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We Heard From You!
We released an online survey through word-of-mouth during May 2025.​​ We asked residents and organization representatives about current initiatives and future visions for the programming, partnerships, and facilities of the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary. Explore the results of the survey.​​
Age of Respondents
Age of survey respondents. 3% ages 18-24, 10% 25-34, 17%45-54, 21% 55-64, 34% 65+.
Location of Respondents
Location of survey respondents. 2% another state or Canada, 3% Cayuga County, 10% other county in New York, 11% Jefferson County, 17% Wayne County, 57% Oswego County.
Programs- Resident
Programs - Organizations
What types of programs should the sanctuary create or support in the region?
518 Respondents
Water
Education
Heritage
Tours
Water
Recreation
Cultural
Research
Learning
Experiences
Trail
Signage
Indigenous
Heritage
Aquarium
/Tanks

Festivals
Temp.
Exhibits
Tech
Programs

Other
Bar chart showing types of programs the sanctuary should create or support in the region. 16% water education, 13% heritage tours, 12% water education, 11% cultural research, 9% learning experiences, 7% trail signage, 7% Indigenous heritage, 6% aquariums/tanks, 5% festivals, 5% temporary exhibits, 3% tech programs, 1% other.
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Both residents and organizational representatives are interested in more water-related education (e.g. guided boat tours) and unique heritage tours (e.g. lighthouses, underground railroad).

What types of programs should the sanctuary create or support in the region?
126 Respondents
Water
Education
Heritage
Tours
Water
Recreation
Cultural
Research
Learning
Experiences
Trail
Signage
Indigenous
Heritage
Aquarium
/Tanks

Festivals
Temp.
Exhibits
Tech
Programs

Other
Bar chart showing types of programs the sanctuary should create or support in the region. 16% water education, 13% heritage tours, 12% water education, 11% cultural research, 9% learning experiences, 7% trail signage, 7% Indigenous heritage, 6% aquariums/tanks, 5% festivals, 5% temporary exhibits, 3% tech programs, 1% other.
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Residents tend to be more focused on nature and science- related programming (e.g.) fishing, research, classroom experiences) while organization representatives focused more on operational/communication (exhibits, interpretative trails/signage).

Partnerships - Resident
Partnerships - Organizations
What types of organizations are most important for the sanctuary to partner with?
529 Respondents
Educational
Institutions
Local
Orgs.

Government
Museums/
Historical
Festival/ Major Events
Research
Institutions
Seasonal
Residential
Community
Orgs.

Other
Learn More

Both residents and organizational representatives are interested in collaborations with educational institutions and governments and less with local interest groups (Rotary/Lions) or season residential organziations (campgrounds).

Which types of organizations are most important for the sanctuary to partner with?
133 Respondents
Educational
Institutions
Local
Organizations

Government
Museums/
Historical
Festival/ Major Events
Research
Institutions
Seasonal
Residential
Community
Organizations

Other
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Residents tend to identify local organizations (e.g. businesses and nonprofits) more than organizational representatives, who identified museums and other cultural institutions.

Facilities - Resident
Facilities - Organizations
What type of facilities should the sanctuary create or support in the region?
520 Respondents
Accessible
Waterfronts
Trail
Signage
Visitor
Center
Public Piers/
Docks
Museum/
Historic
Kiosks/
Signage
Mobile Labs

Other
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Both residents and organizational representatives are interested in public spaces to engage with the waterfront.

What type of facilities should the sanctuary create or support in the region?
132 Respondents
Accessible
Waterfronts
Trail
Signage
Visitor
Center
Public Piers/Docks
Museum/
Historic
Kiosks/
Signage
Mobile Labs

Other
Learn More

Residents tend to identify nature and science-focused spaces like accessible waterfronts, trails, visitor centers, and piers/docks, while organizational representatives tend to identify cultural spaces (visitor center, exhibit space, signage).

10 YEAR VISION OF RESIDENTS
  • Public access to the lake for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, kayaking, and swimming
  • Educational opportunities to learn about the history, ecology, and significance of Lake Ontario
  • Preservation and conservation efforts to protect the natural beauty and resources of the lake
  • Development of visitor centers, museums, and interpretive exhibits along the shoreline
  • Increased focus on marine activities such as diving, boat tours, and interactive experiences​
  • Access to historical sites, lighthouses, and shipwrecks for exploration and learning
  • Promotion of clean water, beaches, and environmental stewardship ​
  • Enhancement of trails, parks, and public green spaces for outdoor recreation ​
  • Collaboration with local communities, businesses, and educational institutions to promote tourism and engagement with the lake ​
  • Efforts to improve accessibility, infrastructure, and amenities for visitors to enjoy the lake and its surroundings
Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary
Planning Team |