After a few days of heavy snow and power outages, things are returning to normal in Huletts. The snow has begun to melt but perhaps Huletts will see a white Christmas after all. (Click picture for larger version.)
Lake George Land Conservancy Buys More Property
View of the Bolton back country from land recently protected by the LGLC.
The Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) has purchased two properties in the Town of Bolton, a total of 48 acres of forest and wetlands, including 3,745 feet of Indian Brook and seasonal streams that feed into it.
In October the LGLC purchased a 10-acre property that adjoins 130 acres previously protected in 2016. Extending the protected boundary with this acquisition enhances the ability of its large wetlands to slow and filter surface waters and to mitigate storm events that deliver sediment to the lake. Larger contiguous areas of conserved lands also provide better wildlife habitat and are more resilient to natural disturbances.
The second property, a 38-acre parcel that includes nearly 3 acres of wetlands, was purchased November 22. This land features a mature hemlock forest and steep slopes.
These projects are part of the LGLC’s Indian Brook and Northwest Bay Conservation Initiative that is focused on protecting the watershed of one of Lake George’s largest tributaries, Indian Brook, which empties into Lake George’s Northwest Bay. Including these two properties, the Initiative has permanently protected more than 2,500 acres of land within this critical region.
“In protecting these properties,” said LGLC Executive Director Mike Horn, “the LGLC is providing permanent protection for the waters flowing into Lake George, as well as expanding the connected landscape for animals that rely on healthy, intact forests.”
Current zoning on these two properties would allow for development that could result in disturbed soils, impervious surfaces, and septic systems that would threaten the water quality of Indian Brook and Lake George itself.
Mature and healthy hemlock stands exist on these lands, which will be monitored by the LGLC for signs of the invasive pest hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA). If HWA is identified, the LGLC will manage the infestation to prevent the spread and limit the water quality impacts of the invasive pest.
More information about the LGLC’s Indian Brook and Northwest Bay Conservation Initiative and how to support this project can be found at LGLC.org/projects
DEC Statewide Forest Ranger Highlights
Town of Fort Ann
Washington County
Wilderness Recovery: On Nov. 27 at 9:30 a.m., Forest Rangers were notified about a hunter having cardiac issues walking down the Pilot Knob trail to the Buck Mountain trailhead. When Rangers and Pilot Knob Fire arrived, the hunter was unconscious. Other hunters, hikers, and fire department personnel were performing CPR on the hunter. Rangers and EMS personnel continued these efforts. At 10:18 a.m., the hunter was declared deceased by the lead Fort Ann EMS Paramedic. DEC Investigator Goodrich also responded.
Notice of the Start of Construction for Segments 1 & 2 of the Champlain Hudson Power Express Project (through Dresden)
The Champlain Hudson Power Express Project will run down route 22 through the Town of Dresden.
On or about November 18, 2022, construction activities for certain parts of Segments 1 and 2 of the Champlain Hudson Power Express Project (“CHPE”) are anticipated to begin. The Construction Zone for Segments 1 and 2 consist of a 17.6-mile overland cable route running from the western shore of Lake Champlain in the Town of Putnam to the Canadian Pacific (“CP”) Railroad right-of-way (“ROW”) in the Village of Whitehall. This underground transmission line segment runs through the Towns of Putnam, Dresden and Whitehall, as well as the Village of Whitehall, via County Route 3, Lake Road, New York State Route 22 and Bellamy Street to the CP Railroad ROW, as shown on the enclosed map. The initial construction work will commence at the Project’s construction laydown area located off of Ryder Road in Whitehall.
On October 13, 2022, the New York State Public Service Commission approved CHPE’s Environmental Management & Construction Plan (“EM&CP”) for Segments 1 and 2 of the Project. Upon receipt of a Notice to Proceed with Construction letter sent by the New York State Department of Public Service’s Office of Electric, Gas and Water, CHPE will be authorized to commence construction activities for the approved Segments.
CHPE has established a toll-free number for questions regarding the Project, including a complaint resolution plan for issues arising during construction: 1-800-991-CHPE (2473).
Questions or requests for further information can be directed to: publicoutreach@chpexpress.com or by mail to Molly Hollister, WSP USA, One Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, New York 10119. Facility construction falls under the jurisdiction of the Commission, which is responsible for enforcing compliance with environmental and construction conditions, and which may be contacted through Matthew Smith, Office of Electric, Gas and Water, New York State Department of Public Service, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223, via telephone at (518)474-8702
or email at matthew.smith@dps.ny.gov.
Details of the planned work locations, including construction drawings showing in detail the approved Segments, are available on the Project website at: https://chpexpress.com/overviewof-public-documents/environmental-management-construction-plan/. The full Commission docket for the Project can be accessed via the Commission’s website at:
http://documents.dps.ny.gov/public/MatterManagement/CaseMaster.aspx?MatterCaseNo=10-T0139.
