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Phone Outage Caused by Compromised Cable

On Wednesday, July 26th, at about 7:30 pm, people started noticing that there was no cell or land-line phone service in the Landing. All internet traffic was also cut off. To be blunt – this was a serious communication and safety issue. No phone or internet service at all in the entire landing.

The Huletts Landing Volunteer fire department opened the fire house doors, put a fire engine out by the street with a sign and manned the fire house from 8:00 pm until midnight. They had a sign-up sheet that would take us thru the next day with firemen on call continuously. Our only means of communication with the 911 desk in Fort Edward for fire and medical emergencies was by radio on the fire engine. I hope the community saw or realized what to do in case of an emergency.

Huletts Landing is served by a Verizon fiber optic cable that was compromised (most likely by an animal) somewhere close to or in Whitehall.

So the “bottom line” is when our fiber optic line gets compromised, we quickly realize how rural we are. Our cell tower communicates with the outside world the same way our house phones do.

So many thanks go out to our Fire Chief, Jay VanderPlaat, and all the dedicated volunteers of the Huletts Landing Volunteer Fire department. Please thank your fireman (who is also your neighbor) for their commitment to public safety and for all they do for all of us!

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Froehlich Continues Generous Support of LGLC Efforts

The Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) has received a grant of $190,000 from the Helen V. Froehlich Foundation in continued support of focused conservation projects and initiatives that will help protect the land that protects the lake forever.

The grant will be used on priority projects, including $100,000 towards the LGLC’s Indian Brook/Northwest Bay Conservation Initiative, which includes focused land protection efforts in the Indian Brook and Northwest Bay watersheds in Bolton.

“We are so grateful to the Froehlich Foundation for its generous support,” stated LGLC Executive Director Jamie Brown. “Thanks to the Foundation, the LGLC is able to put in place lasting solutions that have been proven to protect water quality. With their contribution, our work, especially in the Indian Brook/Northwest Bay area, can make an even greater impact.”

In December of 2016, the LGLC purchased the 159-acre Wing Pond property in Bolton that protects over 750 feet of a pristine stream that flows directly into Northwest Bay. Other completed projects in this region include:
· 95-acre conservation easement on Federal Hill Road in 1990;
· 500-acre Amy’s Park in 2012 – contains hundreds of acres of wetlands and a portion of the headwaters of Indian Brook;
· 115-acre Godwin Preserve in 2016 – contains acres of vernal pools and several hundred feet of tributaries feeding into Indian Brook;
· 130 acres purchased from SUNY Albany in 2016 – contains over 30 acres of wetlands and several thousand feet of the main tributary of Indian Brook.

The LGLC is currently working with a willing landowner to purchase a conservation easement on critical land near these other protected properties within the watershed of Indian Brook. Once completed, the easement will protect nearly 5,000 linear feet of stream corridor and associated wetlands on Indian Brook.

All of these properties play a role in protecting the water quality of Indian Brook and Northwest Bay, which in turn protects the water quality of Lake George. By protecting wetlands, vernal pools, riparian buffers, and forested areas, the LGLC not only protects the land that protects the lake, but also contributes to the vibrancy of the community by protecting viewsheds and habitats, and providing recreational opportunities.

The Helen V. Froehlich Foundation was created in 1993 with funds provided by the late Helen V. Froehlich of Huletts Landing to assist with the conservation and preservation of Lake George. The Lake George Land Conservancy is just one of several local organizations that benefit from the Foundation’s generosity. This most recent gift is the 23rd consecutive grant awarded to the LGLC by the Froehlich Foundation, a total of nearly $3.5 million.

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FHHL Thursday: July 13th – A Walk Up Broadway: History, Architecture, and Life on Manhattan’s Longest Street

Broadway is the only street which runs the whole length of Manhattan island. Tom Keating, curator and treasurer of the FHHL, walked it over five days and took photos of whatever interested him and you will see it all in this presentation.

Broadway is rich in 19th and early 20th century architecture and the character of the street changes as you move through different neighborhoods. Come enjoy a richly illustrated talk!

Thursday July 13th – 7:00 PM
Mountain Grove Memorial Church

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LGLC Announces its 2017 Season of Lake Talks: Living Lands


“Beekeeping and Honeymaking” with Tom Wells will be one of the talks in this years Living Lands lecture series by the Lake George Land Conservancy.

The Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) is kicking off its 2017 Lake Talks Series: Living Lands with Maple Sugaring, on Wednesday, June 28 at 5:30 pm. Local Bolton resident Sam Caldwell of Bixby’s Best will explain the art of maple sugaring and the creation of traditional Adirondack maple syrup.

The LGLC’s weekly Living Lands-themed presentations will take an exclusive and up-close look at the wildlife and people who utilize the land of Lake George and the Adirondacks, past and present.

Held at the LGLC office in Bolton Landing, the family-friendly presentations are free and open to the public, though registration is strongly recommended because of limited seating. Presentations will be held each Wednesday evening (except for July 5) starting June 28th through August 16th.

New this year, the Lakeside Lodge and Grille has generously partnered with the LGLC for an exclusive deal for Living Lands participants. At every unique talk this summer, each attendee will be given a date-specific “Talk Ticket” that can be used that evening at Lakeside Lodge and Grille. When presented, the restaurant will donate 10% of the total meal cost back to the LGLC.

In addition, attendees can add their name to a drawing to win a Lakeside Lodge and Grille gift certificate. The drawing will be held at the conclusion of the Living Lands Series. Attendees can enter their name each time they come to a presentation, so odds of winning increase with each attendance.

Following the maple sugaring talk, other presentations include “Wild Wolves” with Steve Hall of the Adirondack Wildlife Refuge; “Meet the Raptors of the Adirondacks” with Nancy Kimball; “Beekeeping and Honeymaking” with Tom Wells, owner of Pleasant Valley Apiaries; “The Battle of Lake George” historical talk with author & historian William Griffith; “Adirondack Hunting Traditions” with Dan Ladd; and “Timber Rattlesnakes” with Dr. Bill Brown, Vertebrate Zoologist and Herpetologist.

For more information about these programs and to reserve seating, go to www.lglc.org/events-and-programs/living-lands.

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Tesla Recharging Stations at Aviation Mall


A Tesla recharging station at Aviation mall.

As you enter Aviation mall in Glens Falls, from the entrance closest to Route 87, behind the Friendly’s restaurant, there is now a Tesla recharging station. Last night, there were cars recharging. Times certainly change!

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LGLC Offers Chance to Fly During 5th Annual Lake George Hike-A-Thon


Helicopter stopping for photo at Amy’s Park in 2016. © Sarah Hoffman(Click image to see full-scale.)

The Lake George Land Conservancy is now taking entries for its annual giveaway of a helicopter ride during the Lake George Hike-A-Thon on July 5, 2017. One lucky winner will be awarded the exclusive opportunity to enjoy the event from the air, and get a birds-eye view of the entire Lake George watershed.

The helicopter is one of the main elements of the Lake George Land Conservancy’s (LGLC) flagship annual event that makes it unique. Piloted by Bruce Mowery of North Country HeliFlite, the 4-passenger helicopter circles the lake, stopping along the way for photographer Carl Heilman, II, to snap pictures of groups of hikers and paddlers participating in the event. The highly choreographed flight takes about 1-1/2 hours.

“Bruce and Carl have been amazing partners in the Hike-A-Thon since we first came up with the idea in 2013,” said Sarah Hoffman, the LGLC’s communications and outreach manager, and organizer of the Hike-A-Thon. “The helicopter becomes a thread that joins all of the groups, reinforcing the fact that we are all in this together—no matter how separated we seem, between Lake George Village and Ticonderoga, we all want to see the lake protected.”

After organizing the first Lake George Hike-A-Thon in 2013 as a celebration of the LGLC’s 25th anniversary, the event has continued each year since to showcase the LGLC’s parks and preserves as free public resources, and to promote an appreciation for the outdoors and for the protection of the land that protects the lake.

The Hike-A-Thon is free to participate, and features simultaneous hikes (and a paddle, added in 2016) every July 5th. It’s grown from nine locations, or “sites,” in 2013, to 18 this year. New for 2017 is the addition of Partner Sites, which includes YMCA Camp Chingachgook in Fort Ann, the Charles R. Wood Nature Park in Lake George, and Up Yonda Farm Environmental Education Center in Bolton. The Silver Bay YMCA is also participating by coordinating a hike with their members.

“I think it’s especially nice to include our partners around the lake,” said Hoffman, “and judging from the response we’ve gotten so far, our participants also like having these new destinations, some of which are usually off-limits to the public.”

