Working with residents and county, state and federal officials, Senator Ritchie has won approval for an early start to dredging the sand-choked channel that connects the pond to Lake Ontario, adding a full month to the summer boating season.
“As the weather gets warmer and more boaters head out on the water, it’s important we clear this channel, to make sure they do so safely and easily,” said Senator Ritchie.

“By opening up this waterway, we’re not only ensuring boaters are kept safe, we’re also investing in our tourism and fishing industries—both critically important to the local economy—and adding to the summer fun for so many local boaters who can now get out on the water sooner than ever,” Senator Ritchie said.

Sandy Pond is the site of one of the only freshwater sand dunes in the Northeast, and also one of the most active sportsmen’s communities in the region.

This year, low water levels, a lack of run-off and few ice banks last winter on Lake Ontario all combined to make the channel to Lake Ontario nearly impassable for many boats, and made navigation hazardous for those that could traverse the channel.

Dredging was to begin after the Sandy Pond Channel Maintenance Association’s (SPCMA) permit date of July 15.