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Grand Opening of Cliffside Coaster at Lake Placid’s Olympic Sports Complex


A view from the new Cliffside Mountain Coaster in Lake Placid.

October 11th marked the grand opening of the new Cliffside Mountain Coaster at Mt. Van Hoevenberg in Lake Placid. The longest of its kind in the United States, the mountain coaster travels alongside the 1980 Olympic bobsled track and is the latest year-round attraction at the Lake Placid Olympic Sites.

“The Cliffside Coaster is one of our latest and most thrilling additions to the Olympic Regional Development Authority venues, and part of our ongoing effort to modernize the entire Mt. Van Hoevenberg complex,” Governor Cuomo said. “This revitalization is transforming the complex into a year-round provider of excitement and entertainment for both athletes and families, which will attract more summer visitors and provide a critical boost to local businesses as we work to build back better.”

Opening for its first ride on Sunday, October 11, the mountain coaster is equipped with a timing and audio system that allow visitors to experience the thrill of what it was like to be an Olympic Bobsledder during the 1980 Olympic Winter Games in Lake Placid. The coaster will be open to the public on weekends only, and includes informative and exciting commentary for riders as they glide through twists and turns that replicate the historic track.

ORDA President & CEO, Mike Pratt said, “The Cliffside Coaster is a one-of-a-kind attraction at the newly transformed Mt. Van Hoevenberg. We are incredibly excited to give our guests this exhilarating experience. The coaster follows the alignment of the 1932 & 1980 Olympic Bobsled track as it descends the mountain. The views are amazing, and the curves get your heart pounding. Everyone will feel like they deserve a medal.”

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DEC Announces Sentencing of Saranac Man for Illegal Taking of Moose

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the sentencing of a Saranac man for illegally poaching a moose in October 2019. On Sept. 3, 2020, DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement investigation into the moose poaching concluded when Zachary Vaughan, 26, of Saranac, New York, was sentenced in the Town of Franklin Criminal Court to 60 days in county jail and $5,525 in fines and surcharges. DEC also revoked Vaughan’s hunting privileges for five years.

DEC’s investigation began on Oct. 31, 2019, when ECO Favreau received a call from a camp member in the Chateaugay Highlands Easement reporting a dead cow moose on the property. The moose was transported to DEC’s Delmar Wildlife Resource Lab for a necropsy. The crime scene investigation continued with the aid of DEC K9 Diesel. Following a series of anonymous calls and an anonymous tip reported to the DEC Environmental Crime Tip-Line, Zachary Vaughan was identified as the shooter.

While Vaughan initially denied the claims, ECOs obtained a supporting deposition. A search warrant was executed on Nov. 26, 2019, by DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement at the home of Vaughan and his parents, during which officers obtained a voluntary statement from Vaughan regarding the poaching incident. On Dec. 4, 2019, Vaughan was charged with four misdemeanors: taking of a moose; possessing a loaded firearm in a vehicle; use of an artificial light in a vehicle while in possession of firearm; and hunting deer with the aid of an artificial light. He also was charged with three additional Environmental Conservation Law violations.

The moose, a protected mammal in New York State, is the largest member of the deer family and the largest land mammal in New York. Hunting moose in New York State is illegal.

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Visit to Lapland Pond Includes Plethora of Species


A visit to Lapland pond starts at the Blake Mountain trail head on Pike Brook road.

When you arrive at the Blake Mountain trail head on Pike Brook road, there is actually another destination that you can hike to in addition to going up Black Mountain. That “other” hike is a shorter walk up to Lapland pond. The flora and fauna is quite beautiful and if you walk slowly and take it all in – it is a joy to behold.


The flower of Jewelweed is a natural remedy to poison ivy.


Looking something like a “Tribble” from Star Trek, light green Pincushion moss grows on the side of the trail.


White BaneBerry, is also called “Dolls Eyes,” for its distinctive appearance.


A grove of hemlock trees stands tall.


Watch out for snakes. Here a garter snake slithers along the side of the path.


A tadpole swims quietly in the water.


A beautiful walk in the woods refreshes the soul.

Click all images to see larger versions.

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Preserve at Pilot Knob to Reopen September 12


Visitors relax at the gazebo on the Lake George Land Conservancy’s Schumann Preserve for Pilot Knob in Fort Ann. View of Lake George is west toward Bolton and north up Lake George.

