Wanted: More Oneida Lake cormorant harassment volunteers need to step forward

[HuntingNY-News]

David Lemon, fisheries manager for the DEC's Region 7, held a volunteer training session recently for those interested in assisting in cormorant harassment on Oneida Lake. Only about 15 persons attended, he said.

David Lemon, fisheries manager for the DEC’s Region 7, held a volunteer training session recently for those interested in assisting in cormorant harassment on Oneida Lake. Only about 15 persons attended, he said.

“Given the low turnout, it is going to be difficult to conduct any meaningful volunteer efforts if this is indeed the extent of our volunteer corps,” he said Monday in an email. Last year, he had 59 volunteers helping out.

“Part of the reason I wanted to hold the training was to get the official volunteer forms completed and returned to me. Any individual who has not provided an up-to-date volunteer form will not be able to participate in the program. So for those folks who missed this year’s training, but attended last year’s session, I will make an exception and allow you to participate in 2011 — provided I receive a completed volunteer form.”

Lemon said he’d like to begin the harassment program, which consists primarily of rousting the birds around the lake with boats and pyrotechnics, on Wednesday. The plan this year included fewer days on the lake, but total coverage of the waterway on those days that volunteers do go out.

“We have volunteers signed up to cover just one zone in both the morning and evening hazing efforts for Wednesday,” Lemon said in his email. “I will recommend cancellation of the morning and/or evening hazing effort(s) if we don’t have at least five of seven zones covered. “

For more information, reach Lemon at [email protected] or call 607-753-3095, ext. 208.

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