Grass Lake
Grass Lake
Grass Lake Association
Grass Lake spans 320 acres with a maximum depth of 55 feet. It is situated almost equally within Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties. Public access to the lake is available via a launch located on Butler Road.
The Grass Lake Association enforces a strict policy prohibiting the use of motors over 9.9 horsepower by property owners. This regulation is also supported by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (NYDOC), which has similarly restricted motor usage on the lake.
Fish Species
Black Bass, Pickerel, Walleye
Invasive Species
On Land: Phragmites, Purple Loosestrife
Aquatic: Eurasian Watermilfoil, Hydrilla, Water Chestnut, Zebra Mussel
Lake Statistics
Wildlife & Water Quality
Wildlife is made up of a wide variety of birds and animals that make their home within our watershed.
The lake comprises 39 cottages whose owners are dedicated to preserving the environment and health of Grass Lake. The Grass Lake Association participates in the Citizens Statewide Lake Assessment Program (CSLAP), which involves sampling the water during the summer months. Annually, the association receives a report from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) regarding the water quality and the risks posed by invasive species and harmful algal blooms.
Efforts to maintain the fish population in Grass Lake are ongoing, with the association actively purchasing walleye fingerlings to sustain the fish population. The lake experiences its highest fishing activity during the winter months.
History
Called O-sa-ken-ta-ke by the St. Regis Mohawk; the name translates to what we call it today – Grass Lake. Grass Lake was likely formed through glacial processes about 10,000 years ago.
Some of the earliest records of the lake date back to the 19th century. In 1889, H.H. Thompson, from Brooklyn, wrote an article in The American Angler detailing a trip made to Grass Lake. He calls it “one of the best lakes for black bass and pickerel in this state.” There are countless other mentions of plentiful and large fish in Grass Lake during this period. There has been a historical legacy of managed use on Grass Lake.
Stocking fish on the lake dated back to 1881, when a consignment of pickerel were added. Between 1914 and 1930 a series of petitions submitted by local residents asked the state to add additional fishing regulations to Grass Lake on the grounds that the fish were “in danger of extermination;” the regulations were granted.
Today, though additional fishing regulations and a fish stocking program are still in place, pressures such as eutrophication and invasive species pose a threat to the function and utility of this natural resource.
Provided by Owen Angle: "A Scenario-Based Framework for Lake Management Plans: A Case Study of Grass Lake & A Management Plan for Grass Lake"
Membership
Grass Lake Association Membership: 60
Membership Contact info:
Jim Ninos, President
jninos@gmail.com
GLA is also a member of NYSFOLA, NY State Federation of Lake Associations, whose goal is to protect water resources through public outreach, education, sharing information and partnerships.
Places to Expore
Located in Upstate New York near the Thousand Islands Region, this area is a haven for natural beauty, recreation, and wildlife.
Visit the Indian River Lakes region to hike, paddle, and connect with an incredible community.
