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Dresden Supervisor Submits AUD’s for Numerous Years

I’m pleased to report that Dresden has submitted all AUD’s (Annual Update Documents) from 2012 to 2020 to the NY State Comptroller’s office. The 2021 AUD will not be due until March 2022.

Dresden Town Supervisor Paul Ferguson has worked diligently over a number of years to get Dresden’s books in order. The AUD’s are basically a way for the Comptroller’s office to provide oversight over municipal financial records.

The records compare actual spending against what was budgeted for and require backup information to verify that the record keeping is correct. Supervisor Ferguson deserves a lot of credit for getting eight years of AUD’s completed and submitted.

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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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Top News Story of Huletts: 2021

Many interesting things happened in Huletts in 2021. An independent film was even filmed in and around Huletts this past summer.

However for the “Top News Story of Huletts” for the year – the biggest one in my mind is clearly how the community again responded to the COVID-19 international pandemic. Life started getting back to semi-normal with vaccine shots, and small gatherings, the Huletts Casino reopened with a shortened and abbreviated schedule and school began again after Labor Day. Masks came off indoors for most of the year. Children and adults were tired of being cooped up for so long.

I received more thank-you letters and emails than I have ever received in one year – the gist of practically all of them – thanks for getting back to normal and having Huletts be a place where fear doesn’t rule. However, I can’t claim credit for that – the community gets the credit. People may have stood a little farther apart but I think Huletts Landing was ahead of the curve in realizing that we can’t shut down permanently – that we have to go ahead with living and being our “best selves.” By trying to follow “best practices” and learning as we go, we can move ahead and get through this.

The recent moves nationally to shorten the quarantine period and keep schools open in response to almost two years of the pandemic, I think reflects this changing thinking. Children have suffered greatly through the pandemic months and there is no better place for children than Huletts. While it appears we are not “out of the woods” yet, hopefully sometime in 2022, we will have the pandemic behind us.

When will things truly return to normal? We don’t know. However we look to the future with hope knowing that we made it through 2021 working together to keep Huletts safe.

May 2022 be a better year, full of glad tidings for everyone.

Happy New Year!

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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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Two LGLC Staff Receive Montesi Conservation Award


Sarah Hoffman (left) and Alex Novick were honored Monday, December 13 with the Ronald Montesi Citizen Conservation Award, from the Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District. (Click image to see larger view.)

The Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) is proud to have two staff members as recipients of this year’s Ronald Montesi Citizen Conservation Award, presented by the Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District.

LGLC Communications and Outreach Manager Sarah Hoffman, and Land Steward Alex Novick received the award on Monday, December 13 at the WCSWCD office in Warrensburg.

Presenting the award to Hoffman, WCSWCD Senior District Technician Dean Moore said, “Sarah’s relentless passion has her constantly pairing funding opportunities with partner agencies and project locations to benefit the communities we live in. Her work fosters the generosity and passion of an individual who truly loves our great region and seeks out opportunities to preserve the quality of these resources for future generations.”

Presenting the award to Novick, WCSWCD District Manager Jim Lieberum said, “The work that Alex does at the West Brook Conservation Initiative and other LGLC properties is something that should be recognized. It is obvious that he enjoys what he does and he has a wealth of knowledge that exceeds just more than just the environment. He is well deserving of this recognition and we look forward to many future collaborative projects.”

Named after long-time WCSWCD Board Member Ronald Montesi who passed away in 2019, the Award “is provided to individuals who have taken the initiative to improve their environment and developed partnerships in their community. The District is committed to recognizing those people who we have worked with to provide new conservation opportunities and enhance existing programs.

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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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Aquatic Invasive Species Law Signed into Law

Legislation to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species throughout New York State, with a special emphasis on the Adirondack Park, was signed into law today by Governor Kathy Hochul. Senator Dan Stec, the ranking Republican on the Senate Environmental Committee, cosponsored the legislation which replaces a law that expired at the end of May.

“It took a little longer than hoped, but the new law has been updated, made permanent and takes effect immediately,” said Stec. “This is great news especially for the park and the ecology important to us all. It’s much less costly and much more effective to prevent introduction rather than mitigate the spread of invasive species in our lakes, rivers and streams. Our region has been a leader on this issue. I want to thank the committee chair, Senator Todd Kaminsky, for his work on the legislation and Governor Hochul for final approval.”

New York’s “clean, drain and dry” law was adopted in 2014 to require that boats are inspected for aquatic invasive species, such as zebra mussels and eurasian watermilfoil, before being launched in a waterbody. The law was reauthorized as part of the state budget in 2020 but expired at the end of May this year.

The updated law removes the sunset provision of the original law. Additionally, it authorizes the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to set up boat inspection stations throughout the Adirondack Park and within a ten-mile radius of the park’s boundary.

A tamperproof tag may be issued by the DEC to the boat operator certifying inspection. DEC will maintain on its website a list of all the boat washing inspection stations, including operating hours. Boaters may also self-certify following a DEC process to clean, drain and dry their watercraft.

“For any law to be effective, awareness is key,” said Stec. “That’s an ongoing process. An important part of this new law is the educational and public outreach efforts by DEC. Data collection will also help inform adjustments to make this work better in the years ahead.”

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Huletts Holiday Party Canceled

Invitations to the annual December dinner sponsored by the Huletts Landing Volunteer Fire Department were included in the annual letter from the fire house. However, it was decided that, based on the health department’s guidelines and the rise in Covid cases in Washington County, it was the right decision to cancel the party this year.

Looking forward to next year!

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Happy Thanksgiving 2021

“No duty is more important than that of returning thanks.”
St. Ambrose

May all the good things in life be yours, not only at Thanksgiving but also throughout the coming year.

I hope that you will use the coming days to celebrate with family and friends and enjoy the good things of life.