LGLC Newsletter, viewshed, Spring/Summer 2019 by Lake George Land Conservancy

viewshed Spring/Summer Newsletter 2019

The Lake George Land Conservancy

is an

accredited not-for-profit land trust dedicated to working with willing landowners and other partners to protect the world-

Protecting the Land that Protects the Lake since 1988.

renowned water quality of Lake George and to permanently preserve the natural, scenic, historic and recreational resources of the Lake George region.

INSIDE: From the Executive Director

Beavers: engineers, land stewards, 4-5 conservationists

518-644-9673 | info@lglc.org | www.lglc.org

Warner Bay Wetlands LGLC STAFF Helen Barton Benedict* Development Manager

Sarah Hoffman Communications & Outreach Manager

Jamie Brown Executive Director

Alexander Novick Land Steward

Megan Clothier* Office Assistant

Michele DeRossi Vidarte Community Engagement & Events Manager

Monica Dore Conservation Project Manager

Cornelia Wells Finance & Office Manager

*Part-time LGLC BOARD OF DIRECTORS Michael Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Reilly President

Huletts Landing

Jeffry Brozyna VP of Development

Lake George

Tracey Clothier Secretary

Lake George

Ed Becker, DVM John Buhac, MD Paul Cummings Elizabeth Guest Patty HasBrouck Jonathan A. Herttua Debbie Hoffman

Sabbath Day Point Gull Bay Bolton Landing Silver Bay Bolton Landing Glenburnie Bolton Landing

Tom Hall VP of Conservation George Morris VP of Finance, Treasurer

Christopher LaGuardia Judith K. Larter Elizabeth Meigher Peg Olsen Robert Singer Robert Von Werne

Diamond Point Pilot Knob

Bolton Recreational Hub

6-7

Conservation Highlights: French Mt., Dresden

Hunters and Conservation

8-9

Hemlocks, HWA in the News

Board of Directors Updates; In Memoriam, Hugh Roberts

Land and Water Society; Accreditation Renewal; Grants

Welcome to New Supporters

12-13

2019 Hike-A-Thon

14-15

Events: Celebration; Annual 16-17 Meeting; Walks&Talks cut-off Kattskill Bay Silver Bay Bolton Landing Glenburnie Ticonderoga Bolton Landing

LGLC Swag

2019 Amy's Race for the Lake

ADVISORY BOARD Robert Birchenough, MD William Bixby, III Henry Caldwell Dean L. Cook, DMD Jennifer Waterhouse Cooper David Darrin JD DeSantis Arthur Franz John Hubbard, Jr. Mark Johnson, PhD Walter F. Lamb, Jr.

Cleverdale Northwest Bay Bolton Landing Ticonderoga Bolton Landing Hague Bolton Landing Bolton Landing Northwest Bay Stony Point Bolton Landing

Douglas Langdon, MD Bolton Landing John J. Macionis, PhD Hague James Menzies, PhD Bolton Landing Peter Menzies Bolton Landing Sandra Nierzwicki-Bauer, PhD Bolton Landing Rosemary Pusateri Cleverdale Daniel Ryterband Diamond Point Rebecca Smith Bolton Landing Virginia Rowan Smith Silver Bay Ike Wolgin Bolton Landing

LGLC viewshed: Spring/Summer 2019

This newsletter is printed on paper donated by International Paper's Ticonderoga Mill

Cover photo ÂŠ Carl Heilman, II/Wild Visions, Inc.

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dear Friends, For those of you who didn’t make it up here this year, we had an old-fashioned North Country winter, with a frozen Lake George, ample snow and cold temperatures. Despite this, we didn’t slow down with our work to protect the land that protects the lake.

lence, and intend to be a permanent part of the Lake George watershed, here to look after our land for perpetuity. As a Commissioner, I can tell you that there is no greater mark of trust and excellence in the land trust community than to attain this status.

Over the winter, our staff spent long hours in the woods monitoring the watershed’s hemlock trees to look for signs of the hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA). As winter is the best time to spot these invasive pests, our land steward, Alex, hiked over 130 miles to search for any infestations. Happily, he did not find any.

With all of these great things happening, the winter did come with some sad news. Former LGLC board member Hugh Roberts passed away in December. A kind, compassionate, and generous man, his presence is already missed by the LGLC staff and all who knew him. Hugh was an example of what a single person can do, and what kind of legacy we can leave behind. We all have an opportunity every day to make an impact on the world around us; our world, here at Lake George, relies on people like Hugh who find a purpose in protecting this lake and supporting an organization like the LGLC to do so.

During these past few months we have also been planning a long list of summer tasks. Among them are improvements to the trails at the Preserve at Pilot Knob, Amy’s Park and Godwin Preserve. We are also excited to continue our partnership with the towns of Queensbury and Lake George to assist with the creation of trails on the recently transferred French Mountain property. All of this will allow more visitors to learn about the importance of protecting all of the watershed’s natural resources, from its mountain summits to the lake’s shore. We recently started the process to renew our status as an accredited land trust with the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. By maintaining this status, it assures all of you that we are undertaking our work in an ethical manner, that we are striving for excel-

This summer, I hope you find a way to enjoy the lake and all of its surroundings like never before. Join us for a hike, presentation, or go out to find a piece of your own quiet paradise. Thank you for all that you do,

