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Bits of Everything

Village of Lake George to Allow Taller Buildings

The Post Star looks at a big zoning change in Lake George Village.

NY Sec’y of State Christens New Lake George Wetlands

Denton Publications reports on the new man-made wetlands.

Woman Who Died From Rabies Wasn’t Advised That Bats Could Pose Risk

The Huffington Post looks at a 2011 death caused by a rabid bat bite.

NY Post Opinion: Humans Unwelcome

NY Post Columnist Bob McManus opines on economic issues facing the Adirondack Park.

Movie Trailer for: Twelve Years a Slave

Here is the trailer for the new movie, Twelve Years a Slave, which recounts the story of Solomon Northup from Saratoga Springs. The release date is set for October 2013.

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Saturday – August 10th: Long Distance Swimmer, Jerry Ferris to Speak


Long distance swimmer, Jerry Ferris, who swam the entire length of Lake George in 1983, as well as the English Channel, will speak in Huletts this upcoming Saturday night.

Saturday, August 10 – 7:30 pm, Mountain Grove Memorial Church
Sponsored by the Friends of Historic Huletts Landing.

Jerry Ferris has remained the last man to officially swim all of Lake George since 1983. Despite having also conquered the English Channel, he says that swimming Lake George was the hardest of all his swims. Come here him talk about his exploits as a long distance swimmer and the challenge of swimming Lake George.

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The LGLC Celebrates John Apperson’s Legacy


John S. Apperson, Jr. Photo credit: Adirondack Research Library

This year marks fifty years since the passing of John S. Apperson, Jr., a celebrated Lake George conservationist. To honor his memory and accomplishments, the Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) held a gathering on July 21 hosted by LGLC Director Debbie Hoffman and her husband Bill, at their Bolton Landing home in the heart of “Apperson Territory”.

Over 60 people joined together for the casual event. Guests were able to walk around the property, which neighbored Bill and Kathleen Horne’s home known as the Annex, and enjoy the lakefront views.

“To live on and cherish the land,” explained Ms. Hoffman, “where such an important Father of Lake George strolled around contemplating and working out his next “battle” to passionately save the place he loved has a feeling like none other.”

Apperson was a remarkable force in the world of land conservation and public awareness of environmental issues of Lake George and the greater Adirondacks. In 1939 Apperson bought the iconic Dome Island to prevent potential development; to this day the island is off-limits to the public and serves as an important site for ecological studies.

The gathering was a dual celebration of Apperson and LGLC’s 25th Anniversary. Founded in 1988, LGLC’s efforts to protect the land surrounding Lake George carry on the work initiated by early conservationists like Apperson. LGLC even created its own “Apperson Society” to honor those who have gone above and beyond in their support for land conservation.

The gathering included a brief overview of LGLC history and ending with current day challenges, presented by LGLC Executive Director Nancy Williams.

“We have never seen so many large parcels that have such a huge impact on conservation on the market at the same time”, Williams explained. “We are creating neighborhood ad hoc committees to discuss and research the potential future of these large areas.”

Apperson’s great-niece and Virginia historian Ellen Apperson Brown also spoke to the group about her great uncle’s life. Guests were able to see pictures of Apperson as well as a remarkable collection of privately owned memorabilia shared by neighbors of the Apperson Territory, in particular Bill and Kathleen Horne.

Ms. Brown’s displays can viewed by the public at the Lake George Historical Society’s Museum.

“It was an honor to host this event,” added Ms. Hoffman, “and enhance awareness to the challenges and the accomplishments of Apperson’s life and the Lake George Land Conservancy.”

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Grant’s Cottage: Great Nearby Trip


Grant’s Cottage, the summer home where President Ulysses S. Grant died, is located in nearby Wilton, NY. Wilton is south of Glens Falls.

In so far as July 23, 2013, is the 128th anniversary of the death of President Ulysses S. Grant, I thought I would do a post on the local cottage in which he died.

“Ulysses S. Grant Cottage” is a state historic site located on Mt. McGregor in the town of Wilton.

Grant died of throat cancer at the age of 63 in Mt. McGregor and finished his memoirs at the cottage, which were highly regarded by the general public, military historians and literary critics.

From Huletts, it is only about an hour’s ride. It is well marked and only about two miles from the Northway exit. It is only open for tours on the weekend though. It is located adjacent to Mt. McGregor state prison. So close in fact, I could see the inmates almost 100 feet away behind the prison fence.


Grant spent his last days at the cottage completing his memoirs.

Without giving too much away, the cottage today remains essentially the same as during Grant’s stay. Visitors tour the downstairs of the cottage, viewing the original furnishings, decorations, and personal items belonging to Grant, including the bed where he died. A short walk down a path, brings you to a spectacular view.


Today, the cottage remains essentially the same as it was during Grant’s stay.

I enjoyed the easy trip and the spectacular view. For anyone who loves American history, it’s a fun day outing!

