Ritchie Delivers for Black Lake

$100,000 in state funds caps three-year effort to battle invasive weeds in St. Lawrence County's biggest lake

State Senator Patty Ritchie has announced she has secured $100,000 to help fight weeds on Black Lake, a popular spot for fishing, boating and outdoor recreation in St. Lawrence County.

In recent years, Eurasian Milfoyle—a non-native nuisance weed which forms dense mats of vegetation that shades out native species—has plagued Black Lake; disrupting water flow, hurting water quality, and hampering boating, fishing and swimming. 

 “For generations, Black Lake has provided countless opportunities for outdoor recreation to both tourists and local residents,” said Senator Ritchie. “I’m thrilled to be able to provide this funding which will improve the quality of and access to Black Lake—two things that are critical not only to boosting tourism but also for enjoyment by those who call Northern New York home.”

In recent years, Senator Ritchie has worked closely with sportsmen’s groups, the St. Lawrence County Soil and Water District and local officials to reduce the problems plaguing the body of water.  Including this year’s funding, she has secured a total of $175,000 in the past three years to help Black Lake fight back against invasive species. 

“For a very long time, we have been working to stop the spread of Eurasian Milfoyle on Black Lake,” said Bill Dashnaw, President of the Black Lake Chamber of Commerce. “It’s an effort that takes  both time and money, and we can’t thank Senator Ritchie enough for her tireless work on the issue as well as her understanding of just how important it is that we  keep Black Lake viable for many years to come.”

Black Lake has repeatedly been ranked as one of the top fishing destinations in New York State and the United States by fishing and sportsmen’s publications.  Annually, it draws thousands of families to Northern New York, generating an estimated $7 million in tourism dollars a year.

Black Lake, often referred to as "Nature's Fish Hatchery," is the largest of the Indian River lakes. The 20 mile long lake, with over 60 miles of shoreline and numerous islands, offers anglers a variety of ideal fish habitats from rocky points and shoals, to sandbars, weed beds, shallows, and deep water up to 40 feet.