 16th, upwards of 10" fell in our area. About a week later, I received a call to report there were big fish trapped below the dam in the lake outlet. It seems the rains swept them over the dam. KLWA investigated the situation with the assumption we would have to catch and release a few fish. WRONG! It turned out to be a HUGE project. We engaged our local DEP office, our carp supplier and our community to put a plan in place to catch and release the fish.
The NYC DEP supported our efforts by sending biologists - Michael and Justin. They were knowledgeable and very helpful. They helped us herd the fish upstream into the shallow area, so we were able to net and catch the fish.
Todd Bobowick from Rowledge Pond Aquaculture (supplied our 2 carp stockings), provided great insight on handling the fish safely.
Our KLWA community provided the energy and muscle to haul almost 200, 12 - 48", 10-30lbs fish up over the dam. We used nets, garbage cans and rope. No fish were lost/died in our rescue. We are fortunate to be part of a community that rallies together to protect our environment and investment. (View Photo & Video Gallery)
Big THANK YOU to our KLWA volunteers: Robin Belsky, Alan Belsky, Scott Irwin, Rob Alstadt, Norman Sas, Daniel Sas, Matt Adler
Updated: August 2, 2023
Please remember to send your dues if you have not done so and help us to continue our work on the lake.
KLWA is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization (All donations are tax-deductible where allowed by law).
Upcoming projects include: more carp, shoreline survey, limnologist engagement and continued grant applications.
We need your help to locate and apply for community grants. Please use your resources to bring ideas to our attention.
Safe Boating & Swimming at the Lake
The state of New York requires one wearable Type I, II, III, or V PFD for each person that is aboard a vessel. All PFDs must be readily accessible.
In addition to the above requirement, one Type IV U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD must be on board vessels 16 feet or longer and readily accessible.
Type V PFDs are approved but must be worn to be considered legal.
Flotation devices that are ripped or in poor condition are not considered approved.
All Personal Watercraft (PWC) occupants must be wearing a PFD.
Any person towed behind a vessel must be wearing a PFD.
All persons on any vessel (this includes motor boats, sailboats, kayaks, canoes, or rowboats) less than 21 feet, must wear a life jacket from November 1 to May 1 when underway.
Swimmers in open water should be accompanied by a flotation device or small boat to signal their presence.
See more about Boating & Swim Safety on Kirk Lake and the Kirk Lake Safety Guidelines.
Invasive Species: Help prevent the spread!
To help prevent the introduction and spread of non-native species from one body of water to another, you should:
Inspect your boat and remove aquatic plants or animals before you leave any body of water.
Flush raw-water cooling systems and clean sea strainers before moving your boat from one body of water to another.
Empty bait buckets and remove any plant fragments from bait wells, fishing gear, trailers, dive gear or props. Dispose on land into a garbage receptacle.
Drain water from your motor, live wells and bilge.
Wash your boat before putting it into a new body of water.
Report new infestation of non-native aquatic species to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Learn more about Invasive Plants & Animals at Kirk Lake
View a quick video for how to pull milfoil from our shoreline during the fall/winter/spring. Please be sure to remove roots and all and dispose of them far from the shoreline.