Jamie Brown Executive Director

LGLC viewshed: Spring/Summer 2019

l con The American beaver has been a part of the Lake George watershed long before humans set foot here, significantly affecting the water quality and landscape. Unfortunately, human/ beaver conflicts have led to a misunderstanding of the good work that beavers do for all of us. In fact, their role in the watershed is crucial in protecting the water quality of the lake. Only a few hundred years ago, there were as many as 400 million beavers in North America. At that time, beavers lived in nearly every body of water in New England. From habitat destruction and trapping, which was done to harvest fur pelts to turn into once fashionable beaver fur hats, by the late 1800’s as few as 100,000 beavers remained in the U.S. With beavers gone, dams were not maintained and as a result, many wetlands and ponds drained and the land dried up. At that time, people did not understand the important role beavers played in ecology. Even today, their importance is misunderstood by many who consider the beaver to be a detriment to the landscape. While even the most passionate of beaver advocates recognize the problems they can cause, it is important to also recognize the benefits of sharing the watershed with these tiny civil engineers. 4

LGLC viewshed: Spring/Summer 2019

Beavers are called “ecosystem engineers”—they alter the environment around them to create an ecosystem that they can thrive in. When a family of beavers moves into an area, they get to work right away cutting down trees with their sharp incisors and using these trees to build a dam. The dam pools water and creates a wetland environment, which keeps beavers safe from many predators. In forming this wetland, beavers unknowingly create habitat that many other species depend on. Freshwater wetlands, many made by beavers, are some of the most biodiverse and valuable land-based ecosystems in the world. In fact, almost half of the endangered species that live in North America require wetlands to survive. Slowing down the flow of water also benefits the water quality of our lake. During large storm events and springtime snow-melt, beaver ponds act like a sponge and collect large volumes of water, which slows water and reduces downstream erosion. Slowing the flow of water allows time for the sediment and nutrients found in the water to settle to the bottom of the pond, where they can later be absorbed by plants. Studies have shown that a single dam can significantly reduce the amount of sediment, nitrogen and phosphorus in downstream waterways.

Beavers: engineers land stewards nservationists America’s largest rodents, beavers have been changing the country’s landscape for more than 10,000 years. Their dams create ponds, which serve as natural water resevoirs that filter out sediment and excess nutrients.

Today, the LGLC is working to balance the benefits that beavers provide to the water quality of Lake George with any issues that beavers may cause for private landowners. By acquiring sensitive lands where beavers live, using innovative tools such as “beaver deceivers,” which work to bypass beaver dams to help regulate water levels and prevent flooding, and working with nearby landowners to understand where beavers may be creating problems, we can establish long-term solutions that include these animals as partners—not enemies—in protecting water quality. This way, they can continue to do their work, and keep providing the amazing benefits for Lake George as they have for hundreds of years.

CONSERVATION HIGHLIGHT

Warner Bay Wetlands On January 15, 2019 the Lake George Land Conservancy completed a transaction to protect 13 acres along the edge of the Warner Bay wetlands in the Town of Queensbury. The strip of land adjoins the larger 1,400-acre Dunham Bay Marsh owned and protected by New York State (NYS) Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) since 1980. The 13-acre property was held by Warren County for unpaid taxes; instead of taking it to auction the County approached the LGLC with the offer of donating the land for conservation purposes. We are grateful to the County Supervisors for this generous donation of land and for entrusting the Lake George Land Conservancy with its care. Protecting wetlands such as these is the most efficient and costeffective way to protect the water quality of our special lake. Located on the south side of Ridge Rd/Rt 9L, the strip of land follows the edge of the wetlands south of Warner Bay, providing a buffer to the sensitive wetlands that can now be monitored by the LGLC to prevent possible dumping or other causes of pollution into the wetlands ecosystem. The property is 100% freshwater forested/ shrub wetland, a portion of which is a specific natural community identified by the NYS Natural Heritage Program as a Black Spruce-Tamarack Bog, which is home to several rare plant and animal species. Because Lake George flows north, the quality of the water entering the lake through these wetlands is especially important to the health and quality of the lake as a whole.

FIND OUT MORE: BEAVERS—ENGINEERING AMERICA NYS DEC wildlife technician Jessica Haggerty will lead an evening Walk & Talk at Amy’s Park on National Trails Day®, Saturday, June 1! Take an easy trek to the beaver pond for a discussion about the humble beaver. See page 17 for more info.

LGLC viewshed: Spring/Summer 2019

Bolton Hub: Land Protection Offers Opportunities Land conserved by the LGLC works to filter, clean, and protect the water that flows into Lake George, and it will continue to do so for generations to come. While this is our focus and primary goal of all of our land conservation efforts, the benefits don’t need to end there. We are working with the Town of Bolton to use protected land in another way: our preserves, managed lands, and future acquisitions within Bolton will help the town to become a premier destination for outdoor recreation and exploration, and be an asset to the downtown economy. The idea of the Town of Bolton as a “recreational hub” started with Bolton Town Supervisor Ron Conover and Tony Hall, owner of the Lake George Mirror, a regional newspaper based out of Bolton Landing. After learning that Bolton rivals Lake Placid for the number of people visiting for recreational purposes, the two thought that Bolton should take advantage of its unique advantages. In response, the LGLC, the Town, and the Bolton Landing Chamber of Commerce came together and asked The Chazen Companies to develop a plan. The resulting Bolton Recreational Hub Strategy is a 96page compilation of stakeholder interviews, an inventory of exisiting trails and public spaces, reviews of past plans, and recommendations for moving forward. For the LGLC, the plan offers ideas for improvements on existing preserves that will offer better experiences for visitors, including ways that people can learn about the importance of protecting land for the benefit of water quality. The plan also identifies potential opportunities to connect existing LGLC preserves to State lands 6

LGLC viewshed: Spring/Summer 2019

for expanded recreation (including multi-use trails) and natural resource protection.

BOLTON HUB DELIVERABLES • Recognizable branding for the Hub, used on signage and handout materials;

“We know that you can conserve land and protect water quality while, at the same time, providing public access,” said Paul Cummings, co-author of the plan, told the Lake George Mirror. “These things are not mutually exclusive.” If the recommendations in the plan were fully implemented, a person could start a hike from Bolton Landing’s downtown and reach Tongue Mountain and much of Bolton’s uplands, following wooded trails for nearly the whole experience.

