Your first question after reading this headline is probably, “What is Camp Little Notch?” To begin, Camp Little Notch was a former girl scout camp comprised of approximately 2400 acres in West Fort Ann in Washington County. Because it historically was a non-profit enterprise it was exempt from paying property tax. It is approximately 4 miles from Lake George over Buck mountain.
Today I had the opportunity to speak to Ellen Tuzzolo, who is the Interim Executive Director of the “Friends of Camp Little Notch”. This is a group comprised of alumna who once camped there. They have agreed to buy 443 acres of the camp property from the Open Space Institute which recently purchased the property from the Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York. The Open Space Institute in March sold the other 1,921 acres to New Hampshire based Meadowsend Timber Limited, thus returning those acres to the tax-roll.
“Our immediate goal is to raise $250,000 by July 1st to make our first ‘lease to buy’ payment and to improve the facilities,” said Ms. Tuzzolo. The property that the “Friends” group hopes to purchase encompasses, besides the girl scout camp, a private lake named “Lakes Pond” and an historic iron smelting furnace. “In the late 1800’s this was an area that produced iron and the property has some rich features that we think are quite historical. The smelting furnace is huge and we plan on giving some historical talks about how it was operated.”
“I grew up coming up here,” continued Ms. Tuzzolo. “We really want to create an eco-friendly experience where people can practice living in harmony with their surroundings.”
Ms. Tuzzolo said her group’s goals included youth retreats, and community, not-for-profit and artist activities. “The people who are involved with this project had their lives changed because of this property and we want to see it preserved,” concluded Ms. Tuzzolo.
To make a donation or contact Ms. Tuzzolo, please see the group’s website: http://www.friendsofcln.org/