Conesus Lake Association Decals
These decals from 1950-1985 honor the history of the Conesus Lake Association, founded in 1932 as the Conesus Lake Cottagers’ Association. Their aim is to “promote the health, safety, and welfare of the residents, both permanent and temporary, of the area community known as Conesus Lake, Livingston County, New York. The Association encourages all residents to proudly display Conesus decals “to show you care for the future of our Lake.” Currently, Conesus Lake serves as the water supply for almost one fourth, or over 18,000 residents of Livingston County.
Like the other Finger Lakes, Conesus Lake was carved out by glaciers that covered this region about two million years ago. The Finger Lakes are a sensitive ecosystem. Because they collect water from surrounding hills, runoff from pesticides, fertilizers, and road salt have changed the quality of water. Conesus Lakes’ wildlife has also suffered due to invasive diseases and parasites that hitchhike on boats and fishing equipment. One example of the problem is the fact that beaches on Conesus Lake occasionally have to close in the summer months due to algae blooms and high levels of bacteria. An important challenge for the future is to consider the impact of various activities on this unique environment. How do farmers, industries, residents, and tourists use the lake and what responsibilities do they have in helping to protect it for the future?