Cooler weather is now sweeping across the waters of New York, but many of the state's lake associations took advantage of a hot and dry summer, enabling crews to complete a number of major projects, including shoreline cleanup for homeowners.

"That's generally where they swim, wade. And the homeowners have the docks, and their lawns that they enjoy sitting out on looking at the lake, enjoying the waterfowl," said Doug Conroe, executive director of the Chautauqua Lake Association.

Association leaders say while each lake is different and they are focused on different projects, protecting the state's waterways by removing debris and other hazardous and harmful obstructions is important.

"A clean lake is everyone's business. A clean lake is important for the users. It's important for the ecological health of the lake," said Conroe.

The Chautauqua Lake Association is a founding member and one of about 250 groups that are part of the New York State Federation of Lake Associations, a non-profit, designed to help and support the missions of waters like Lake George, Onondaga Lake and the Finger Lakes.

Federation leaders say despite problems unique to each lake, the one common goal is to keep them healthy for all to enjoy.

"Tourism and recreation dollars important to the state from the use of the lakes is significant. So we don't want to have the lakes a mess that people won't want to use them," said David Carr, executive director of NYSFOLA.

During the off-season, crews repair the fleet of equipment, as association leaders stay connected and discuss issues like climate change and water clarity.

"Lake science is critical in understanding the ecology of the lake and the development of the lake. And getting together statewide, we're able to share that science and learn what others are doing," said Conroe.

Many crews will be back in the water in May.

The state Federation of Lake Associations is set to host its annual conference in Lake George in early May.