• Road and trailhead “wayfinding” signage to help visitors easily find and identify properties that are part of the Hub;

PINNACLE

For the Town, the plan identifies ways to create a marketing campaign that would allow visitors to learn about these opportunities and all that Bolton has to offer. Marketing the system of trails and connecting them to the restaurants and businesses in town would be the responsibility of the Town and Chamber. However, as a member of the Chamber, the LGLC will help with this aspect of the plan where possible within its own materials. Ultimately, the Hub will work to enhance our ability to protect land and provide opportunities to increase the public’s understanding of why our work is important to the lake. At the same time, it will provide a benefit to the community where we work. The Bolton Recreational Hub is a real win for Lake George.

1.0

TOWN OF

BOLTON

PINNACLE

TOW AWAY ZONE

PINNACLE

Vehicular/Pedestrian Roadway Signs

Trail

1.0

Entrance Sign

Trail Wayfinding

Interpretative Sign Above: examples of wayfinding signs as provided in the plan.

Tra

Town of Bolton • Educational signageLGLC alongand trails to enhance visitor experience and increase opportunities for learning about land conservation and our native plants and animals;

• Smart marketing to draw new visitors to year-round recreational opportunities while increasing traffic to the Bolton downtown and regional businesses. Right: the plan’s overall concept map for the Recreational Hub shows existing recreational assets as well as proposed areas for linking those resources, and locations for enhancements such as signage.

FIND OUT MORE The final Bolton Recreational Hub Strategy will be available on the LGLC’s website this summer. We will also provide a review and discussion about the Hub during our summer kick-off party, the Summer Solstice Soirée, at the Bolton Landing Brewing Co. Thursday, June 20th, and at its Block Party and Annual Meeting, Saturday, August 17th at Up Yonda Farm. Bring questions! See pages 16 and 17 for more information on these events.

CONSERVATION HIGHLIGHTS

French Mt. Project Completed The final transaction in the protection of 317 acres on French Mountain in the south basin was completed January 31, 2019. (See our original story about this project in the Fall/Winter 2018 viewshed.) Now owned by the Towns of Queensbury and Lake George, the land is protected with a conservation easement held by the LGLC. The towns and LGLC have continued our partnership to work on plans to create a multi-use trail system, and procure the funding required to construct the trails. We expect that at least one short section of trail will be open to the public this summer; check lglc.org/hike-lake-george for updates!

Land Protection in Dresden The LGLC has signed a purchase agreement for a 116-acre forested property in the Town of Dresden, Washington County. The land includes two tributaries of Foster Brook, equalling more than 1,000 feet of stream corridor, as well as 2 acres of beaver pond/wetland habitat. Foster Brook is one of several tributaries that enter Lake George at Huletts Landing, and a focus of our Huletts Landing Conservation Initiative. Protecting the wetlands and stream corridors in this steep region of the watershed is crucial to managing stormwater flow and reducing the amount of sediment and contaminants entering Lake George.

A stream on the newly protected 116-acre property in Dresden.

Hunters and Conservation By Guest Contributor Dan Ladd. Dan pens a weekly outdoors column for The Chronicle in Glens Falls. It was late in the 2017 big game season, and rather warm for the final days of November. I was poking along a ridge making a deer drive to my fellow hunting partners, all the while catching views of Lake George through the treetops, when something on the landscape caught my eye. As I inched closer to what was a partially uprooted tree, I began to realize that it appeared to be a black bear den. Sure enough, the earth below the tree-root had been dug out and not one, but two piles of bear scat outside the den confirmed my suspicions. I snapped a few photos and got on with my hunt. A week later, when hunting a nearby area, two of my fellow hunters spotted a black bear, but they were more interested in a white-tailed buck and let the bear go by unharmed. These are the types of experiences that we as hunters have all the time. I like to believe that we see things that other outdoor recreationists simply donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, especially when it comes to wildlife. All of it would not be possible without lands to freely roam on. When it comes to hunting, the Adirondack Forest Preserve has much to offer in terms of large chunks of acreage where hunters like me, who average four miles or more on a good hunting day, can stretch our legs. The lands that the Lake George Land Conservancy has either helped add to the Forest Preserve, or those which remain in their holding, provide access and in some cases connect or are adjacent to other Forest Preserve parcels. Hunting is popular in the mountains along the shores of Lake George. Trees like oak and even beech, which produce mast crops are in abundance, perhaps more so than in other areas of the Adirondacks. This, along with solid wintering habitat like hemlock, make the area home to a healthy whitetail population, and also the occasional black bear. Small game animals like the wild turkey, snowshoe (varying) hare call some of these lands home. And, depending on their habitat, so do furbearers like fisher and mink. Hunting and conservation go hand in hand. In 1937 the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act was passed which levied an excise tax on firearms, ammunition and hunting gear that has expanded today to include items like archery tackle and optics. The money is appropriated back to each state and certain amounts must be used for wildlife restoration and habitat improvements. In New York, these funds, known as Pittman-Robertson funds (named after the legislators who championed the bill), are often used to purchase and manage Wildlife Management Areas, such as the continued, next page

