We Are the Voice
of Owasco Lake

The Owasco Watershed Lake Association (OWLA) is a citizen-led, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring Owasco Lake and its watershed. Since 1988, we have been the voice of Owasco Lake, actively working to improve water quality for drinking, recreation, and environmental health.

We Take Action to
Protect the Lake

Protecting Owasco Lake Through Action. We are a boots-on-the-ground organization committed to making a real difference through research, restoration, and community engagement.

Flexible

We adapt to challenges, undertaking both large-scale and small-scale projects that have a lasting impact on water quality.

Data-Driven

We prioritize science-backed strategies, continually measuring our progress and shifting approaches as needed.

Teamwork & Inclusion

Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are essential to our efforts, working together to restore and protect the watershed.

Science-Based

Every project we undertake is grounded in proven scientific research, ensuring effective and sustainable solutions.

Enthusiastic & Optimistic

We believe in our ability to create positive change and celebrate every success along the way.

See What We're Working On

Meet the leaders
behind our mission

OWLA is led by a dedicated group of volunteers passionate about protecting Owasco Lake. Our board members bring expertise in environmental science, policy, education, and community outreach. Their leadership ensures that our mission remains strong and effective.

2024-2026 Board Officers:

Carol Sutkus, President
Vacant, President Elect
Sue Gatto, Treasurer.
Julie Lockhart, Secretary 
Ann Robson, Past President

Board of Directors: Board Members serve a three-year term, ending in the year shown.

Jim Beckwith (2025)
Crystina Brooks (2025)
Gilda Brower (2026)
Bill Foster (2026)
Suzanne Gatto, (2026) Treasurer
Sam Giacona (2025)
Phil Gioia (2026)
Dana Hall (2025)
Nancy Hart (2025)
Ken Kudla (2026)
Dan Kuhn (2026)
Julie Lockhart (2027) Secretary
Kim Mills (2025)
Ken Post (2027)
Ann Robson (2027) Past President
Carol Sutkus (2025) President
Linda Vitale (2025)
Rich Ward (2026)
Carl Weber (2027)

How we make a difference

Driving positive change for Owasco Lake, OWLA is actively involved in multiple conservation and restoration efforts.

Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Surveillance

Volunteers walk the shoreline looking for HAB’s - submitting photos and other information to the DEC Harmful Algal Bloom Notification Page website for analysis.

Erosion Prevention & Watershed Protection

OWLA Volunteers identify and provide funding for roadside ditch stabilization and streamside buffer projects to reduce sediment and nutrient pollution.

A rocky pathway with leaves on the ground.

Invasive Species Management

Working with local universities, volunteers traverse the woods and gullies to identify and GPS locate infected Hemlock Wooly Adelgid (HWA) trees for treatment.

Lake Assessment & Tributary Monitoring

Trained OWLA volunteers collect mid-lake and tributary water quality samples throughout the watershed for analysis. This data is used to assess water quality conditions in the Owasco Lake Watershed.

Community Education, Outreach & Events

OWLA events are designed to help our community understand what is currently being done to improve, preserve and protect Owasco Lake and its watershed, and learn how they can help!

Rain Garden Initiative

OWLA promotes and facilitates the installation of rain gardens using native perennials, flowers and shrubs and tree plantings to naturally filter runoff and reduce lake contamination.