The Lake George Land Conservancy’s beloved Schumann Preserve at Pilot Knob will reopen to the public on September 12th, five months after being closed due to concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic. Please note that guidelines for responsible recreation continue to be in effect, and the preserve will be monitored to make sure guests are complying and visiting safely. If visiting this or any of the LGLC’s preserves, please follow these basic rules so that they can continue to provide safe recreational opportunities:

Stay local;

Visit in small groups limited to immediate household members;

If you arrive at a preserve and crowds are forming, choose a different park, a different trail, or return another time/day to visit;

If parking lots are full, please do not park along roadsides or other designated areas. To protect your safety and that of others, please choose a different area to visit, or return another time or day when parking is available.

Practice social distancing by keeping at least six (6) feet of distance between yourself and others, while on a trail and in places where people tend to congregate, such as parking lots, trailheads, and scenic overlooks; and

Stay home if you are sick, or showing or feeling any COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, coughing, and/or troubled breathing.

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Bad Storms Locally, Mostly Miss Huletts


A rainbow appears above Huletts on Monday, August 24th. (Click image to see larger version.)

The rolling thunder storms and torrential rain that passed through on Monday hit Whitehall very hard. While Huletts received a good soaking, the power remained on. There are many puddles and standing surface water but the storm is now over. The worst seems to have missed Huletts.

Update: Tuesday August 25, 2020

Things are drying out today but there is a lot of standing water still on the ground

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LGA Success In Lake George: Usher Park Stormcrete Edition

What’s exciting about a concrete walkway? How about one that expertly captures stormwater and puts it in the ground, rather than allowing it to flow into the Lake?

This project at Usher Park is one of the many projects the LGA is doing this year to directly protect the Lake’s water quality.

Watch the amazing protection that it provides in the video below!

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Capital Investments Continue All Around


A new house being constructed along the shoreline of Lake George in Huletts Landing.

If you go for a walk or take a boat ride around Huletts, you will see numerous new houses and continued capital investments being made in Huletts Landing by many individuals. These include improvements to docks, renovations and additions to existing homes and landscaping improvements also. It has been a very busy year for contractors working in Huletts.

Economic development as always been seen as the primary strategy for improving social well-being. Those who have invested their resources and energy into improving the “Landing” should be commended. Because of this, Huletts is a dynamic place which attracts people from all over the country and world.


Another new house, as seen from the lake, being constructed in Huletts Landing.

Individuals who invest in the community, improve the quality of life for themselves, their families and everyone who lives here. The vibrant nature of Huletts is expressed by people who want to spend their time and invest their resources here. It also helps attract people who value the surroundings and hopefully will work to keep the community the special place it is.

This trend will most likely continue as a number of people have made me aware that they are in different stages of planing improvements or redesigns of their properties in Huletts. So stay alert on the morning walks and local boat rides, the year to come may be even busier!

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Isaias Hits Lake George


Winds blew from the north today as tropical storm Isaias visited Lake George.

As of 7:15 pm on the evening of Tuesday, August 4th, tropical storm Isaias is still buffeting Huletts. We have had lots of rain and some heavy wind but the power is still on.

Flash flood and wind advisories are still in effect until Wednesday morning. Stay inside and stay safe.

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Their Smiles Say it All

As regular readers of the Huletts Current know, I love posting “fish” pictures, even though I am not a fisherman. This picture really made me smile because the children’s joy really shines through.

I know many are experiencing real worry and suffering with the COVID-19 national pandemic, but choose to be optimistic. Live your best life, RIGHT NOW, seize the moment, enjoy the day.

Do not fueled by fear. Be strong right now; be happy right now; go out and enjoy the summer. Be safe but don’t sit in a socially distant box and complain about all things that are not right, or might not be right. Go out and talk to a neighbor, make a visitor feel welcome. Do something positive. Send me a (fish) picture.

I received an email yesterday from a family who spent a week in Huletts, and when they returned home their small son wouldn’t go to sleep because he wanted to go back to his “Lake George bed.”

Be thankful for the blessings of your time on Lake George this summer, carry an optimistic spirit. Be people of hope in these times.

So many thanks to the children in the picture above, with their smiles and their big fish – they have chosen to enjoy the blessings of summer and their time on Lake George. For that we should all be grateful.

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Summer’s Promise


Native plant species in Lake George benefit the lake, performing such functions as stabilizing sediments and providing habitat for fish and other aquatic organisms.

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LGLC and Town of Bolton to Protect 62 Acre Bradley’s Lookout, Adding to The Pinnacle and Bolton Hub


The view of Lake George looking north from Bradley’s Lookout in the town of Bolton. Photo Credit: Lake George Land Conservancy (Click photo to see larger version.)

The Town of Bolton and the Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) have announced their intention to purchase a 62 acre parcel of land in the town known as Bradley’s Lookout. The Town will purchase the property from the LGLC upon completion of their acquisition expected to occur late this summer. The property will be encumbered by a conservation easement held by the LGLC.