LGLC viewshed: Spring/Summer 2019

Hemlocks, HWA in the News Our local eastern hemlocks got a lot of attention this winter, as a local newspaper and public television station featured the signature trees and our efforts to protect them. The plight of our hemlocks is newsworthy because of the impending threat of the hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), a small invasive insect that can infest and kill entire hemlock forests. In January, Glens Falls Post-Star journalist Gwen Craig joined LGLC Land Steward Alex Novick and Conservation Manager Monica Dore at Amy's Park to get an up-close look at the trees that make up an estimated 60% of Lake George forests. In her resulting story, printed January 27, 2019, Gwen concluded, “Walking under the hemlock-filled canopy at Amy’s Park, Dore and Novick said

the place would look unrecognizable without hemlocks. Monday, the only white they found was snow.” In fact, the entire ecosystem would be unrecognizable, as a loss of hemlocks would not only have a visual effect, but would impact every other plant and animal that now calls these forests home. Hemlocks commonly grow along streams, and their roots help to stabilize the delicate banks. The shade they cast and chemical composition of their needles affect everything beneath them, both on the ground and in the water. In March, a group of volunteers joined Monica and Alex at the Cat and Thomas Mountains Preserve as part of their HWA monitor training. The excursion was documented by Thom Hallock, anchor and producer

READ AND WATCH: LGLC IN THE NEWS Craig, Gwendolyn “Experts: Winter is a good time to check hemlock trees for invasive bug.” The Post-Star [Glens Falls], 27 Jan. 2019, pC1 Mountain Lake PBS. Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Hunting Season [Video file]. (2019, March 22). https://mountainlake.org/hemlock-woolly-adelgid-hunting-season/

The Crooked Canes joined the LGLC to help monitor hemlocks for the presence of hemlock woolly adelgid.

at Mountain Lake PBS, who was reporting on HWA as part of “Peril and Promise,” a national public media initiative exploring the impact of Climate Change. The volunteers were all part of a hiking group called the Crooked Canes, outdoor enthusiasts who wanted to learn about HWA and help the LGLC in our early-detection efforts. This, and other coverage through our partnerships with the New York State Hemlock Initiative, run out of Cornell University, and the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APIPP), has helped to spread the word about HWA, and the importance of diligent stewardship of our lands. More information can be found at lglc.org/land-conservation/invasives. To help as a volunteer monitor or to report a possible sighting, contact Monica at mdore@lglc.org.

Hunters and Conservation From previous page nearby Washington County Grasslands. P-R funds contributed greatly to the Adirondack moose study which is wrapping up, and just goes to show they benefit much more than game species pursued by hunters.

Wooly Adelgid, as it often shows its ugly head during the later part of the hunting season. All of this while helping to keep wildlife populations in check and being good stewards of the land.

Getting back to the Adirondacks, hunters are helping identify invasive species and are expected to play a key role as watchdogs for the Hemlock

Hunting is perhaps the oldest of outdoor recreational pursuits and is still enjoyed by many, primarily during the fall months. It is proven to be very safe

and the end result is organic food on the table of the hunter, their families and quite often, those who benefit from the philanthropy offered by the most courteous of hunters. The hunter’s role in conservation has always been a positive one.

LGLC viewshed: Spring/Summer 2019

Paul Cummings Joins Board

Thank You

The LGLC welcomed Glens Falls and Bolton resident Paul Cummings to its Board of Directors in February 2019.

We gratefully recognize the service of Chuck Cumming and Jim Wolitarsky, both of whom recently finished their time on the Board.

“I believe serving on the LGLC’s Board of Directors will provide me with an opportunity to play a meaningful role in helping to preserve Lake George.” In addition to having a wealth of knowledge and experience related to planning and land use, Paul brings a real love of the lake and connection to this place. He will make a great addition to our already strong group of community leaders. Paul is a Senior Planner and Project Manager at The Chazen Companies, a multi-disciplinary engineering, planning and land surveying firm with an office in Glens Falls. His background includes working with various land trusts, nonprofits, and municipali-

ties to identify conservation priorities and strategies, and developing smart growth land use plans that focus on sustainability and preservation of natural and cultural resources. He is also skilled in public participation and using various mapping, visualization and data management technologies. “Having grown up in Bolton,” Paul said, “I have a deep and abiding connection to Lake George. My grandparents, after decades of spending their summer months on St. Sacrament Island, retired to Bolton. My parents and brother still reside in Bolton, and I share a second home in Basin Bay with my extended family. I believe serving on the LGLC’s Board of Directors will provide me with an opportunity to play a meaningful role in helping to preserve Lake George so that my two boys will enjoy the same experiences that I look back on so fondly.” Paul has a Masters degree from the University of Albany in Urban and Regional Planning, Environmental Plan-

Chuck joined the Board in 2013 and held the office of Vice President of Human Resources from 2015 until March 2019. Jim sat on the Board from 2016 until January 2019, and was a member of the finance and Human Resources committees. We are grateful for both Chuck’s and Jim's passion for the protection of Lake George, and for their time spent working with the LGLC to advance our mission. ning and Community Development, and is AICP and LEED® AP certified and has trained at the National Charrette Institute (NCI). He lives in Glens Falls with his wife Katy and their two young sons.

In Memoriam: Hugh D. Roberts The Lake George Land Conservancy staff and Board of Directors were deeply saddened by the passing of one of its own, Hugh Roberts, in December of 2018. Hugh served on the LGLC Board of Directors from 2004 to 2014, when he transitioned to the Advisory Board after completing the maximum three consecutive terms. He was an enthusiastic member of the Conservation Committee, eager to help with conservation projects that would make a difference for Lake George. Hugh also worked with staff to create innovative ways of reaching out to new audiences, and provided encouragement whenever needed. Hugh was a diligent and tireless project manager during the construction and renovation of the LGLC’s Macionis Family Center for Conservation. From the building’s purchase in December of 2004 to its grand opening in 2007, Hugh spent countless hours working with staff, the contractors, and suppliers to make sure the office space would be welcoming and professional. A resident of Bolton, Hugh loved boating, water skiing, running, good food and wine, and his lab, Abby. His kindness, and passion for Lake George and the LGLC will always be remembered fondly. 10

