Courtesy LGLC
“Protecting 600 acres is equivalent to the prevention of building 60 new houses, 60 new garages, 60 new driveways … All things that could impact the health of lake,” said Jamie Brown, executive director of the Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC), at the group’s annual meeting in July.
He said LGLC had protected a total of 600 acres in their fiscal year of 2016.
The meeting, at the Bolton Conservation Club in Bolton Landing, was attended by 55 people who listened to conservation and program updates. Among the speakers were state Assemblyman Dan Stec and Adirondack Council Chairman Robert Kafin.
The LGLC does not advocate against development, rather it works with willing landowners to protect sensitive lands and promote sustainable building practices that have minimal impact on the lake’s water quality. Brown also stressed the importance of the LGLC’s partnerships with other entities to protect the lake.
Stec spoke about his work keeping the protection of Lake George relevant in the New York State Assembly. He has voted for increased Environmental Protection Funds specifically to continue the fight against aquatic invasive species. Stec also recognized the LGLC on a successful hike-a-thon event where he and his family hiked Cook Mountain for the first time.
Kafin said environmentalism is not devoid of economic development. Kafin cited that, hypothetically, Lake George could be used for multiple streams of economic activity, including logging, hydro-electricity, residential homes and many other avenues. However, the lake is kept pristine and a center of tourism for those who admire its beauty.
“We are fortunate to have a special place such as Lake George,” said Kafin.
Presentations were made for the LGLC’s Apperson Society and the awards for the organization’s volunteers of the year.
A bronze Apperson Society medal was presented to Dr. Ken Lin and the Tsu family, represented by Gigi Tsu and her son Chris, for a donation of a lakefront property known as Eagle’s Mare in Putnam.
Eagle’s Mare, now known as the Tsu Family Preserve on the Last Great Shoreline, is a six-acre parcel contiguous to the LGLC’s Last Great Shoreline Preserve and contains 255 feet of lake shoreline.
The LGLC Stewardship Volunteer of the Year was Lake George resident Tim Noble for his work maintaining the LGLC’s numerous trails systems. Administrative Volunteer of the Year award was presented to LGLC board member and Bolton resident Debbie Hoffman for the countless hours she contributes to the organization’s events and development initiatives.
Brown said the new year will bring many new projects and opportunities for supporters and partners to help make a lasting, substantial impact on the water quality of Lake George.
LGLC is an accredited nonprofit land trust based out of Bolton Landing, dedicated to working with willing landowners and other partners to protect the water quality of Lake George and to permanently preserve the natural, scenic, historic and recreational resources of the Lake George region.
Since its inception, the LGLC’s land protection program has worked directly and with partners to permanently protect over 10,000 acres of Lake George wilderness and 6.5 miles of lake shoreline through fee purchases, land donations and the establishment of conservation easements.
More information can be found at www.lglc.org.