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Upcoming LGLC Round the Lake Challenge Events

Jabe Pond Hike and PaddleRTL-80 Event
Friday, June 7; 10 am – 3 pm
Jabe Pond Rd., Hague

Trip leader David Thomas-Train will guide you on an exploration of the shoreline trail, the islands, a woods road and Little Jabe Pond. Canoe or kayak required; ~1 mile R-T, easy hike.   RTL Mission #9  

Roger’s RockRTL-80 Event
Monday, June 10; 9:30 am – 12 pm
Roger’s Rock State Campground, Hague

Join us to hike the wooded trail to the top of the legendary Roger’s Rock. 2.5 miles R-T; moderately challenging, some steep rocky sections. $10 day-use fee.  RTL Mission #12  

Gull Bay ExplorationRTL-80 Event
Saturday, June 15; 9 am – 1 pm
Gull Bay Preserve, Putnam

Visit our Gull Bay Preserve with hike guide and naturalist Nancy Scarzello. Moderately easy trails, one steep, rocky section. 2.5 miles round-trip.
RTL Mission #18  

Fifth Peak, Tongue MountainRTL-80 Event
Sunday, June 16; 9 am – 2 pm
Clay Meadow parking area, Rt. 9N, Bolton

Join trip leader Ed Sheridan to hike to the lean-to at Tongue Mt’s Fifth Peak summit. Fantastic views of Lake George. 5 miles R-T; moderately challenging, some steep and rocky sections. RTL Mission #7  

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New York State Announces Agreement to Purchase Two Parcels in Whitehall


The State of New York recently announced an agreement to purchase two parcels in Whitehall. The Saddles, a 2,540 acre property on Lake Champlain’s South Bay, and Spruce Point, a 726 acre parcel between the Lake Champlain and Lake George basins.

Governor Cuomo and DEC Commissioner Martens recently announced the planned acquisition of 69,000 acres throughout the Adirondacks. This planned acquisition will be the largest single addition to the Adirondack Forest Preserve in more than a century. Two of the parcels to be acquired, while outside the Adirondack blue line, are in Whitehall.


The Saddles on Lake Champlain. Looking East toward Whitehall. (Photo Credit: Alan Cedarstrom. Click image to see full-scale.)

The first local parcel is referred to as the Saddles, a 2,540 acre parcel acquired by the Nature Conservancy in 2007 with the intent that it would be sold to the state. As one heads over the South Bay bridge toward Whitehall, the Saddles can be seen in the distance. The tract features cliffs and more than 2,250 feet of undeveloped shoreline on Lake Champlain’s South Bay. The land includes streams, marshes, swamps and floodplain forests that encompass the lowlands of South Bay. The tract includes areas where the Eastern timber rattlesnake and peregrine falcon reside.

The second 726 acre parcel is referred to as Spruce Point or Dolph Pond. As you leave Whitehall, heading south toward Fort Ann, you can see the ridges on top of this parcel. Presently it is under exclusive lease through September 30, 2013 but will be open to the public in October 2013. The property features interesting ridges, a variety of forest types, including Appalachian oak hickory and hemlock northern hardwood, and provides habitat for black bear, white tail deer and other wildlife.

My post would not be complete without thanking Emily DeSantis, Director of Public Information for the Dept. of Environmental Conservation who helped me compile the information for this story.

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Washington & Essex Counties Join Anti-Invasive Fight

Both Washington and Essex counties recently announced decisions to prevent the spread of invasive species into Lake George.

Washington County will hold a public hearing on May 17th at 10:05 am in the Fort Edward county center to solicit public input on a proposed county-wide invasive species ban. Under the ordinance, it would be illegal to launch a boat that has any invasive species visible to the eye on any part of the boat.

An Essex County committee passed a resolution at their April meeting in support of a Warren county resolution calling for a ban on the transportation of invasive species. The Essex County Attorney will start working on a local Essex County law that would do the same.

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Special Announcement: Cat and Thomas Mountains are now part of the Adirondack Forest Preserve


DEC Commissioner Joe Martens announces New York’s purchase of the 1,882-acre Cat and Thomas Mountains from the Lake George Land Conservancy. (Sarah Hoffman Photo.)

During a press conference held this morning at the top of Prospect Mountain in Lake George, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens announced the State’s purchase of the 1,882-acre Cat and Thomas Mountains from the Lake George Land Conservancy.

The preserve has also grown by 862 acres, by merging with adjacent State lands (including some recently purchased from The Nature Conservancy), to a total of 2,744 acres.

The Lake George Land Conservancy will remain the stewards of the Cat and Thomas trails through DEC’s Trail Cooperative Agreement program.