LGLC viewshed: Spring/Summer 2019

Land and Water Society

FUNDING HIGHTLIGHTS

Providing Resources to Solve Future Challenges

Grants For Land and Programs

Challenges facing Lake George will never go away, but with the right resources, we can face them, and you can help. Regardless of your capacity to give today, you can be a part of a strong defense in the future. A commitment through your estate plans can ensure that the LGLC—and the lake itself—is ready to act when needed. Imagine Lake George in 2119… how do you see it and how do you want it to be? What impact do you want to have on the future of the lake? The LGLC’s Land and Water Society is a home for those who want to ensure their vision of Lake George is one that lasts another hundred years and beyond. It's important to note that planned giving is not about a dollar amount; it is about a passion, commitment, and desire to help with unknown challenges in the future. If you would like more information about the LGLC’s Land and Water Society, or simply wish add the LGLC’s into your personal legacy plan, please contact Helen Barton Benedict at 518-644-9673 or email hbartonbenedict@lglc.org. We welcome you to join us!

Accreditation Renewal The LGLC is applying for renewal of accreditation, overseen by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. A public comment period is now open. The Commission invites public input and accepts comments on pending applications. Go to lglc.org/news for more information about the process. First accredited in 2014, the LGLC is one of 400 land trusts nationwide that have achieved this mark of distinction after completing a rigorous review process. Voluntary accreditation provides independent verification that land trusts meet the high standards for land conservation, stewardship and nonprofit management in the nationally-recognized Land Trust Standards and Practices. Accreditation fosters continuous improvement as land trusts maintain their accredited status by applying for renewal every five years. By renewing its accreditation, the LGLC is affirming its commitment to a network of organizations united by strong ethical practices. LEARN MORE: LTA AT LGLC ANNUAL MEETING Meme Hanley, NY Program Manager for the Land Trust Alliance, will provide insight into the land trust community and the value of accreditation during the LGLC's Annual Meeting on Saturday, August 17th. See page 16 for details.

The LGLC has been awarded $78,000 from the New York State Conservation Partnership Program, which is funded by the Environmental Protection Fund. Of this award, $40,000 will fund the implementation of needs identified within the Bolton Recreational Hub Strategy (see page 6). The remaining $38,000 will help cover costs incurred in the protection of French Mt. (see page 8 for more info). The Cloudsplitter Foundation generously awarded the LGLC a $20,000 matching challenge grant to new donors supporting the Indian Brook/Northwest Bay Brook Conservation Initiative. Specifically, the Cloudsplitter grant will be put towards acquisition costs of the 159acre Wing Pond property, purchased by the LGLC in December, 2016. This property, which is within the scope of the Initiative, includes 15 acres of sensitive wetlands, 750 feet of stream corridor, and important habitat for birds and wildlife. The LGLC received a $4,000 grant from the Lake Champlain Basin Program’s (LCBP) Local Implementation Grant program, in cooperation with the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission. The funding allowed the LGLC to purchase equipment for better office and field efficiency, as well as for public programs. One of the items purchased was a Trimble Tablet for our field staff to utilize when walking properties, mapping boundary lines and significant natural features, and translating information into accurate maps for office and public use. We are also grateful to International Paper’s Ticonderoga Mill, which donated the paper used for the printing of this newsletter. Thank you!

LGLC viewshed: Spring/Summer 2019

SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT

We welcome the following new supporters who made their first gift to the LGLC between September 1, 2018 and January 31, 2019. Anonymous Rik and Linda Alexanderson Rosemary Alfonso Richard Allington and Ann Franzen James and Lyn-Rae Ashley Gerald and Peggy Ann Bielak Paul and Maureen Bondi Lee Briggs Volker and Axel Burkowski Barbara Burr Raymond and Sandra Butler Marianne and Bob Campbell David and Jennifer Campbell Phillip J. and Hyla Casabona Margaret Cassano and Tom Way Edward Cassano Joseph Cherubino and Deborah Myers Michael and Leslie Ciauro Blair and Nicole Ciccarelli James Clemmer Elizabeth Close Henry and Cheryl Clutsam Nancy and Bill Conger Frank Congiusta William and Ann Beth Constad Nicole Cox

David and Ellin M. Crosby Karen Cunningham Travis Darrin Megan and Dayton Dedrick Brian Dillenbeck Janice Dime and Johanna Rodgers Elk Lake Lodge Rick and Nancy Elkin Thomas and Gladys Ellett Rebecca Evansky Joseph and Patricia Favero Thomas Ferguson Daniel Flanagan Forest Hill Lodging LLC Carla Fox Dan and Cherry Gallagher Steve and Kelly S. Gilbertson Barbara Goffredo Pamela Gould Christian Hanchett Brendan and Karen L. Hanley Charles Harding and Karen Ryan Maryalice and Sue Hartshorn Phyllis Hillinger Rebecca Hocking Susan Holahan

Corine Houry-Kling Mary Kaier Jan Kassel Glenn and Roxanne Keith Robert Kellerman Dara Kelly Jeremy Kergel Christopher and Lee A. Kruger Cheryl Kuster David Landsman John and Elizabeth Leary Edward Linville LOCALadk Magazine Warren and Susan T. Lucas William and Belinda MacArthur David and Anne Manchester Christopher and Amy Markin William Mayer Melody Manor Dean Merrill and Michele Sellingham Matthew Miczek David and Theresa Middleton Wanda Mitko Patrick Moore Debra Morfea Payne Morgan and Brooke Bauer

â&#x20AC;&#x153;What better than to donate to an organziation that conserves Lake George?â&#x20AC;? 12

