An aerial view over the wetlands of Amy’s Park, which is a major part of the Indian Brook watershed. The peak in the middle is Pole Hill; on the right is High Nopit, and on the far left is Walnut Ridge. Walnut Ridge is part of the New York state Pole Hill Pond Forest Preserve, and the future Isabel La Roche Godwin Preserve lies adjacent, to the east. (View southeast toward Bolton, (near side of lake) and Diamond point, (opposite side of lake).(Click image to see full-scale.)
The Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) has acquired one parcel and expects to close on another within the Indian Brook watershed in Bolton. The lands, totaling 245 acres, include wetlands, a large section of stream corridor, and scenic and recreational value.
The acquisitions are part of a larger effort to protect Indian Brook, which is a major tributary of Lake George. The protection of this important tributary provides a safeguard against excess storm water and stream bank erosion, further protecting the lake’s water quality.
In January, the LGLC purchased 130 acres on North Bolton Rd from the University at Albany Foundation. Once used as an observatory for the school, the property contains important wetlands and hundreds of feet of stream corridor, representing the confluence of the two main branches of Indian Brook. The proceeds of the sale will be dedicated by the University at Albany for scholarships for its Biodiversity, Conservation and Policy, M.S. program.
The LGLC expects to close shortly on a 115-acre property on Padanarum Rd. The land will become a public preserve, with a 0.6-mile trail that could connect the neighboring NYS Pole Hill Pond Preserve and the LGLC’s Amy’s Park. Named the Isabel La Roche Godwin Preserve by the sellers, the preserve includes views of High Nopit and Pole Hill. The trail system is anticipated to be in place mid-summer.
The LGLC is in the process of engaging residents of the Indian Brook Conservation Area in discussions about the lands surrounding the brook and their impact on the lake’s water quality. A recent round-table meeting included Bolton Town Supervisor Ron Conover and several others who voiced concern about stream corridor protection as a priority. The LGLC created this focus group in order to better understand and appreciate the needs of the community, and to focus its efforts to efficiently address storm water and erosion issues within the Indian Brook watershed based on recommendations from the group.
