Category: The Environment

The Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) has recently protected 150 acres adjoining Prospect Mountain in the south basin of Lake George. The property includes the headwaters of a main branch of West Brook, one of Lake George’s largest tributaries. In total, more than one mile of stream corridor has been protected.

The land lies in the towns of Warrensburg and Lake George and is adjacent to New York State’s Prospect Mountain. The property contains very steep forested slopes, and is visible from the Adirondack Northway (I-87).

The McPhillips family, who have worked with the LGLC in the past to protect other sensitive lands in the watershed, generously agreed to sell the land at a discount in a transaction known as a bargain sale.

LGLC Executive Director Jamie Brown said, “We are so grateful to the McPhillips family for once again partnering with the LGLC and generously offering the land to us below its actual market value. The value to the watershed of the 150-acres is immeasurable, as the LGLC now protects the headwaters of West Brook, one of Lake George’s major tributaries, from all forms of threats.

“These landowners who are willing to protect their land,” Brown continued, “that protects the lake are vital to the LGLC’s ability to fulfill its mission. These are people who care about this special place and are doing their part to ensure that the forests remain healthy and strong, filtering the water that flows over the land and into the lake forever. We thank the McPhillips for looking towards the future to protect this land.”

Stormwater runoff is one of the biggest threats to the water quality of Lake George. Over-development on ecologically important lands contributes to this runoff, which carries pollutants and excess nutrients downstream. The LGLC works to prevent the impacts of runoff by strategically protecting sensitive lands from over-development in conservation initiatives throughout the watershed.

One such project is the West Brook Conservation Initiative. West Brook is a major tributary of Lake George, and is estimated to contribute 50% of the total annual tributary runoff entering the south end of Lake George.

In the early 2000’s the LGLC and partners at the Lake George Association, the FUND for Lake George, the Village of Lake George and Warren County, worked together to protect 12 acres of developed land surrounding West Brook and restore it to its original wetland state. The restored wetlands now provide the same benefits of natural wetlands, filtering millions of gallons of water each year and removing excess nutrients and pollutants before they reach the lake.

At the same time, the LGLC also purchased the 1,400-acre Berry Pond property to protect a significant amount of streams and ponds that feed into West Brook. Not only does this land, now owned by New York State, provide permanent protection of these waters, but it also hosts thousands of hikers and snowmobilers each year.

Town of Bolton
Warren County

Wilderness Rescue: On Saturday April 17 at 7:20 p.m., DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from two lost hikers in the Tongue Mountain Range. The pair was concerned about becoming lost in the woods after dark. The hikers were still on the trail, 3.5 miles from the nearest trailhead, and an additional five miles away from their vehicle. The hikers were encouraged to continue making their way out of the woods. About an hour later, the hikers called back as one of them was having a panic attack, fearful that their cell lights wouldn’t last much longer. Forest Ranger Kabrehl responded to assist the 26-year-old women from Montgomery, NY, and Oradell, NJ. By 10:14 p.m., Ranger Kabrehl and the hikers were out of the woods.

During the past week, the Lake George Association (LGA) and The FUND for Lake George announced that their boards have agreed to a merger. The LGA will now bring the proposal to its members. The new entity will retain the LGA name, upholding and carrying forward the tradition of accomplishment as the oldest (1885) lake protection organization in the country.

The proposed new organization will be led by a board of directors selected from the current board members of the LGA and The FUND. Jeff Killeen, currently Chairman of The FUND, will Chair the new organization. Peter Menzies, current President of the LGA board, will serve as Vice Chair. Eric Siy, currently Executive Director of The FUND, will become President of the LGA. Walt Lender, currently Executive Director of the Lake George Association, will serve as Senior Vice President.

Members of the Lake George Association will receive additional details about the proposed merger via email and/or U.S. mail, along with a ballot for voting on the measure.

Read the entire press release here.

It’s been extremely quiet lately so here are a few pictures from today. The weather has been relatively warm so far this winter but the real cold is on the way. The temperature is expected to hit negative numbers over the next few days. We really do get some extreme weather in the Adirondacks! (Click images to see larger view.)