The LGLC reports a record number of registrations so far. In the two-month Early Bird registration period, which ended April 30, more than 500 individuals signed up, 100 more than that time last year. Another 65 people have signed up as volunteers to help lead hikes and work check-in stations.

About half of those who registered participated in a past Hike-A-Thon; about a quarter said they heard about it from a friend or family member.

“The event has a loyal following,” said Hoffman, “and those who know about certain sites, and how quickly they fill up, know to register as early as possible if they want to get in. We had 51 registrations in just the first week!”

All of the sites offered for the event have limitations on the number of people they can hold, based on trail or parking capacity, and safety. As of early May, all but five sites have filled. The remaining sites include Amy’s Park in Bolton Landing, Peggy’s Point in Hague, Cook Mountain in Ticonderoga, and the Charles R. Wood Nature Park in Lake George.

Both Peggy’s Point and the Wood Park are accessible sites that are ideal for young kids and those with reduced mobility. Peggy’s Point is also being organized as a dog park for the day, and will have special activities and treats geared towards dogs and their owners.

The LGLC is also still seeking Hike-A-Thon volunteers to help lead hikes and, especially, for staffing check-in stations. Further information is available at https://lakegeorgehikeathon.org/volunteer/.

The 2017 Hike-A-Thon is made possible thanks to the generosity of its sponsors, including the Lake George Mirror, as the event’s media sponsor, Carl Heilman, II/Wild Visions, Inc.; Bruce Mowery of North Country Heliflite; Town of Bolton; Adirodack Flag; Candlelight Cottages; Lake George Kayak Co.; Lake George RV Park; Victoria Ragucci, CPA; Camp David in Bolton Landing; Cottrell Dental; Hudson Headwaters Health Network; StoredTech; and Trampoline Design.

JUST Beverages is providing bottled water for the event, and about a dozen of its employees are also participating in the Hike-A-Thon. Cedar Graphics is donating printing screens for the shirts, and Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company has donated a $100 gift card that will be awarded to one lucky participant after the event in a random drawing.

To enter the helicopter ride giveaway, go to https://lakegeorgehikeathon.org/2017drawing. No donation required to enter; one entry per household. Complete giveaway rules at http://lakegeorgehikeathon.org/giveaway-rules/.

To register for the Hike-A-Thon and for more information visit https://lakegeorgehikeathon.org/, or contact Sarah Hoffman at 518-644-9673, or email shoffman@lglc.org.

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LGLC Receives Grant for Land and Water Protection


Photo of beaver pond in Putnam; its protection has been supported by the Conservation Partnership Program grant awarded to the LGLC.

The Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) has been awarded a $40,000 grant from the 2017 Conservation Partnership Program, administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Land Trust Alliance. The LGLC was one of 58 nonprofit land trusts across New York State to receive grants, totaling $1.8 million.

The grant funds will be used towards the cost of protecting a 72-acre beaver pond in Putnam, purchased by the LGLC in 2016. The property’s extensive wetlands are crucial for protecting the water quality of Lake George as well as provide high quality habitat for wildlife and migratory avian species. This land is also part of the LGLC’s overall plan to expand the existing trail system to connect the Gull Bay Preserve and Last Great Shoreline to the Anthony’s Nose Preserve and beyond.

“We are once again grateful to the Land Trust Alliance and the DEC for supporting our efforts to protect Lake George through the Conservation Partnership Program,” said LGLC Executive Director Jamie Brown. “Protecting ponds and wetlands such as these in Putnam are crucial to protecting the renowned waters of Lake George clean and beautiful.”

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New Book about John Apperson Coming in May


The cover of John Apperson’s Lake George by Ellen Apperson Brown.

A new book is coming in May 2017 from Arcadia Publishing entitled; John Apperson’s Lake George by Ellen Apperson Brown ( ISBN: 9781467124768 $21.99 | 128pp. | paperback ). The book focuses on the efforts of noted Lake George preservationist and conservationist, John S. Apperson Jr. (1878 – 1963).

In 1900, Apperson, a young man from Virginia, began working for General Electric in Schenectady. He discovered Lake George one summer while attending a boat race, and thus began his lifelong love affair with the magnificent scenery. He and his friends discovered the joys of island camping – of cooking over an open fire, trying out unfamiliar winter sports (skate sailing and skiing), and paddling a canoe in gale force winds.