Paper copies of the EM&CP for Segments 1 and 2 will be available for viewing at the following local document repositories: Black Watch Memorial Library, 99 Montcalm St., Ticonderoga, NY 12883; Whitehall Free Library, 12 Williams Street, Whitehall, NY 12887; Dresden Town Hall, 1 Lillians Way, Clemons, NY 12819; and Putnam Town Hall, 14 Putnam Center Rd, Putnam Station, NY 12861.
Snow Begins
This past weekend saw some light snow accumulation in Huletts.
Fall Colors are Changing
New Lake George Wastewater Treatment Plant Opens
New York State Senator, Dan Stec, speaks at the opening of the new Lake George Wastewater Treatment Plant. (Click image to see larger version.)
New York Sen. Dan Stec (R,C-Queensbury) on Wednesday attended the opening ceremony of the Lake George Wastewater Treatment Plant, a facility that aims to ensure the continued health of the “Queen of American Lakes” for generations to come.
For years, Stec joined a chorus of local and state officials calling for state support for the project. Ultimately, the state contributed $14.9 million for the construction of the new plant, including $9.4 million in state grants, and $5.5 million in funding from Water Infrastructure Improvement Act and Water Quality Improvement programs.
A $9 million interest-free loan from the state Environmental Facility Corp. covered much of the remaining cost of the $24.4 million project.
All told, the state support relieved much of the burden from taxpayers in Lake George Village. “Lake George is an ecological wonder and a cornerstone of our local economy. The importance of its long-term health cannot be understated. That’s why for years I’ve joined with local officials and advocated for the funding necessary to complete these upgrades,” Stec said. “I’m pleased that this crucial project has been completed and appreciative of the state’s support.”
Built in 1932, the village’s previous treatment plant had been under consent order with the state Department of Environmental Conservation since 2014. In 2016, DEC ordered the Lake George to overhaul its entire treatment system, which serves the village and several nearby municipalities within the Lake George basin.
The new plant will significantly reduce the amount of nitrates and other pollutants entering the lake.
Big Fish That Did Not Get Away
It’s always interesting to see our fishermen friends hold up their “catch of the day.” Lake George has some of the best fishing around so it’s nice to see the folks who can reel them in. Many thanks to the Dennehy brothers for sharing these great pictures.
Editors note: The title of this post is slightly misleading because both fish pictured above are still swimming in Lake George because they were “thrown back” by our fishermen friends.
Court Grants Preliminary Injunction on Use of Chemical Herbicide in Lake George
New York State Supreme Court Justice Robert J. Muller has issued a preliminary injunction on the Lake George Park Commission’s planned use of the chemical herbicide ProcellaCOR in an effort to control Eurasian watermilfoil. The injunction was requested by the Lake George Association, Waterkeeper and fellow petitioners the Town of Hague and Lake George property owner Helena G. Rice. In his decision, Judge Muller noted the “high degree” of public interest in the case, including the large number of concerned citizens who attended last week’s court hearing.
DEC Statewide Forest Ranger Highlights
Town of Bolton
Warren County
Wilderness Rescue: On May 19 at 2:30 p.m., Forest Rangers Kabrehl and Morehouse responded by boat to a report of an injured hiker on First Peak in the Tongue Mountain Range, not far from Northwest Bay. Rangers reached the hikers by 4:30 p.m., and determined the 55-year-old from Tupper Lake couldn’t put any weight on his knee. Five Rangers helped carry the hiker to the boat. The group reached Green Island by 7:48 p.m., and the hiker sought further medical attention on his own.
Hiker rescued in Bolton
Hiker rescued in Bolton
Town of Fort Ann
Washington County
Wilderness Rescue: On May 18 at 12:47 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch requested Forest Ranger assistance after two hikers called for help advising they were dehydrated and lacked energy as they were summitting Buck Mountain. Forest Ranger St. Claire responded and reached the pair, who were in good condition, by 3:17 p.m. Ranger St. Claire walked the hikers down and out of the woods to safety by approximately 5 p.m.
Come Back to Huletts
This picture, taken the morning of Wednesday, May 11th, shows how calm the lake was. Spring is starting to heat up, Huletts is waiting for you.
LGPC Approves ProcellaCOR
The Lake George Park Commission voted today by a margin of 6-2, to use the chemical, ProcellaCOR, on two sites in Lake George this spring as a test for managing Eurasian watermilfoil.
April Showers Bring May Flowers
It has been cold and rainy lately.
LGPC’s ProcellaCOR Test Advances Past APA
On April 14th, the Adirondack Park Agency, approved a proposal by the Lake George Park Commission, to use the chemical, ProcellaCOR, on two sites in the lake as a test of managing Eurasian watermilfoil.
The Lake George Park Commission will take up the matter at it’s Tuesday, April 26, 2022 meeting. Please address any comments or concerns to the Lake George Park Commission by Tuesday’s meeting.