focus on quality - The FUND for Lake George

FOCUS ON QUALITY
2011
Annual Report
Advocating for Prevention
of new infestations of aquatic invasive species
New report makes the case for
a mandatory boat inspection
and decontamination
program to protect Lake
George
The FUND for Lake George and Lake George
Waterkeeper have been key leaders in calling for a
new mandatory boat inspection and decontamination
program. The next wave of aquatic invasive species, such
as hydrilla or quagga mussels, will be much worse than
the four that have infested Lake George. We need to get
serious about stopping invasive species before they get
into Lake George.
The new Clean Boats Only report provides information
from around the U.S. on mandatory control programs
for boats to prevent new infestations of aquatic
invasive species and spotlights the highly successful
and comprehensive mandatory boat inspection and
decontamination program for Lake Tahoe.
Join us today and help protect Lake George.
Download the report at www.fundforlakegeorge.org.
®
www.fundforlakegeorge.org | www.lakegeorgewaterkeeper.org
®
FOCUS ON QUALITY
CONTENTS.
Letter from the Chair ....................................................................................................... 2
Letter from the Executive Director.....................................................................................3
2011 Report
Public Education ..................................................................................................4
Lake Science ........................................................................................................ 6
Restoration/West Brook Conservation Initiative ..................................................8
Invasive Species Management & Control ............................................................10
Lake George Waterkeeper ...................................................................................12
Advocacy ............................................................................................................18
2011 Acknowledgment of Supporters ............................................................................ 21
2011/2010 Financial Summary ...................................................................................... 24
Letter from the Chair
2011 was my first year as the FUND’s Chairman after serving as
a Trustee the past six years. I am fairly certain that my passion
for Lake George parallels yours, which is why it is such an honor
to serve in my current role. My family’s association with The
Lake traces back to 1908, and today I am blessed that I’m a year
round resident of the original “camp” that my great-great uncle
built over 100 years ago on Diamond Point. My professional life
has taken me all over America and to much of the rest of the
world, but Lake George has been the core constant in my life.
The Lake which we all love so much is facing an unprecedented
set of challenges to the fundamental water quality and purity
that have always defined it. We have all seen it: the water just
isn’t as clear as it used to be, we see algae on our docks and
shoreline areas that just wasn’t there a few years ago and we are
all aware of the milfoil problem and now universally alarmed
about an invasion of Asian clams. The Lake we love is itself at a watershed moment; at a point in its life cycle where it can start a
potentially severe downward decline in fundamental water quality, or a point where---due to proactive intervention by those who
love it---can remain what Thomas Jefferson once said was “the most beautiful body of water that he ever saw.”
The FUND’s purpose is to tackle these very issues of water quality and sustainability. The foundation of the FUND’s work is that it is
all science-based. Our prescriptions for policy recommendations and action programs are based on facts and lake science. We exist
because we believe that The Lake needs a voice, it needs independent public oversight and it needs problem-solvers focused on the
most important threats to The Lake’s water quality and its surrounding ecosystem.
The three largest overarching threats to The Lake are these: storm water pollution largely from runoff; the advance of invasive
species into our waters, with the current infestation of Asian clams the newest and most frightening of these; and our collective
ability to protect the ‘upland’ areas that anchor the core watershed and ecosystem of The Lake. It is against these and related issues
that the FUND is dedicated, and where we seek your support.
2011 was a very successful year for the FUND. We operated at a true ‘best practice’ level with 86% of every dollar being devoted
to programmatic work. With our partners, we are completing the West Brook Conservation Initiative, which will clean up the
millions of gallons of polluted storm water that enter the South Basin and deliver to the community a beautiful new environmental
park. We won an EPA award for our landmark educational publication Do-It-Yourself Water Quality: A Landowner’s Guide to
Property Management That Protects Lake George. We worked with a broad coalition to proactively attack the Asian clam infestation.
And The Lake George Waterkeeper reviewed scores of projects and brought professional engineering expertise to both property
owners and municipalities.
This is the essence of the FUND’s work. It is why we exist. It is why we seek your assistance.
I want to thank you for your support and belief in what we do. Our Trustees all share a
passionate, powerful and personal connection to Lake George, and we want to see The Lake
protected so that we may all pass it on to our children and grandchildren in the healthiest and
most beautiful condition possible.