The Hawkins family has owned the 62+/- acre property known as “Bradley’s Lookout” in Bolton since the 1970’s. The property contains 7 acres of wetlands, including half of the pond that is located on the Town of Bolton’s Community Center property. The remainder of the land is wooded, including many stands of healthy hemlocks. The land includes a 1000-foot summit that offers views of Lake George including Dome Island as well as Black Mountain, Shelving Rock, and the Sagamore. The name comes from the historical use of the property, as the Bradley family who ran a horse-riding business in town, brought their horses up the summit to allow visitors to enjoy the views.

“First, I would like to thank the Lake George Land Conservancy Board of Directors and staff for their vision, leadership and support of this acquisition and for shepherding this purchase to a successful conclusion” said Ron Conover, Supervisor of the Town of Bolton. “This is a tremendous accomplishment and addition to Bolton’s Hub Program. It connects the Community Center and the Pinnacle as well as Cat and Thomas Mountains and upon completion will offer another spectacular hiking experience and Panoramic Views of Lake George to our visitors. In addition, it affords us sufficient land to provide additional much needed on-site parking” Conover said.

“The Lake George Land Conservancy has been a critical partner in the development of Bolton’s Hub Plan,” said Susan Wilson, Deputy Supervisor of the Town of Bolton who served on the original planning committee for the trail Hub. “The Pinnacle has already become one of the southern Adirondacks most popular hiking attractions and the Lookout builds upon this success. People come from all over the state and country to hike our trails. Bolton is quickly becoming a major four-season hiking destination attracting thousands of visitors annually to our region.”

“The protection of Bradley’s Lookout will benefit both the community and the lake for generations to come,” said LGLC Executive Director Jamie Brown. “Thanks to our continuing partnership with the Town of Bolton, the generosity and cooperation of the Hawkins family, and the help of our community, this amazing land will be protected forever. With its easily-accessible iconic view, thriving wetlands, gently sloping hardwood-hemlock forest, and essential role within the larger Bolton Hub Initiative, the protection of this property exemplifies how the LGLC protects the land that protects the lake for everyone.”

“The Lake George Land Conservancy is honored to be able to permanently protect this wonderful iconic property,” said LGLC President Michael O’Reilly. “Partnering with the Town of Bolton will ensure that everyone will forever enjoy the beauty of this land while the Lake’s water quality is enhanced.”

“Our mother loved The Lookout,” said Lee Harrison. “I think mostly because of her memories of riding along the back roads of Bolton with Mr. Bradley. Mother knew the back roads of Bolton like the back of her hand, having spent every summer of her girlhood there, and she led us on many expeditions to fields and streams to play in, pick blueberries in, or just to admire the view. When The Lookout came up for sale, she just had to save it, so she did.”

This project follows another similar land acquisition in December of 2019 that added 212 acres to the Bolton Hub region. The protection of that property, part of the Twin Pines Resort owned by the McGurl family, was also made possible thanks to the LGLC’s good working partnership with the Town of Bolton.

The Bolton Recreational Hub (the Hub) is a collaborative effort between the LGLC, Town of Bolton, and Bolton Landing Chamber of Commerce, that combines the goals and outcomes of land conservation for water quality protection with the access to quality recreational opportunities and commerce within the Town of Bolton. A comprehensive Bolton Recreational Hub Strategy was published in 2019, and provides guidance for conservation and recreational projects going forward.

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LGLC Buys 25 Acres in Dresden

The Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) has protected 25 acres on County Rt 6 in the Town of Dresden. The property, which was purchased by the LGLC on July 8, 2020, includes 1,300 feet of Fairy Brook, a tributary of Lake George.

This project fits within the LGLC’s Huletts Landing Conservation Initiative, which focuses on protecting the wetlands and stream corridors in this steep region of the watershed. These efforts are crucial to managing stormwater flow and reducing the amount of sediment and contaminants entering Lake George.

Last summer the LGLC protected a total of 137 acres in the Initiative area, protecting significant lengths of tributaries that flow into Lake George, including some of Fairy Brook.

This property had been approved for the construction of a small house and leach field near the steep slopes leading to the stream. Its protection has effectively prevented a potentially significant negative impact on the property’s sensitive and erodible slopes.

The property is currently not open to the public except by special request, due to limited accessibility.

Here is a map to see where this property is located.

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Power Issues Strike Huletts

After hearing about dimming lights and fans running slower the last few days, I spotted a National Grid truck last night and inquired about what was going on.

The National Grid person admitted that most homes in Huletts are only getting about 90 volts of electricity. The reason is two-fold: consumption is way up and the line coming over the mountain only has so much capacity. In other words, there is too much demand for the supply National Grid has available.

So please monitor and watch your power consumption.