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LGPC to Pull Lake George Boat Inspectors from Huletts in 2022, Relocate to Lake Champlain Boat Launch

If you thought you read the headline wrong, you didn’t. I received this letter from the Lake George Park Commission, addressed to all Huletts Landing residents late last week.

To make sure I wasn’t reading the letter wrong, I doubled checked with the LGPC and they will no longer site boat inspectors, who check for invasive species on boats trailered into Huletts to be launched in Lake George, in Huletts Landing. Instead they are relocating their Lake George boat inspectors to the South Bay boat launch on Lake Champlain, as you come over the bridge from Whitehall into Dresden.

Today, the LGPC responded:

“You are correct, the Commission will not have a boat inspection station in Hulett’s Landing in 2022. The equipment will be relocated to the NYS DEC South Bay Launch on NY Route 22, just south of County Route 6. The Commission will be installing signs on both the northbound and southbound lanes of Route 22 and on County Route 6, headed to Hulett’s. There will also be signs at the South Bay launch directing boaters to stop for inspection. The Commission website has already been updated with a Google Maps link for boaters to find the South Bay site. The goal is to reduce the number of boaters who make it to Hulett’s without an inspection.”

So if you have guests or renters who are trailering a boat into Huletts for launching into Lake George this summer, please let them know: a.) they will have to get their boat inspected before they come over the mountain into Huletts, or b.) if they arrive after the inspection station has closed, they will have to haul the boat over the mountain again the next day to get it inspected, for invasive species, before it can be launched into Lake George from Huletts.

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Senator Stec: End of School Mask Mandate Long Overdue

State Senator Dan Stec (R,C-Queensbury) today issued the following statement concerning Governor Kathy Hochul’s announcement that she’s finally lifting the mask mandate on schools, effective Wednesday, March 2:

“For too long, our officials have been making COVID-related decisions based on political science, instead of the actual science. Repeated studies have shown that long-term mask wearing has had a detrimental impact on our students, stunting their educational, emotional and social development and making it that much harder for them to overcome the pandemic.

“It’s for those reasons that I’ve repeatedly joined our local school districts in urging the governor and state Department of Health to provide clear guidance and an off-ramp to the end of the mask mandate. I’m glad that Governor Hochul finally listened to our voices and ended it. This is a big win for our educators and our children, who can finally get back to normal after the chaos and disruption of the past two years.

“This mandate was yet another example of the Executive overreach that has marred our state’s ability to address the pandemic and chart the best path forward. Instead of unilateral decisions that need to be rescinded after widespread public outcry, the Legislature must assert itself as an equal partner in government.”

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Governor to Lift Mask Mandate for Schools This Week

Mask mandates in public schools across New York will be lifted this Wednesday, March 2nd, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Sunday.

Governor Hochul said local governments would be empowered to set their own school mask requirements in accordance with new guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released on Friday that reclassified much of the state as “low risk” for COVID infection.

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New York State Comptroller Releases Report on Local Roads

Local governments across New York State spent $2 billion on road maintenance, repairs and upgrades in local fiscal year 2020, a decline of 7% since 2010 when adjusted for inflation, according to a report by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

Some local communities put road projects on hold during the pandemic, but an influx of federal money is expected to jump-start projects at the same time the Executive is proposing more funding for road repair and improvements.

According to the report, capital spending on local roads projects in the Capital District (which Washington County is included in) was $175 (See Figure 9), which was higher than some parts of New York but lower than others.

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DEC Statewide Forest Ranger Highlights

Village of Fort Ann
Washington County
Wilderness Recovery: On Jan. 20 at 5:36 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call for Ranger assistance from Washington County 911 after a hiker reported finding a body at the base of Shelving Rock Falls in the Lake George Wild Forest. Forest Rangers Laczko, St. Claire, Savarie, Donegan, and Kabrehl responded. At 6:44 p.m., Rangers located the subject approximately one-third of the way up the falls. Using technical rope rescue techniques, Rangers lowered the deceased subject from the ledge in a sled. From the ground, Rangers conducted a low-angle carry up the hill. Once out the woods, the subject was turned over to the county coroner. Resources were clear at 9:12 p.m. New York State Police (NYSP) identified the hiker as 55-year-old Timothy Gillen of Peekskill.