LGLC viewshed: Spring/Summer 2019

Rodney and Sheryl L. Mortensen Mary Munhall Nature’s Sake Photography, LLC Patricia Neuman Nathan and Kira Olson Paine Family Fund Amanda Picotte Lucy Pittman Jennifer Powell Suzanne Pye and Melissa Faulkner Delia Quellman Judith Rebholtz Seth and Diana Riddle John Ripp Katherine Robeson Robert Robichaud David and Holly L. Robinson Georgianna Ryan Nick Sander Allison Sarfati Ann Marie Scheidegger Edward and Karen Seaton Tom and Janice Segerstrom Duane and Barbara Semcken Courtney Shaver Silverwood Home & Gallery

Peter and Laura Sobel Southwest Airlines Michael and Karen B. Spano Nancy Stannard Grace Strong John and Carolyn J. Swan Jessica Sweeney Hazel Teese Joseph Terry Stephen and Ann Thompson Anne Thompson-Lizor Daniel and Adele Tomasetti Stuart Tucker Thomas Uncher and Jane E. Daley C. Scott and Colleen Vanderhoef Richard Villamil Jaclyn Wallace Michael Wiener Christopher and Leigh Wilson

George and Dianne Wilson Mary Wrobel Jaime Yang Chad and Mary Zakaib Jitka Zobal-Ratner, MD

Our thanks to Lynn O. Wilson, who gifted her handmade weavings to friends and family asking only to “pay it forward” to an organization of their choice. Her kind words about the LGLC inspired several to direct their donations to us. As one donor said, “What better than to donate to an organziation that conserves Lake George.” We are grateful for this act of kindness and generousity from Lynn and those she has touched.

LGLC viewshed: Spring/Summer 2019

7th annual The Lake George Land Conservancy’s Hike-A-Thon is gearing up for its 7th year! Bigger and better than ever, this year’s event includes an after party at the Charles R. Wood Festival Commons in Lake George Village. And it’s all still FREE to you, thanks to our generous sponsors!

Early-bird registration ended April 30. General registration May 1- June 14.

LGLC viewshed: Spring/Summer 2019

2019 MAJOR PARTNERS & SPONSORS

Info and Registration: lakegeorgehikeathon.org

BOLTON LANDING, NY

Arcurio Consulting | Clothier Planning and Consulting Dunham’s Bay Resort

IN-KIND SPONSORS

Adirondack Etching | Dunham's Bay Marina | Nuun Hydration The Write Mode Podcast Special thanks Valley View Farm, Dean Cook and Family, and our partner sites for hosting the Hike-A-Thon!

BE A SPONSOR! Photos from the 2018 Hike-A-Thon © Carl Heilman, II/Wild Visions, Inc.

It’s not too late to join the party! Go to lakegeorgehikeathon.org/sponsors to find out how you can be part of this year's Hike-A-Thon and after party. LGLC viewshed: Spring/Summer 2019

20th Annual

LAND

&WATER

C onservation C elebration

Friday, August 2, 2019 at The Inn at Erlowest HONORARY COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Rick & Paula Dhein

John J. Macionis & Ellen Joy Liburt

This year’s event will include a silent auction, basket raffle, live Fund-A-Need with Auctioneer Sherry Truhlar, and dancing with live music by The New York Players. Over the past 19 years, the Celebration has served as a major fundraiser for our efforts, generating more than $2.6 million for programs that protect the land that protects the lake.

The Makowski Trust

Michael & Marie O’Reilly

Invitations to the LGLC’s 20th annual Celebration will be arriving by mail in May, but you can register today! To RSVP: go to lglc.org/celebration Call 518-644-9673 | Email mvidarte@lglc.org Reservations are requested by July 19th.

Block Party and Annual Meeting: August 17th Please join us on Saturday, August 17, 2019, from 11 am to 2 pm at Up Yonda Farm Environmental Education Center in Bolton Landing for our Block Party and Annual Meeting! Open to all, we're hosting this fun, free, family-friendly event to thank our supporters and friends, and to provide insight to our year's conservation efforts and organizational standing. Our annual meeting portion of the event will be held in Up Yonda's auditorium, with keynote speaker Meme Hanley, New York Program Manager for the Land Trust Alliance. During this presentation we will discuss our current projects, including the Bolton Hub and other conservation efforts, and we will be recognizing our Volunteers of the Year. The Block Party will include local food trucks, including Adirondack Brewery’s Hops, Chops and Roll Truck; live bluegrass music by the TnT Acoustic Duo—Tom Brady and Tony Cocca; face painting; pond exploration and other ac16

LGLC viewshed: Spring/Summer 2019

PLANNED SCHEDULE 11 am - noon

Annual Meeting in the Auditorium

11 am - 2 pm

Ongoing: activities, food trucks, live music

1:00 pm

Guided hike to the view

tivities; a guided hike; and partner tables for educational and hands-on learning. Up Yonda Farm is a 73-acre educational nature center run by Warren County. Their educators provide nature programs year-round and the grounds include a butterfly house, sensory garden, natural history museum, and woodland trails all open for exploration. More details coming soon! Want to help us plan and organize this event? Contact Michele at mvidarte@lglc.org or call 518644-9673 to find out how. Thank you!



2019 Walks & Talks

Walk on Water

The LGLC was able to hold its annual Walk on Water to Dome Island in February, after several years of cancellations due to lack of sufficient ice on the lake. Dome Island Committee members Henry Caldwell, Zandy Gabriels and Peter White helped to lead two groups to the protected island; in total 51 people experienced this year's exclusive winter excursion. The LGLC has organzed the 1-mile walk to Dome Island since 2006 to promote the the island’s unique ecosystem and its benefactor, John S. Apperson, Jr., who donated the land to The Nature Conservancy in 1956. The LGLC has acted as its steward for more than 10 years. In “A History of Dome Island,” 2001, Arthur Newkirk describes the 16-acre island as “the only island of reasonable size in the lake that has not been built on, cut over, or cleared for camping. It thus furnishes a baseline to which changes elsewhere may be compared.” Per Apperson’s wishes, the island has been left untouched, except for scientific and educational use. The LGLC's winter trek is made possible with special permission from the Dome Island Committee, and allows us to share a special history of Lake George and one of its first and most influential conservationists.

