As seen in the Press Observer August 22, 2025 

On Aug. 13, the Skaneateles Lake Association commissioned Legacy, a state-of-the-art crane barge that will transform the association’s Milfoil Control Program.

Legacy was made possible thanks to the support of Linda and Dan Roche, longtime lake lovers and advocates for its protection. The ceremony drew SLA members, community leaders, and longtime supporters to celebrate this milestone in lake protection.

Built by Elite Industries and customized in collaboration with SLA experts and volunteers, Legacy will allow the SLA to more efficiently lay and retrieve benthic mats — the most effective non-chemical method for suppressing invasive milfoil growth.

The Roches’ donation funded the design and construction of Legacy, ensuring the program can keep pace with the challenges of invasive Eurasian watermilfoil.

“This boat would not exist without Linda and Dan’s commitment to protecting Skaneateles Lake,” said SLA board member Dr. Bill Dean. “Their generosity has given us a tool that is more efficient, more effective, and safer for our crews. Legacy represents the very best of what community-driven conservation can achieve.”

Along with the support of the Roches, and the expertise of SLA board members Bill Dean, Ph.D., and Bob DeWitt, alongside Kevin Donnelly, SLA’s master captain and fleet operations manager, who oversaw its design and launch, helped make the Legacy possible.

“This boat is more than just equipment — it’s a testament to what’s possible when a community rallies to protect its lake,” said SLA Executive Director Frank Moses. “With Legacy, our crews can expand coverage, improve efficiency, and safeguard the native plants and habitats that make Skaneateles Lake so extraordinary.”

The SLA has been managing invasive milfoil since the early 2000s, preventing the weed from overwhelming shallow waters and threatening water quality.

The launch of Legacy marks a major step forward, ensuring the program can keep pace with changing lake conditions.

“Legacy will take our efforts to control milfoil’s growth to the next level,” Dean said. “And Legacy’s leading-edge design and broad capabilities ensure we are well positioned to address any future threats and challenges.”

Durign the christening there was public recognition of the Roches for their leadership gift.

The day also included demonstrations of Legacy’s advanced crane and thruster systems, a gathering of SLA board members, volunteers, and supporters to celebrate this milestone.

Legacy is a six hydraulic thrusters for precise maneuvering and diver safety.

A crane with 30-foot reach capable of lifting benthic mats weighing up to 150 lbs when wet. A hydraulic benthic mat roller enabling more efficient deployment and retrieval.

Legacy strengthens the SLA’s Milfoil Control Program, which in 2024 surveyed 35 miles of shoreline, placed 325 mats, and invested more than $200,000 in invasive species control.

Without such efforts, milfoil would quickly overtake shallow waters, displacing native plants, degrading water quality, and restricting recreation.

“We are thrilled to support this vital work,” said Linda Roche. “Our family’s love for Skaneateles Lake runs deep, and we believe it’s everyone’s responsibility to ensure its future. Legacy is a step forward — but the fight to protect this lake is ongoing. Every volunteer, every donation, makes a difference.”