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NY State DOH Updates Quarantine Guidance

This week, there was some confusion regarding how long an employee needs to quarantine if they had COVID, and do they need to test to get back to work? Until now, the confusion centered around the NYS Department of Health’s guidance not matching up with the State’s currently active Hero Act, which referenced CDC guidance.

On Tuesday, new guidance was released by the Department of Health finally aligning its guidance with CDC so it now applies to everyone.

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LGLC Awarded $3.76 Million Grant for Land Protection in Putnam


The Clark Hollow Bay property as seen from Lake George. (Click image to see larger version.)

The Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) has been awarded $3,762,800 through the New York State Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) program. The grant will be used to purchase the 59.6-acre Clark Hollow Bay property in Putnam.

The property is across Lake George from Silver Bay, adjoining more than 1,000 acres on the northeastern shore that the LGLC helped to protect more than 30 years ago. The land includes 2,530 feet of shoreline and 1,300 feet of streams that feed Lake George, as well as steeply forested slopes that would be highly susceptible to erosion if disturbed. Its protection will result in the prevention of previously-approved development that could impact the public drinking supply.

LGLC Conservation Manager Monica Dore said, “In protecting this property we will be closing the gap in shoreline protection of the northeastern region, a total of more than 3 miles of critical land buffer between the lake and its uplands. In addition, creating a contiguous block of forested land supports a wide range of wildlife.”

The Clark Hollow Bay property is also a documented summer habitat of the timber rattlesnake, which is legally protected as a threatened species in New York State.

According to a survey conducted by William S. Brown, Ph.D., and Jed Merrow on the property in 2012, “Clark Hollow Bay provides habitats for thermoregulation and protection, making the preserve a significant refuge in ensuring survival of the species.”

LGLC Board President Mike O’Reilly said, “We could not be more excited by this grant award, as it’s a huge win for water quality protection, and a final step in completing a 30-plus year endeavor in this part of the north basin. Receiving this grant will allow us to continue our energetic efforts to protect the land that protects the lake. We thank the State of New York for considering the purchase of the Clark Hollow Bay land worthy of support under this grant.”

LGLC Interim Executive Director Jeff Brozyna said, “The Clark Hollow Bay Project is the largest undertaking in LGLC history, with a total cost of $5 million. We will use the momentum from this grant to raise the remaining funds needed to complete the purchase in 2022.”

More than $272 million is being awarded to 179 projects to protect and improve water through the WQIP program, according to an announcement made by New York State Governor Kathy Hochul on December 21. Grants were awarded to projects such as land acquisition, municipal wastewater treatment upgrades, and marine habitat restoration.

Governor Hochul said, “Our state’s economic development goals cannot be achieved without clean water for drinking, recreation, and the overall quality of life New Yorkers expect and deserve. These sustained investments in water quality improve the health of our communities while creating economic opportunity through well paying, long lasting jobs.”

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NY State Senator Stec Co-Sponsored Bill Supporting Injured Firefighters Signed Into Law

Chief James Brook Jr. Act honors fallen local hero, assists fellow heroes

Legislation co-sponsored by Senator Dan Stec (R,C,I-Queensbury) that adds vascular rupture to the list of injuries covered under the Volunteer Firefighters’ Benefit Law was officially signed by Gov. Hochul today.

Called the Chief James Brook Jr. Act (S4562), it honors a fallen local hero. Chief James Brooks Jr. was a second assistant fire chief for the Whitehall Volunteer Fire Company, who served his community for over 27 years. On May 2, 2020, he suffered an aortic rupture while responding to a structural fire in the Town of Dresden, Washington County, and succumbed on September 17, 2020 due to complications from that injury.