Summer Solstice Soirée Celebrate the start of the summer season with our 2nd Annual Summer Solstice Soirée, Thursday, June 20th from 6 - 8 pm, at the Bolton Landing Brewing Company! Organized by the LGLC’s Next Generation Committee, this casual event will give you an opportunity to meet and learn more about the next generation of leaders in conservation in our area. This year, the Soiree will feature an interactive discussion on the LGLC’s Bolton Recreational Hub Strategy (see page 6) with board member Paul Cummings and Ethan Gaddy, both planners with the Chazen Companies and authors of the plan. The event is free with a suggested $15 donation at the door; all proceeds will go towards the NextGen’s efforts to raise money for a new kiosk at LGLC’s Amy’s Park, the location of the group’s flagship event, Amy’s Adventure Race for the Lake. Vintage LGLC trail signs will be raffled off with proceeds going towards the new kiosk. The evening will also feature light appetizers, cash bar, raffles and more. Follow LGLC on Facebook and Instagram for updates! To join the email list or for questions, email Michele at mvidarte@lglc.org.

Most events are free but require advance registration. Visit lglc.org for more information, updates, and to register online. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @HikeLakeGeorge and join our email list to get up-to-date event notices and changes. LLS: Living Lands Series—free summer evening presentations Saturday, June 1: Beavers: Engineering America, Walk & Talk 6 - 7:30 pm; Amy’s Park, Padanarum Rd, Bolton Join NYS DEC wildlife technician Jessica Haggerty for this National Trails Day® easy evening trek to the Park’s beaver pond and discussion about the ways the humble beaver has shaped the landscape and our country. Thursday, June 6: Volunteer Work Day—Invasive Honeysuckle 10 am - 1 pm; Cook Mt Preserve, Ticonderoga Help the LGLC as we continue to remove invasive shrubby honeysuckle from the forest understory at Cook Mt Preserve. Saturday, June 8: Wilderness Survival and Backcountry Safety 10 am - 1 pm; Pole Hill Pond Forest Preserve, Bolton Licensed guide David Muska of Ondatra Adventures will lead this workshop to explore fundamental skills and tools of wilderness survival, including shelter building, edible and medicinal plants, fire building, water purification and more. This is a great course for hikers, backpackers, hunters, and outdoors people alike. Geared towards adults. $25 per person Thursday, June 20: Summer Solstice Soirée 6 - 8 pm; Bolton Landing Brewing Co. 4933 Lake Shore Dr, Bolton Celebrate the start of the summer with our annual Soirée, hosted by the LGLC Next Generation Committee. Learn about our events, projects, and how to get involved, while enjoying the view with friends! Light appetizers, raffles and cash bar. lglc.org/nextgeneration Suggested donation $15 per person. Wednesday, June 26: LLS - A Hemlock Forest Story 5:30 pm; LGLC Office, 4905 Lake Shore Dr., Bolton Charlotte Malmborg of NYS Hemlock Initiative at Cornell University will join LGLC staff for this discussion about our hemlock forests and current threats from invasive insects like the hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA). Friday, July 5: Lake George 7th Annual Hike-A-Thon Join hundreds of others for our flagship event. Choose from 17 different hiking or paddling sites, PLUS join the new after party! Free shirt with registration until April 30; last day to register, June 14. Site info, sponsorships, volunteer opportunities, and registration at LakeGeorgeHikeAThon.org. Wednesday, July 10: LLS - Adirondack Place Names 5:30 pm; LGLC Office, 4905 Lake Shore Dr., Bolton Have you ever wondered, “Why is that thing called that?” Author and adventurer Erik Schlimmer will decode 100 Adirondack place names in rousing detail, supported by a backdrop of his photos from the wilderness. Wednesday, July 17: LLS - Below the Surface... 5:30 pm; LGLC Office, 4905 Lake Shore Dr., Bolton DEC Aquatic Biologist Jim Pinheiro will lead this presentation on the aquatic life of Lake George and other Adirondack lakes and ponds.

@HikeLakeGeorge #HikeLakeGeorge 518-644-9673 | www.lglc.org

Registrations are required unless otherwise noted. Events and details subject to change. Follow us on Facebook and check lglc.org to register and for more info and updates!

Wednesday, July 24: LLS - Landscapes Lost and Found 5:30 pm; LGLC Office, 4905 Lake Shore Dr., Bolton In conjunction with the Bolton Historical Museum, this discussion on the Museum’s summer exhibit, “Landscapes Lost and Found: Two Centuries of Art from Bolton Landing,” will be led by artists Rebecca Smith and Victoria Palermo, and moderated by author Michael Coffey. Friday, August 2: Land & Water Conservation Celebration LGLC’s 20th annual dinner and fundraiser at the Inn at Erlowest on Lake George. Live auction with Auctioneer Sherry Truhlar, silent auction and raffles, full open bar, and live music and dancing with The New York Players. $125-$150 per person. Wednesday, August 7: LLS - Adirondack Loons 5:30 pm; LGLC Office, 4905 Lake Shore Dr., Bolton Discover the biology and behaviors of our native loons with wildlife veterinarian and biologist Dr. Nina Schoch, also Executive Director of the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation.

