CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, N.Y. —  Winter lake enthusiasts across the state are no doubt enjoying their time on the chilly waters this season, while others may be waiting for the warmer weather before they jump in.

With wintry weather outside, crews work inside on equipment for the Chautauqua Lake Association (CLA) — one of the founding members of the state Federation of Lake Associations.

Roughly 16,000 years old, Chautauqua Lake spans nearly 20 miles, and is a mile and a quarter wide.

What You Need To Know

  •  Two, possibly three Chautauqua Lake groups are looking to merge in 2026

  •  The groups say they'll have a stronger voice in how to conserve the lake

  • The merger also has to be reviewed by the state attorney general's office 

"And the last 200 years, [it] has been an important part of this area's development history. We need to be taking actions with the lake to continue the lake's health so the economic benefits can continue," said Douglas Conroe, the executive director of the Chautauqua Lake Association.

One of those actions is consolidating with the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy (CWC) and possibly the Chautauqua Conewango Consortium.

The CWC practices conservation, restoration and education, protects areas that drain into the lake and shares the same perspective as the CLA.

"This reinforces the fact that we are indeed collaborating. People talk about the alphabet soup, and who do I listen to, who do I support? And we think it's going to help in that regard to have one voice for the lake and watershed," said Conroe.

"Make one group. The people that are already supporting and trying to find answers amongst us, they can just go to one place, get those answers, work with us, get engaged in our work," said Whitney Gleason, executive director of the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy.

They say it'll also give them a stronger voice to clear up any misinformation, and perhaps even work with lake groups that have opposing views.

"I really hate the us versus them mentality and I think it's something we really need to move away from. This merger has nothing to do with that. It's really about the strength and being responsive to our community," said Gleason.

As for the state Department of Environmental Conservation's interest in the lake, both say the partnership will mean fewer opinions.

"It'll be a combined joint strong message, so we think that will help relationships with New York State as it traverses the minefield," said Conroe.

"There are some benefits in terms of grant funding, and whatnot, that we can pursue and less of us competing for those funds," said Gleason.

Gleason has been tapped to lead the group, as Conroe will remain on staff. A new name is expected over the summer, as the merger looks to take effect in January 2026.

"To be honest, it's both exciting and daunting. It's a big responsibility. It's also exciting, the opportunity to build something really wonderful," said Gleason.

"I think we're going to come out of this with a stronger organization, and a renewed strong focus on doing what's right for the health of Chautauqua Lake," said Conroe.

Both organizations say the once the new group is formed, it'll continue to serve on the state Federation of Lake Associations.