After the New York State Workers Compensation Board determined that Brooks’ injury did not qualify for insurance coverage, Senator Stec swiftly took action and supported this bi-partisan legislation to ensure that injured heroes like the late Chief Brooks receive the medical coverage they need and deserve.

“Volunteer firefighters risk their health and lives to help our communities and they deserve the utmost respect and support,” Stec said. “When Chief Brooks was tragically hurt in the line of duty, the insurance fund for volunteer firefighters should have covered his injuries.

“The Chief James Brook Jr. Act ensures his heroism and service are never forgotten, and it ensure that volunteer firefighters who suffer a similar injury receive the benefits and medical coverage they deserve,” he added. “I’d like to thank Gov. Hochul for signing this essential bill into law and my colleagues for passing this bi-partisan measure supporting our volunteer firefighters.”

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Governor Hochul Announces Action to Address Winter Covid-19 Surge

Governor Kathy Hochul today this past week that masks will be required to be worn in all indoor public places unless businesses or venues implement a vaccine requirement. This a major action to address the winter surge comes as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations rise statewide to be in alignment with the CDC’s recommendations for communities with substantial and high transmission. The State Health Commissioner issued a determination solidifying the requirement.

This determination is based on the State’s weekly seven-day case rate as well as increasing hospitalizations. The new business and venue requirements extend to both patrons and staff. This measure is effective Dec. 13, 2021 until Jan. 15, 2022, after which the State will re-evaluate based on current conditions. The new measure brings added layers of mitigation during the holidays when more time is spent indoors shopping, gathering, and visiting holiday-themed destinations.

“As Governor, my two top priorities are to protect the health of New Yorkers and to protect the health of our economy. The temporary measures I am taking today will help accomplish this through the holiday season. We shouldn’t have reached the point where we are confronted with a winter surge, especially with the vaccine at our disposal, and I share many New Yorkers’ frustration that we are not past this pandemic yet,” Governor Hochul said. “I want to thank the more than 80 percent of New Yorkers who have done the right thing to get fully vaccinated. If others will follow suit, these measures will no longer be necessary.”

“I have warned for weeks that additional steps could be necessary, and now we are at that point based upon three metrics: Increasing cases, reduced hospital capacity, and insufficient vaccination rates in certain areas,” Governor Hochul added.

Since Thanksgiving, the statewide seven-day average case rate has increased by 43% and hospitalizations have increased by 29%. While the percentage of New Yorkers fully vaccinated continues to increase—gaining 2% from Thanksgiving weekend to now—the uptick is not fast enough to completely curb the spread of the virus, particularly among communities with low vaccination coverage.

The State Department of Health has produced nation-leading studies, published in the CDC’s MMWR and the New England Journal of Medicine, which demonstrate the COVID-19 vaccines’ effectiveness – particularly in preventing severe disease. The Department continues to urge eligible New Yorkers of all ages to get fully vaccinated and boosted as soon as possible.

Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said, “Community spread requires a community-minded solution, as the Omicron variant emerges and the overwhelmingly dominant Delta variant continues to circulate. We have the tools we need to protect against the virus – and now we must ensure we use them. There are tools each individual can use, and there are actions we can take as government. Getting vaccinated protects you, and wearing a mask is how we will better protect each other. Both vaccination and mask-wearing are needed to slow this COVID-19 winter surge.”

A violation of any provision of this measure is subject to all civil and criminal penalties, including a maximum fine of $1,000 for each violation. Local health departments are being asked to enforce these requirements.

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NYS Drops Most COVID Restrictions As State Reaches 70% Vaccination Rate

During a press conference yesterday afternoon, Governor Cuomo announced that New York State has reached a 70% vaccination rate in the 18+ population, allowing for several of the remaining COVID restrictions to be lifted.