Jeff Killeen
2
Chair, FUND for Lake George
Letter from the Executive Director
Stormwater pollution and invasive species infestations are the two biggest challenges facing Lake George. The way that these two
threats are managed over the next decade will shape the ecological health of Lake George for generations. The FUND for Lake
George works day-in and day-out on these issues. We employ a variety of tactics to try and improve each.
Stormwater pollution is the biggest source of nutrient loading and pollution loading to the lake. The FUND is working to stop
pollution to the lake in a variety of ways. First, we have gathered scientific data about it. The FUND has studied the impacts of
stormwater pollution to Lake George for 30 years in partnership with Rensselaer’s Darrin Fresh Water Institute (DFWI). We have
compiled one of the best databases about a fresh water system is the U.S. This analysis shows a downward trend in water quality.
Second, we’ve employed the Lake George Waterkeeper program to provide independent public oversight of local land use
regulation. The Waterkeeper has been very successful in its oversight of land use decisions and provides critical independent
technical review of many proposed projects around the lake. In 2011, the Waterkeeper submitted over 120 comments and
attended over 100 meetings around the watershed.
The Waterkeeper program has also put a great deal of effort into public education, specifically on bringing information on Low
Impact Development (LID) to the watershed communities. LID shows how to develop without polluting. Third, the Waterkeeper’s
efforts are bolstered by an active Do-It-Yourself Water Quality education and outreach campaign. This effort is anchored by our
award winning publication and also includes public workshops and landowner consultations. We’re working with a wide variety
of landowners who are building shoreline buffers, limiting grass lawns, stopping use of fertilizers and pesticides, among a variety
of enlightened management practice reforms.
Last, the FUND continues to work with a variety of partners on the West Brook Conservation Initiative. Here we’re building a
stormwater treatment system that will treat millions of gallons of stormwater annually that currently dumps dirty into West Brook
and the lake. This ambitious project continues to advance and will include a beautiful environmental park.
On aquatic invasive species front, the FUND continued our work in 2011 to reduce the Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM/
Myriophyllum spicatum) population in Lake George in partnership with the Lake George Park Commission. In 2011, over 200,000
plants were removed and large geographic areas were treated on the east side and north end of the lake. Dense beds were reduced
in Lake George Village, Dunham’s Bay and Harris Bay. Overall, the EWM population stands at it lowest point in years.
The FUND also worked with the Lake George Asian Clam Rapid Response Task Force on the project to contain and eradicate
the Asian clam (Corbicula fluminea). The FUND was the permit holder for treatments in Lake George Village, Norowal Marina,
and Middleworth Bay in 2011. Over 11 acres were treated in 2011 and nearly 20 acres will be treated in 2012. The Asian clam is
a prolific reproducer. It has been in Lake George somewhere between 3-5 years and has spread to around 20 acres. A lakewide
survey in 2011 confirmed populations in just four locations, which are all under treatment.
In addition to direct management of aquatic invasive species, the FUND believes we need to step up our game for prevention. The
FUND has called for a mandatory boat inspection and decontamination program similar to a successful program on Lake Tahoe.
In Lake Tahoe new infestations have been prevented and the program has been found workable
and flexible. Lake George needs this type of program to prevent infestations of the quagga
mussel, which has infested the Great Lakes and over 40 other lake in New York, and hydrilla, an
invasive plant that has infested the Finger Lakes. The time to act is now.
The FUND is dedicated to sustaining an ambitious and effective effort to protect Lake George.
We depend upon the support of our members and are deeply appreciative of your generosity.
Thank you very much for your support.
Peter Bauer
Executive Director
3
2011 Report
Public Education
The FUND and Waterkeeper’s goal for public education is to get critical
information about property stewardship and land use activities, the
major issues affecting Lake George, and lake science into the hands of
landowners and residents, policymakers, and local leaders throughout
the Lake George watershed. We do this through special reports, our
Lake George Fact Sheet series, and numerous public workshops and
presentations.
Lake George Fact Sheets
This educational series now includes 78 Fact Sheets. Covering several
categories such as property management, water quality and invasive species,
these well researched pieces provide both year round residents and seasonal
visitors with information about the lake and how to care for Lake George.
