Melody Lake is a manmade lake approximately 50 acres in size and is located in southeastern Cortland County. The lake was built in the late 1800's to supply water power to a downstream mill. After several individual owners, the property around the lake was divided into several parcels and sold. In 1962, many of the parcel owners formed Melody Lake Association and became incorporated. The entire lake, along with three major right-of-ways including the dam site, and ½ mile of private road around the back of the lake was then deeded to Melody Lake Association, Inc. At times, being a private lake is a problem, but usually is a blessing.

In 1980, our dam was inspected by NYS and found to be in need of major repairs. Since we were 100% private, there were no grants or low interest loans available. The owners of the property around the lake realized that their property would be worthless if the state were to follow through with their threat to drain the lake. A donation of $600 each from 95% of the 92 property owners and many volunteer hours of labor resulted in the dam being repaired to the state’s satisfaction.

In 1994, a survey was distributed to all property owners to try to find out what was right and what was wrong with Melody Lake. The majority of the surveys returned stated that our #1 problem was the large amount of vegetation in the lake. John Peverly of the FOLA Scientific Advisory Board and Cornell University was invited to be our guest speaker at our annual association picnic. With John’s expertise, we were able to identify the weeds as pondweed, coontail, arrowhead, and of course eurasian water milfoil. As we investigated different means of control, we all agreed that we wanted to avoid pesticides if possible. Due to the favorable results of grass carp, we applied for a permit through NYSDEC. As a guest speaker at our 1996 association picnic, an owner of a fish hatchery that sells grass carp was invited to speak. Once again we had a project that was more than we could afford through our annual dues. It was decided that we should start a 50/50 raffle and a Melody Lake Association Cookbook to help raise the funds. An "Adopt-a-Carp" program was suggested at $10 each. Fund raising continued throughout the winter and 175 grass carp were stocked in May, 1997.

Private ownership also has other advantages. At many FOLA conferences we hear complaints from other associations that the only solution to their problems is government legislation. Our association members own the lake and have decided to only allow electric motors on the lake. This prevents any speed and "jet ski" problems. We also own the road so we can set speed limits. This year, we are investigating how to prevent non paying property owners from using the lake or the private road. The dues for our association is $30 per family which we feel is a bargain. Our private ownership requires that we purchase all our fish for stocking the lake, all material necessary to maintain the road around the back of the lake, purchase liability insurance on the lake and right-of-ways, pay property & school taxes on association property, pay expenses for two members to attend the FOLA conferences, with enough left over to host a property owners picnic with the association furnishing all the meat and beverages. Although membership is mandatory, enforcement is difficult. At the present time, we have 96% of all property owners belonging to the association. From other associations we have talked to at FOLA conferences this is better than most and that is why we are so proud of our association and it’s membership.