Apperson devoted his energy and resources to saving the land from various threats. Apperson launched a two-pronged strategy, promoting Lake George for its recreational potential while recruiting people to help repair the shores of islands. Among other things, he started a campaign to start hauling rocks and building walls around the islands to protect them from erosion (a technique called riprapping).

He would earn the respect of leading politicians, philanthropists, and journalists, including George Foster Peabody, New York governor Al Smith, and Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. His actions brought him into open conflict with powerful adversaries, too.


John Apperson hauling rocks to riprap around the islands of Lake George. (Circa 1920)

For those who are familiar with the mid-section of Lake George, the story also touches on the efforts of a few determined people along with Apperson, who worked to add Tongue Mountain, Paradise Bay, Black Mountain Point, and the islands in the Narrows to the holdings of New York state, and which are now protected by New York’s constitution.

The author, Ellen Apperson Brown, grew up hearing colorful stories about “Appy,” her father’s favorite uncle. After many years of scholarly research, she has become a leading authority on his life and accomplishments. Most of the images are from her personal collection or from the Kelly Adirondack Research Center, Union College.

The book’s publication date is – May 15, 2017.

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LGLC Welcomes Michele DeRossi as Staff


Michele DeRossi has joined the staff of the Lake George Land Conservancy.

The Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) is pleased to announce the addition of Michele DeRossi as the organization’s community engagement and events manager. In her new role, Ms. DeRossi will be managing community and fundraising events for the LGLC and working with the staff to raise funds and awareness for the importance of land protection throughout the Lake George watershed.

Ms. DeRossi brings a versatile background in development, event planning, and conservation. Prior to joining the LGLC, Ms. DeRossi worked for The Nature Conservancy, where she spent 3 years working in development, most recently as a Donor Relations Manager for both individual donors as well as foundations and corporations around the eastern New York region and in New York City. Prior to her work at The Nature Conservancy, she worked as events manager for the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, organizing and facilitating major events to raise money for restoration projects around historic Saratoga Springs. Ms. DeRossi got her start in non-profit work while living in Jackson, Wyoming where she was the marketing and events associate for Jackson Hole WILD, an organization dedicated to promoting stewardship of wildlife through the use of media.

Born and raised in Connecticut, Ms. DeRossi grew up coming to Lake George in the summers with her family and continued to be a part of the Bolton Landing community through college, working at several local restaurants and contributing to the Lake George Mirror. Ms. DeRossi holds a BA from Fordham University in Journalism and Communications and attended the Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, CT. Although she now lives in Saratoga Springs, Ms. DeRossi can often be found at her family’s home in Diamond Point. In her free time, Michele writes a food column in Saratoga, is working on becoming an ADK 46’r with her fiancé and loves to explore new places, whether on skis or by foot.

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LGPC Boat & Dock Fees to Increase in 2017

The Lake George Park Commission has received approval from the state legislature to raise dock, mooring and boat fees in 2017. From the bill authorizing the increase:

Dock, wharf and mooring fees. The owner of a dock, wharf or mooring within the park used for non-commercial residential purposes shall pay an annual fee of fifty dollars. The owner of a dock or wharf within the park used for commercial purposes shall pay an annual fee of five dollars per linear foot for each such dock. The owner of a mooring used for commercial purposes shall pay an annual fee of one hundred dollars for each mooring. New docks constructed for commercial use after the effective date of this section shall pay a first time fee of ten dollars per linear foot and five dollars per linear foot annually thereafter.

Boat fees. In addition to the registration required by the state, any mechanically propelled boat or vessel with ten horsepower or more used on Lake George shall have an annual permit issued by the commission. The fee therefor for boats twenty feet or less in length overall shall be forty dollars; for boats twenty-one to twenty-five feet in length overall, fifty dollars; and for boats over twenty-five feet in length overall, fifty dollars plus seven dollars and fifty cents for each foot by which the length overall exceeds twenty-five feet; for boats over twenty-five feet in length overall outfitted for overnight use, fifty dollars plus thirty dollars for each foot by which the overall length exceeds twenty-five feet. The commission may establish a one week use permit for twenty dollars. The commission may establish a one day use permit for twelve dollars for any mechanically propelled boat or vessel with ten horsepower or more.