Pilot Program Aims to Fight Harmful Algal Blooms on Skaneateles Lake
Harmful Algal Blooms on Skaneateles Lake (Skaneateles Watershed Municipal Partnership)
ITHACA, NY -- Skaneateles Lake will be the site of a pilot program to combat Harmful Algal Blooms.
The program will utilize dock and boat based sensors, as well as satellites to detect HABs on Skaneateles Lake. To remediate the toxic blooms, dock mounted devices will release air bubbles which are supposed to rapidly kill the cyanobacteria that cause the blooms.
The program is starting with just three swimming areas in Skaneateles Lake which, besides being a recreation destination, also serves as the primary drinking water source for the city of Syracuse. The HABs detection and rapid remediation pilot system is being funded with $100,000 from New York state.
FEATURE: A new call to address harmful algal blooms in Cayuga Lake and beyond
This interview has been edited for clarity. Harmful algal blooms, HABS, occur in the summer months in waterbodies across the country. But winter is when researchers and activists review the data and assess the impact of the season’s blooms. The toxins are dangerous to human and animal life. More of them are showing up in…
Pilot Program Aims to Fight Harmful Algal Blooms on Skaneateles Lake
ITHACA, NY — Skaneateles Lake will be the site of a pilot program to combat Harmful Algal Blooms. The program will utilize dock and boat based sensors, as well as satellites to detect HABs on Skaneateles Lake. To remediate the toxic blooms, dock mounted devices will release air bubbles which are supposed to rapidly kill…
Cayuga Lake’s HABs Season is Booming, Health Department Issues Warning
ITHACA, NY — Cayuga Lake is leading New York state in Harmful Algal Blooms this season, prompting a call for caution at the Tompkins County Health Department. Cayuga Lake has had over two dozen toxic blooms this year according to reports collected by the Department of Environmental Conservation, or DEC. The toxic blooms can look…
Kelles Takes to Task DEC’s Study on Phosphorus and HABs
ITHACA, NY — New York State Assemblymember Anna Kelles has raised concerns about a report calculating the maximum amounts of phosphorus allowed in Cayuga Lake. Limiting phosphorus pollution is vital to protecting the lake from Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), which have gained seasonal regularity in Cayuga Lake. The impact of the toxic blooms, which have…
Recent Radio Specials – March 2026
CREATIVES on WRFI: World Premiere of MILKWEED at the Kitchen Theatre with Playwright Wendy Dann and Director Emily Jackson – Airs 2/26 & 3/1 DJ Cristina of Spinsters Rock (alternating Friday nights 7-9pm) talks to playwright Wendy Dann and Emily Jackson about the world premiere of MILKWEED opening at the Kitchen Theatre on February 25th.“Milkweed is an intimate, surprising…
CREATIVES: Interview with Irish music band Lúnasa – 2/23 on WRFI
This interview with Lúnasa is scheduled to air on Monday February 23rd at 5pm hosted by DJ Nina. Tune in at 88.1 FM Ithaca, 89.7 FM Southern Finger Lakes, 91.9 FM Watkins Glen or stream from anywhere at WRFI.org/listen Listen to more CREATIVES episodes Tune in for a interview with international Irish band Lúnasa hosted…
WRFI Board Meeting Minutes 1-13-26
WRFI Board Meeting notes (January 13, 2026) Attending: Amie, Joe, John, Mike, Stephen (notes), Peter, Niki, Talaya, Ben (ED). The board discussed the Ithaca Music Alliance meeting, where Peter made a short pitch and made connection. The addition of Marc Faris to the board was discussed, and at 6:17PM Marc joined the meeting. There was…
LIVE Performance by Paper Wings 2/21 on Lowlands Radio
This live performance with Paper Wings is scheduled to air on Saturday February 21 from 3-5pm on Lowlands Radio with Somer. Tune in at 88.1 FM Ithaca, 89.7 FM Southern Finger Lakes, 91.9 FM Watkins Glen or stream from anywhere at WRFI.org/listen Paper Wings IN-STUDIO PERFORMANCE on Saturday February 21 from 3-5pm on Lowlands Radio…
Upcoming Radio Specials – February 2026
Thursday February 5th from 2-3pm interview with a member of the Southern Tier Singers’ Collective on ‘Classical Greatness’* with Sam the Cool Fishman Chase, from the Southern Tier Singers’ Collective joins Sam for a closer look at “Polyphony.” Not sure what that is? Tune in to find out!**The Instrument Spotlight recently renamed to Classical Greatness…
WRFI Board Meeting Minutes 12-9-25
WRFI Board Meeting notes (Dec. 9, 2025) Attending: Amie, Corinne, Joe, John, Mike (notes), Peter, Niki, Steven, Talaya The board celebrated a successful winter fund drive, meeting its financial goal despite mid-drive slowdowns and reduced social media engagement. Gift baskets and phone calls showed minimal impact on donations, prompting a review of their future use.…
WRFI Board Meeting Minutes 11-18-25
Board Meeting Minutes – Nov 18, 2025 Attendees: Peter, Corinne, Amie, Joe, John, Mike (minutes), Niki, Stephen, Ben (joined later) Key Discussion Points: Strategic Plan & Leadership: Draft needs more specifics, timelines, and measurable outcomes; need prioritization and clarity on staff roles. Executive Director Review: Formal review planned for Q1 2026; evaluation criteria to align…
WRFI Board Meeting Minutes 10-14-25
WRFI Board of Directors Meeting Minutes Tuesday October 14, 2025 In attendance: Amie Herman Mike Cook Robin Elliott Joe Romano Corinne Shanahan John Young Stephen St. Francis Decky Niki Ray-Israelsohn Ben Coakley Current membership: Talaya Centeno Amie Herman Mike Cook Robin Elliott Peter Bakija Joe Romano Corinne Shanahan John Young Joseph Haefeli Stephen St. Francis…