Lake George eNews/Lake George eBulletins
Are you on our email list? If not, you’re missing out on our monthly electronic
newsletters (eNews) and special eBulletin alerts on special
happenings around the lake. Throughout 2011, these electronic
updates, full of current information, were sent out to supporters,
policymakers and leaders around the lake.
Special Reports
In 2011, the Lake George Waterkeeper published Altering Our
Natural Streams: A study of the effectiveness and impacts of
construction of instream sediment basins in Lake George streams
for the removal of pollutants. Through data collection and literary
research this study identified the concerns with the use of instream
sediment basins and their effectiveness at reducing the amount of
sediment entering Lake George.
Public Presentations
Throughout 2011, FUND staff gave presentations about Do-It-Yourself Water Quality, Low Impact Development, Algae Awareness
presentations titled Lake George Water Quality is Changing, as well as presentations on invasive species and West Brook. These
presentations are available on the website.
p
Do-It-Yourself Water Quality
D
S
Since
its release in 2010, the FUND has distributed over 4,000
ccopies of the award winning publication to landowners around the
lake. This guide was awarded the 2011 U.S. EPA Environmental
la
Quality Award and is the centerpiece of our Do-It-Yourself Water
Q
Quality campaign informing landowners about the impacts of
Q
property management on the water quality of Lake George.
p
Public Presentations
2011
WINNEAR
U.S. EP
AL
ENVIRONMENT
ARD
QUALITY AW
4
The FUND’s educational publication Do-It-Yourself Water
Quality: A Landowner’s Guide to Property Management that
Protects Lake George received 2011 U.S. EPA Environmental
Quality Award (pictured above from left: Congresswoman
Nydia Velazquez, FUND Trustees Betty Spinelli and Margaret
Schadler, EPA Region 2 Administrator Judith Enck and Lake
George Waterkeeper Chris Navitsky). Contact us for a copy.
The FUND for Lake George and Lake George Waterkeeper are active from one end of Lake George
to the other with lake science that monitors water quality, independent public oversight of land use
and development, managing Eurasian watermilfoil and other invasive species, restoring wetlands,
protecting streams through research and advocacy, and by promoting an active public education
campaign.
The Lake George Waterkeeper
has been monitoring the
growing number of algal
blooms throughout the lake
over the past four years. These
blooms are caused by high
levels of nutrient loading.
78 informative Lake George
Fact Sheets have been published
and are posted on the FUND’s
website. These Fact Sheets contain
information on a variety of issues,
ways to protect the lake, the fish of
Lake George and a variety of other
subjects. These Fact Sheets are a
wealth of educational information.
The Lake George Waterkeeper
evaluates scores of development
proposals every year and prepares
detailed comments. The work of
the Waterkeeper aims to minimize
or stop pollution to Lake George
from development around the lake
through the application of Low
Impact Development.
Over 200,000 invasive Eurasian
watermilfoil plants were removed
from Lake George in 2011. These
plants were removed from chronic
dense beds or from long stretches
of shoreline.
The FUND and partners are
building a stormwater treatment
complex and environmental park
on the site of the former Gaslight
Village. This project will help to
improve the water quality at the
south end of Lake George.
The Asian clam is the newest
and perhaps the most
dangerous invasive species
to infest Lake George. This
clam’s explosive population
growth has the potential to
degrade water quality. The
FUND is working with the
Lake George Asian Clam
Rapid Response Task Force
on a containment and
eradication effort.
Since 1980, the FUND for Lake George
has partnered with the Darrin Fresh
Water Institute in Bolton Landing
to monitor the water quality of Lake
George. The FUND’s financial support
has sustained this vital work.
2011 marked the first year of a lake
wide initiative to clean trash out of
the lake; Keep the Queen Clean-Lake
George Cleanup Day.
5
2011 Report
Lake Science
Since 1980, the FUND for Lake George and Rensselaer’s Darrin Fresh Water
Institute (DFWI) have partnered on a long-term water quality monitoring
program for Lake George. This is an extensive program that includes data
gathering and analysis of over 30 analytes from a dozen different long-term
stations on the lake. Samples are gathered year-round and analyzed at the
DFWI field station lab in Bolton Landing. This project was designed by PhD
faculty at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
The FUND has contributed more than $2 million since 1980 to ensure that
this water quality monitoring effort continued without interruption. The
best way to ascertain the overall ecologic health of Lake George is through
long-term analysis of data so that patterns and trends can be evaluated.
