History of the Lake

Over the years, the volunteer board of the MCA has worked to make Mariaville a better lake and a better community to live in. The MCA relies on the financial contributions and personal participation of members of our community. Although not a complete history, you can read about some of the work the MCA has completed by clicking here.


CSLAP Report and Lake Scorecard

The Citizens Statewide Lake Assessment Program (CSLAP) is a volunteer lake monitoring and education program that is managed by the DEC and New York State Federation of Lake Associations (NYSFOLA). CSLAP helps monitor and collect important lake data. The information is used to understand lake conditions and develop lake management plans.

In 2015, CSLAP created a lake report, scorecard, and Q&A for Mariaville Lake. Those documents can be found below. The MCA strongly encourages participation in the CSLAP online data entry program. For more information about the program, contact Lou Feeney at help@cslapdata.org.


Lake Management Reports and Alerts


Mariaville Lake Dam

The Mariaville Lake Dam is located on Mariaville Lake in the Town of Duanesburg, Schenectady County, New York. The MCA is responsible for the operation, maintenance, inspection, repair, and emergency planning for the dam. You can get detailed information about the dam (by clicking here)


Weed Harvester Project

The Mariaville Civic Association is currently raising funds to purchase a weed harvester. Weeds and algae interfere with the recreational use of the lake and invasive aquatic vegetation such as eurasian milfoil and curly leaf must be controlled. Currently the MCA conducts an annual volunteer weed pull and places weed control mats. Further options include useage of chemicals, introduction of specialized carp, and a yearly draw-down where the lake level is reduced prior to the winter freeze. All of these control methods have risks and downsides associated with them. The MCA has determined that the best option for weed control is the purchase of a Weed Harvester known as the ecoharvester.

We need your help! Please donate for a weed harvester. All donations are tax deductible. Send checks payable to:
MCA c\o Nicolette Cuttita
Memo: Weed Harvester
794 South Shore Road, Delanson, NY 12053


Lake History

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  • Late 80s:

    • A DEC mandate required the Mariaville Lake dam be rebuilt to modern standards. The MCA formed a committee and successfully raised enough money to build a dam up to the DEC's requirements.

  • Early 90s:

    • MCA obtained permits to have lake treated twice per year with Copper Sulfate to control Algae and weeds.
    • Formally enacted a lake management committee and wrote formal lake management plan.

  • Mid 90s:

    • Initial discussions for establishing local sewer district to help preserve the lake and surrounding area.
    • MCA hired a weed harvester to help control lake weeds.
    • MCA worked with local college to conduct biological study of Mariaville Lake.

  • Late 90s:

    • MCA worked with town of Duanesburg to pass an ordinance banning commercial use of the lake.
    • MCA received status 501C-3, allowing contributions to be tax deductible.
    • MCA joined the Federation of Lake Associations (FOLA)

  • 2000s:

    • MCA and MCFD enter into agreement for usage of the boat launch.
    • Vote to create local sewer district passes, establishing sewer system and removing need for septic tanks.
    • MCA joined state CSLAP program to help monitor the health of the lake.
    • MCA created lake map plotting weed beds to assist with future efforts at weed control.

  • 2010s:

    • MCA conducted engineering studies of the dam, per a DEC mandate.
    • Annual weed pull begins to help control weeds in the lake.
    • MCA dam committee submitted emergency action plan to state and local officials.
    • MCA conducted valve replacement on dam after inspection by engineers and divers.