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Welcome to the latest edition of our Client Spotlight blog series, which provides an inside look at our collaboration, teamwork, and accomplishments with one of our client partners.
In this special edition, we’re shining the spotlight on the Town of Mina and Findley Lake Watershed Foundation (FLWF), two organizations working closely together to protect and preserve Findley Lake in Chautauqua County, New York. This charming 300-acre lake is a cherished focal point for recreation, tourism, and community pride, and safeguarding it is a shared responsibility. The Town of Mina and FLWF, a volunteer-led nonprofit, have built a strong partnership dedicated to maintaining the lake’s health and ensuring its long-term sustainability.
We spoke with Rebecca Brumagin, Town of Mina Supervisor, and Ed Mulkearn, Board President of the FLWF.
We kicked-off the conversation with a question for Rebecca:
Rebecca continues: “As part of our 2024 Comprehensive Plan, the Town of Mina identified four core community values that guide our decision-making, with our top priority being Findley Lake!
The lake is the heart of our community. Ensuring it remains clean, beautiful, and accessible for recreation and overall enjoyment is essential to our identity. That’s why we work so closely with FLWF. During the comprehensive planning process, FLWF developed a Lake Management Plan, which now guides our environmental efforts.
Our second core value is economic development. Findley Lake is experiencing an exciting period of growth, with several initiatives underway, including a new warehouse distribution center, growing retail presence, and revitalization in the downtown area. It’s truly a renaissance moment for our community.
Third, we’re deeply committed to preserving and enhancing our community character. We value our rural lifestyle and are working to improve it with expanded trails, new boardwalks, and safer, more accessible green spaces for all to enjoy. And, our fourth core value centers on strengthening local government, becoming more efficient, effective, and responsive to the needs of our residents. We want people to feel heard, supported, and engaged in the future of our town.”
“FLWF was established in 2002, but our roots go back much further. Before that, our work was carried out by the Findley Lake Property Owners Association, which formed in the late 1940s after the lake was no longer needed as a power source for milling operations.
At that time, the lake and dam were donated by Larry Schwartz to a group of local, stewardship-minded residents. That group did the best they could with limited resources and knowledge. But as science, lake management practices, and environmental awareness progressed, so did our approach.
By transitioning to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2002, we were able to access grant funding and expand our work significantly. Since then, we’ve purchased weed harvesters, partnered with Princeton Hydro for lake studies, and supported major infrastructure projects like the new sewer system currently in development to address septic-related pollution.
We’ve also taken steps to reduce streambank erosion and manage phosphorus loading that affects lake oxygen levels. Our board is strong and diverse—we have dedicated members with the expertise needed to keep moving the organization and the lake forward. At our core, FLWF is committed to maintaining, enhancing, and improving the quality of Findley Lake and its watershed through science-based action and collaboration.”
Rebecca continues: “We’ve made significant strides in advancing the health of our local environment, thanks in part to support from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). We’ve completed three DEC-funded studies that are guiding our next steps.
One study focused on culverts throughout the watershed with the goal of improving water flow and reducing flood risk. Every culvert was assessed to identify those that need repair or replacement. Another study analyzed stormwater runoff, identifying ten key inflow areas to Findley Lake where erosion and sedimentation pose potential threats. Each site was evaluated and prioritized, and we’ve since secured a DEC grant to address the highest-priority site. And, the third study explored in-lake nutrient control strategies, which laid the groundwork for our current partnership with Princeton Hydro on nutrient management efforts.
Beyond lake-focused work, we’re also committed to enhancing community access to nature. We’ve received support from Chautauqua County for efforts that will benefit both the environment and quality of life for residents and visitors alike.”
“We first partnered with Princeton Hydro a few years ago when our board recognized the need for expert guidance on lake management. While we have a strong, professional board, we lacked the specialized knowledge in lake ecology and water quality science to move forward confidently with major decisions.
After researching several firms, we chose to bring Princeton Hydro on board to help us better understand nutrient dynamics in the lake. One of our key concerns was the persistent late-summer algae blooms, which we later learned were linked to phosphorus being released from the lake’s sediments.
Princeton Hydro conducted an in-lake nutrient study that clearly explained this internal loading process and helped us chart a path forward. Building on that work, we’re now working with the Princeton Hydro team on a bathymetric and sediment analysis to guide our next step, which will be to install an aeration system to reduce phosphorus release and improve water quality.
Princeton Hydro’s expertise has been instrumental in making complex science understandable and actionable, which has helped us take meaningful steps toward restoring the health of Findley Lake.”
Following Rebecca’s remarks, Ed adds: “I’d just like to echo what Rebecca said—the Princeton Hydro team we worked with this Spring was truly a pleasure to collaborate with. Their depth of knowledge was impressive, but just as important was their ability to communicate complex concepts in a way that was clear and easy for our board to understand. That kind of approachability made a big difference. It was a great experience working with them.”
“We’re always grateful for donations, they fuel much of what we do. But beyond financial support, one of the most valuable ways people can contribute is by sharing their experiences and ideas.
There are countless lakes and watershed organizations out there facing similar challenges, and many have come up with innovative, cost-effective solutions. We’re always eager to learn from others; whether it’s a new technology, a successful restoration approach, or a creative funding strategy. Collaboration and information-sharing are incredibly powerful tools in watershed management. If you’ve worked on a similar issue or simply have ideas that could help, we’d love to hear from you. The more we connect and learn from each other, the better we can protect and improve Findley Lake for generations to come.”
Following Ed’s comments, Rebecca adds: “One of the things that makes the Town of Mina so special is the strong culture of volunteerism. We’re fortunate to have many residents, often individuals who’ve had professional careers elsewhere, who bring their skills, energy, and passion to our community.
Even though we’re a small town, we benefit from a wide network of nonprofit organizations and local initiatives. For example, the Findley Lake Nature Center is actively working on trail development, and there are many other opportunities for people to get involved in stewardship, whether it’s helping maintain green spaces, supporting water quality efforts, or sharing expertise on local projects.
What’s especially unique about our community is how welcoming we are. Newcomers don’t have to wait decades to feel at home here—they’re embraced right away, and their ideas are valued. That openness has really enhanced our ability to protect Findley Lake and strengthen the town as a whole.”
In the video below, Ed reflects on the strong sense of community in the Town of Mina and the local support that fuels the ongoing efforts to protect and preserve Findley Lake:
After Ed’s remarks, Rebecca shares a few additional reflections: “One particularly meaningful designation we’ve received is from New York State, which has identified us as one of only two rural NORCs (Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities) out of 43 statewide. This designation recognizes our vibrant population of older adults and has allowed us to pursue new forms of support and services. We’re currently looking into developing a pocket neighborhood to help seniors remain in the community, where they continue to be active, involved, and deeply valued.
And here’s a fun fact that speaks to the energy of Findley Lake: it serves as the practice site for the women’s rowing team from Mercyhurst University, who happen to be the reigning national champions. Pretty cool, right?”
Yes, Rebecca, we think that’s very cool!
A heartfelt thank you to Rebecca and Ed for their partnership and for taking the time to speak with us to share their passion for protecting Findley Lake and strengthening the Town of Mina. Their leadership and collaboration exemplify the power of community-driven stewardship.
To learn more about their work and how you can get involved, we encourage you to visit the Town of Mina’s website and FLWF at findleylakewf.org.
Click here to read the previous edition of our Client Spotlight Series featuring Farmington River Watershed Association Executive Director Aimee Petras.
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