$2 million is going to help fund algal bloom research on Skaneateles Lake.
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) has announced that it has received the $2 million gift from Sam and Carol Nappi to support research into the cause of toxic and non-toxic algal blooms and their impacts on recreation, aesthetics, and human health on the lake. The project will be led by Dr Stephen Shaw and look to develop actionable solutions for preserving water quality in lakes across New York State.
“This generous donation from Sam and Carol Nappi will significantly advance our understanding of the causation of algal blooms on the Finger Lakes and help us develop tools to better forecast and prevent blooms. Their support is invaluable to finding new solutions to address blooms and to train the next generation of scientists,” said Shaw.
Sam and Carol Nappi said they are committed to preserving the health of Skaneateles Lake and the Fingerlakes.
“Skaneateles Lake and the Finger Lakes region have held deep personal significance to the Nappi family for four generations. It is this appreciation that drives our commitment to seeing what can be accomplished beyond government to benefit the long-term health of community and lake. Over 100 years ago my grandfather was involved with the installation of the intake pipes, which serve the City of Syracuse and the surrounding communities’ drinking water. We are grateful to everyone involved for their years of collective action to help manage and protect this vital natural resource. We look forward to seeing the solutions that come forward from Dr. Shaw’s research and forging additional partnerships to expand this work,” said Sam and Carol Nappi.
ESF President Joanie Mahoney expressed the college’s gratitude for the Nappis’ gift.
“We have sincere gratitude for this generous contribution,” said ESF President Joanie Mahoney. “Carol and Sam Nappi are making it possible for water research done at ESF to be deployed right here in our Central New York community for the benefit of everyone.”
According to the university, work will continue beyond the Nappis’ gift as ESF plans to “extend their connections with other university and community partners to bring a collaborative approach to developing solutions to algal blooms on Skaneateles Lake.” The Formulating Actionable Solutions to Protect the Finger Lakes initiative will feature new data collection techniques, student participation, and input from experts, taking place in multiple phases. The project team is currently composed of experts from ESF, Florida International University, and Clarkson University, with other experts anticipated to join in later phases.
Researchers will study the different ways phosphorus enters the lake and monitor algal blooms with satellite imagery to develop a detailed understanding of the nutrients in the lake. Scientists will also create predictive models and conduct testing and risk assessments to improve filter materials to manage nutrient levels in the lake.
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