LGLC Swag Did you know the LGLC has a store? Stocked with t-shirts, hats, and handy gifts, we’re open for business. Plus, proceeds from every sale supports our mission to protect the land that protects the lake. Go to lglcstore.myshopify.com, or go to lglc.org and click on the Store link, to shop. Lake George Watershed Decal, $2

6-inch white durable sticker with lake and “LGLC” cut-outs; show your support of the land that protects the lake!

LGLC T-Shirts, $15

Super soft cotton/poly blend in heather gray, screenprinted on front and back.

Wednesday, August 14: LLS - When the Railroads Came to LG 5:30 pm; LGLC Office, 4905 Lake Shore Dr., Bolton Lake George Town and Village Historian Margy Mannix will present this story of the D&H Railway, trolley, and the incline railway on Prospect Mountain. Thursday, August 15: Invasives Species Seminar 7 - 8 pm; Hague Community Center, 9793 Graphite Mountain Rd Did you ever wonder what that bamboo-like plant is that’s growing all over? Or how to get rid of it? LGLC staff will lead this overview of the area’s most common terrestrial invasive plants and insects, how to identify them, and safe and effective control methods. (answer: Japanese knotweed!) Saturday, August 17: LGLC Block Party & Annual Meeting 11 am - 2 pm; Up Yonda Farm, 5239 Lake Shore Dr, Bolton Join us for our free, family-friendly block party at Up Yonda featuring local food trucks, kids activities and more. Annual Meeting to include keynote speaker Meme Hanley, NY Program manager for the Land Trust Alliance. More details and schedule at lglc.org/events-and-programs/2019-block-party Wednesday, August 21: LLS - Adirondack Wildlife Refuge 5:30 pm; LGLC Office, 4905 Lake Shore Dr., Bolton Join Wendy Hall from the Adirondack Wildlife Refuge as she presents on rehabbing wildlife, including wolves, foxes, bears, coyotes, bobcats, a porcupine, opossum, owls, hawks, peregrine falcon, ravens, and a turkey vulture. Saturday, September 28: 3rd Annual Amy’s Race 7 am - 1 pm; Amy’s Park, Padanarum Rd, Bolton A true trail run, this 4.5-mile race course follows trails throughout Amy’s Park in Bolton, including up a mountain, over bridges and through the beautiful woods surrounding an active beaver pond. Awards ceremony, raffle prizes, and after party. LGLC.org/events-and-programs/amys-race PLUS! LGLC, Out and About Come out and say "Hi!" The LGLC will have a booth at the Bolton Landing Farmers' Market on these Fridays, from 9 am to 2 pm: June 28, July 12 & 26, and August 2 & 9; And at the Glens Falls Farmers' Market on Saturday, May 18, from 8 am to noon.

@HikeLakeGeorge #HikeLakeGeorge 518-644-9673 | www.lglc.org

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2019 Hike-A-Thon Merchandise

New Hike-A-Thon merchandise is available now for purchase at the LGLC online store, but will NOT be shipped. All of these items will be included in your goody bags if you’re signed up for the event, or for pick up at the LGLC office after July 5th.

Hike-A-Thon Pennant, $5

Wave to the helicopter with style with these 18-inch long felt pennants!

Carabiner Mug, $12

Lightweight, stainless steel mug easily clips to your pack; your new must-have for the summer!

Water Bottle, $16

28-oz aluminum bottle with flip-top spout and loop. For cold drinks only.

Baseball Cap, $18

It’s our HAT (Hike-A-Thon) hat! Soft mesh back chino cap with “Lake George Land Conservancy” embroidered on the back.

3rd

September 28 4.5-mile trail run @

Amy's Park in Bolton Landing Early-bird registration: $25; Day-of: $30

Hand-timing & results by Underdog Race Timing

Info & Online Registration (opens Aug. 1): lglc.org/events-and-programs/amys-race

The Wolgin Family

In Their Words: the Baker Family In 1996, our connection to the Lake George region began, as a new summer vacation spot for our family of five from Rochester, NY. We didn’t know it at the time, but this special part of New York was about to steal a place in our hearts and keep us coming back for many years to come. Swimming, fishing, reading, hiking, and singing around the campfire at night, are just a few of our favorite things about our annual summer trip to the region. Our connection to the area grew even stronger when our oldest, Regina, moved to Diamond Point in 2016. Her love for the

outdoors empowered her to join the Lake George Land Conservancy’s NextGen Committee in an effort to make an impact in her new home. We participated in the Committee’s debut event, Amy’s Adventure Race for the Lake, in October of 2017, which gave us another excuse to make the drive to Lake George. We ran the rugged trail race that year, and shared a runner’s high after crossing the finish line. A feeling we all will never forget, and a race which has become a new tradition for our family.

Todd Baker (center), with his daughters, AnnMary (left) and Regina (right) after the 2018 Amy's Race.

LGLC viewshed: Spring/Summer 2018

NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE

Lake George Land Conservancy 4905 Lake Shore Drive P.O. Box 1250 Bolton Landing, NY 12814

Did You Know?

PA ID BOLTON LANDING, NY PERMIT NO. 27

Stay connected! #HikeLakeGeorge /HikeLakeGeorge

Visit www.lglc.org to learn more about the LGLC, including current and past projects, our stewardship efforts, and public events.

A healthy forest, complete with wetlands, vernal pools, and diverse vegetation, is the most effective and efficient tool we have to protect Lake George.

Land conservation naturally prevents stormwater issues, and reduces the amount of sediment, salt, and other pollutants that enter streams and the lake.

@HikeLakeGeorge

The LGLC is the only locally-based organization that harnesses the power of land to permanently protect the water quality of Lake George.

As an accredited land trust, the LGLC meets the highest national standards for excellence and conservation permanence.