All of the money from the sale of Cat and Thomas will be applied towards paying down debt from the Last Great Shoreline, purchased in 2009 for $4 million. Fund-raising efforts continue, however, since once this payment is made, LGLC will still owe $300,000 on the land. The Last Great Shoreline in Putnam, with the Gull Bay Preserve to its south, is the heart of what will become the lake’s first managed wildlife refuge. To be part of this effort, please contact LGLC’s Executive Director Nancy Williams at 518-644-9673 or email nwilliams@lglc.org.

Read the DEC Press Release here.

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Bits of Everything

Post Star: New Sheriff Gets High Budgeting Marks

Washington County Sheriff Jeff Murphy saved Washington county a good bit of money.

Look TV: Whitehall Building Owner Arrested

It’s come to this on Main street in Whitehall.

North Country Public Radio: Old Warship, 200 Years Later

The USS Ticonderoga 1812 sits in the middle of Whitehall, 200 years later.

The Free George: Cougars in the Adirondacks

Reintroducing the long absent Cougar into the ecosystem is looked at.

Post Star: Transfer Stations Talks Turn to Lease

The Post Star examines the negotiations for the transfer stations.

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Blizzard Nemo Update

Saturday: 3:15 PM

Looks like the final snowfall total is between 7 to 8 inches in Huletts. This isn’t particularly bad when you consider how other parts of the northeast got hit. It was reported locally that Hudson Falls got 6.5 inches, while Nemo dumped 19-inches of new snow on Whiteface Mountain, in Wilmington, N.Y.

Saturday: 6:30 AM

Snow has stopped falling. Will post pictures and snowfall totals later today. Wind blowing hard from the North.

Friday: 6:15 PM

About 6 inches on the ground now. Winds have picked up considerably from the Northeast.

Friday: 2:15 PM

It’s been snowing since about 7:00 a.m. this morning, with about 2 to 3 inches on the ground already. Snow is coming down heavy at this time.

I received the following from National Grid:

Outage reporting hotline – Call 1-800-867-5222 to report an outage.

Text messages – Customers can receive text message alerts by texting the word STORM to NGRID (64743). Customers can opt out at any time by texting the word STOP to NGRID (64743).

Find us on Facebook or Twitter to connect with us and other customers. You can also view images from the field, get safety tips and the latest updates on our restoration efforts.
Remember, if your power goes out, you can access our mobile website by going to nationalgrid.com on your mobile phone. There you will be able to report outages, check the status of your outage, view outage maps, view important messages and access safety tips.

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SnowEast Magazine Call for Nominations

SnowEast Magazine has opened the nomination period for its annual Reader’s Survey. Categories range from Most Scenic to the Best Ski Resort in the East. Last year’s survey generated more than 6,800 votes from the magazine’s readership.

Last winter, Whiteface/Lake Placid, N.Y. won the honor as the East’s Destination Village. The publication’s readers also tabbed Whiteface Lake Placid New York State’s Favorite Ski Resort and the East’s Most Scenic Resort.

To participate and learn more about all of the categories in this year’s SnowEast Magazine reader survey, log onto http://www.snoweastmagazine.com/.

In October, SKI Magazine readers tabbed Whiteface/Lake Placid as the number-one destination for Off-Hill activities. The resort has carried that honor for 20 consecutive years. The magazine’s readers also gave Whiteface, Wilmington and Lake Placid high marks for its scenery (#3), resort dining (#3), après ski (#3), challenging terrain (#7) and mountain character (#8).

Earlier this month, MSN.Com listed the Olympic mountain as one of the 10 hippest ski areas.

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Stec Talks Lake George with DEC Commissioner


Assemblyman Dan Stec, questions DEC Commissioner, Joseph Martens, at Monday’s budget hearing in Albany.

Assemblyman Dan Stec, the Ranking Member of the Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee took part in a hearing on Monday with Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joseph Martens. Stec, a strong supporter of promoting and protecting our lakes, relished the opportunity to discuss the issues affecting vital resources such as Lake George.

“Lake George is crucial to my district, not only as a tourist attraction and source of revenue, but as a treasured part of our community’s history,” said Stec. “Ensuring that we protect this body of water and others like it is essential to the continued promotion of outdoor recreation and economic development in our region.

“I would like to thank Commissioner Martens for taking the time to discuss topics like invasive species and waterway protection. With his input, we can better figure out strategies to ensure our lakes and bodies of water remain the jewels of our community they are today.”

Video of the discussion with Commissioner Martens can be seen below:

httpv://youtu.be/fBwNFRS3JYw

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New Assemblyman Sworn In


New state Assemblyman Dan Stec (R) (right) is sworn in on January 1. Stec was recently elected to represent Assembly District 114 which includes Huletts Landing. Standing to the left of Stec is Stec’s wife, Hillary (holding the Bible) and Stec’s parents, Elise and George Stec. Stec’s son, Peter, is standing in front of him. Troy City Court Judge, Matthew J. Turner, conducted the swearing-in. Assembly Minority Leader, Brian Kolb, stands next to the Judge.

Stec’s biography can be seen here.

Click on image to see larger scale.