Senate Resolution No. 3239

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMEMORATING the 75th Anniversary of the Oneida
Lake Association

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the
continuing welfare of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly
enriched and reliably served by the purposeful endeavors of
organizations and individuals who are committed to the preservation of
our natural environment and the enhancement of the appreciation of the
distinctive features of our surroundings, and to the economic well-being
of the areas in which they exist; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Oneida Lake Association; and

WHEREAS, Oneida Lake, located just north of Syracuse, is the largest
lake located wholly within New York State, and has a reputation as both
a world-class fishery and a spectacular boating venue; and

WHEREAS, For the past 75 years, the Oneida Lake Association (OLA)
has played a key role in protecting, restoring, and preserving the
natural resources of Oneida Lake and its surrounding ecosystems; and

WHEREAS, Founded in December of 1945, the Oneida Lake Association's
first president was Benjamin Sauer and its first annual meeting was held
the following spring at Syracuse Central High School; during this time,
membership quickly grew to approximately 1,000; and

WHEREAS, Over the years, the Oneida Lake Association has developed
relationships with a variety of entities which provide important
information and services for lake users, including the New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation, the DEC's Oneida Fish Cultural
Station, Cornell University's Biological Field Station at Shacklelon
Point, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service; and

WHEREAS, Today, with nearly 2,000 volunteer members who are
dedicated to the stewardship of the lake, the Oneida Lake Association
works tirelessly to reduce invasive species, monitor phosphorus levels,
mitigate pollution, promote common-sense fishing regulations, manage
water levels, and support boater safety initiatives; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, people from across the country come to enjoy
Oneida Lake's waters in every season of the year; and

WHEREAS, The success of the Oneida Lake Association is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its volunteers and board members, whose
involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive
commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of
excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the
community it serves; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when
individuals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are

brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by
all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Oneida Lake Association; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Oneida Lake Association.