What Does This Mean for New Yorkers?
Effective immediately, the following state-mandated COVID restrictions are lifted across commercial and social settings.
– Social Gathering Limits
– Capacity Restrictions
– Social Distancing
– Health Screening
– Cleaning and Disinfection Protocols
– Contact Information for Tracting

This applies to the following: Sports & Recreation, Construction, Manufacturing, Trade, Child Care, Camps, Food Services, Offices, Real Estate, Buildings, Agriculture, Fishing, Forestry, Amusement & Family Entertainment, Personal Care Services, Gyms, Retail, Malls, and Movie Theaters.

*Institutional restrictions remain in place, including the following: large venues, schools, public transit, homeless, shelters, and correctional and healthcare facilities

NOTE: In addition to the institutional restrictions still in place, unvaccinated individuals are also still required to wear a mask in accordance with CDC guidelines.

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State Senator Stec: Injured Firefighters Legislation Passes Legislature

The State Senate today gave final legislative approval of legislation that would add ‘vascular rupture’ to the list of injuries covered under New York State’s Volunteer Firefighters’ Benefit Law.

The legislation, introduced this session by Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner and cosponsored by Senator Dan Stec, honors Whitehall Volunteer Fire Company Chief James Brooks. Brooks died in September 2020 due to complications from an injury he suffered while responding to a fire in May earlier that year.

“Assistant Chief James Brooks died as a result of a line of duty injury,” said Stec. “He was doing what he loved, serving his community. The insurance fund that would help with medical expenses unfortunately did not cover his care, which totaled more than $1 million dollars.”

On May 2, 2020, Brooks suffered an aortic rupture while responding to a structural fire in the Town of Dresden, Washington County. The 27-year veteran of the Whitehall Volunteer Fire Company died on September 17, 2020, from health complications due his injury. The New York State Workers Compensation Board determined that Brooks’ injury does not qualify for insurance coverage.

The legislation (S4562a/A6767a) creates a presumption of coverage under the Volunteer Firefighters’ Benefit Law for vascular ruptures suffered in the line of duty. It would assure coverage for this type of injury in the same way that heart attacks, for example, are covered.

The legislation passed the Assembly on Thursday, June 3.

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Gov. Cuomo Announces Most Remaining COVID-19 Restrictions to be Lifted When 70% of Adult NYers Have Received First Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine

Governor Cuomo today announced that most of the remaining COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted once 70 percent of New Yorkers aged 18 or older have received the first dose of their COVID-19 vaccination series. New York’s Forward industry specific guidelines — including capacity restrictions, social distancing, cleaning and disinfection, health screening, and contact information for tracing — will become optional for retail, food services, offices, gyms and fitness centers, amusement and family entertainment, hair salons, barber shops and personal care services, among other commercial settings. Large-scale event venues, pre-K to 12 schools, public transit, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, nursing homes, and healthcare settings must continue to follow the State’s guidelines until more New Yorkers are vaccinated.

Unvaccinated individuals will still be responsible for maintaining proper social distancing of six feet and wearing a mask as per federal CDC guidance. Consistent with the State’s implementation of the recent CDC guidance, masks will still be required for unvaccinated individuals. Large-scale event venues, Pre-K to 12 schools, public transit, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, nursing homes and health care settings will be exempt from the restriction lift. In those settings, New York State’s existing COVID-19 health protocols will remain in effect.

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Rep. Stefanik Announces Pregnancy

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DEC Statewide Forest Ranger Highlights

Town of Fort Ann
Washington County
Wildland Search: On May 14 at 8:46 p.m., Warren County 911 transferred a call to DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch from New Jersey two hikers on Buck Mountain without reliable light sources. The pair advised they were still on the trail, but concerned their cell phone lights would not last until they got back to the trailhead. Forest Ranger Poulton arrived on scene at 9:29 p.m., walked up the trail, and located the hikers immediately. The Ranger escorted the pair back to the trailhead and the incident concluded at 9:45 p.m.