Preliminary analysis of this data has identified a significant difference in the
water quality at the south end of Lake George compared with water quality
at the north end. The chief reason for this is that there is more intensive
land use and development at the south end compared with the north end.
It’s not that land use management is better at the north end, there is just a lower level of overall land use activity.
Lake George is a more “productive” lake than it was in 1980. As the lake steadily receives higher levels of
nutrients and pollutants, the lake processes these substances by growing more algae and plants or seeing basic
processes impaired. A number of different factors are combining to change the overall water quality of Lake
George.
In 2012, the FUND and DFWI will publish a comprehensive report on the water quality of Lake George over
the 30 year period 1980-2009. This collaborative report includes analysis of over 85,000 data points from various
sample locations on the lake. For the past two years, the DFWI and FUND staff have been working on these
analysis with outside experts. This will be a major study for Lake George and will be an authoritative guide for
local leaders, policymakers, regulators, property owners and all who care about the lake. There are very few
comprehensive long-term databases of fresh water lakes in the U.S.
This chart provides information on the average monthly chlorophyll level in the lake from thousands of samples
over 30 years. This charts shows that overall chlorophyll levels are increasing over time in Lake George. Chlorophyll
samples tell us about the microscopic plants (phytoplankton) abundance in the lake. Higher levels of phosphorus
loading produce higher levels of chlorophyll. Stormwater runoff is the principal means for delivering higher rates
of nutrients, such as phosphorus, to Lake George. The level of 2ppb marks mesotrophic water quality. Lake George
has historically been an oligotrophic lake, but long term trends point in a different direction.
6
SPOTLIGHT
LANDOWNERS SUCCESSFULLY
IMPLEMENT DO-IT-YOURSELF
WATER QUALITY PROJECTS
2011
ER
WINNPA
U.S. E
TAL
ENVIRONMEN
ARD
QUALITY AW
The FUND for Lake George and the Lake George Waterkeeper’s
creation of Do-It-Yourself Water Quality: A Landowner’s Guide to
Property Management that Protects Lake George has been used as a
guide for homeowners throughout Lake George to reduce the negative
impacts to water quality from increased land uses. Planting a shoreline
buffer helps protect water quality as it infiltrates stormwater runoff,
prevents sedimentation, stabilizes and shades the shoreline and
uptakes nutrients that would otherwise feed algae in the lake.
Baker Landscaping
planted a 35 foot wide
shoreline buffer and
installed permeable
pavers throughout
the Unrein property
on Mason Road in
Cleverdale.
John Kelly has planted
a shoreline buffer on
Assembly Point Road,
created rain gardens and
filtered vegetation on his
property.
Examples of Do-It-Yourself Water Quality
in action. New permeable pavers and
vegetated shoreline buffers in progress.
The Shore Colony
Homeowner
Association met with
the Waterkeeper and is
currently in the process
of installing a shoreline
buffer to infiltrate and
treat stormwater runoff
from Assembly Point
Road.
7
2011 Report
Restoration
Around the lake we have a legacy of impaired natural resource areas where roads
were poorly constructed and developments haphazardly evolved over the decades.
In many of these areas, effective stormwater management was not considered.
Stormwater is the greatest threat to Lake George and the FUND and Waterkeeper
have focused on ways to improve the built environment around the lake to retrofit
polluting sites.
In 2011, progress on the West Brook Conservation Initiative transitioned from demolition to design. The West Brook
Conservation Initiative is a $15 million project and is the most ambitious environmental project ever undertaken around the lake.
The project seeks to build a stormwater treatment complex and environmental park on the 12-acre former Gaslight Village. Here
are the highlights:
Ŷ On the south parcel, construction of the
stormwater treatment system is underway, which
consisted of rough grading and installing various
treatment practices. The south parcel is now ready
to be planted with wetland plants for stormwater
treatment and stabilized in 2012-2013.
Ŷ On the north side all buildings were demolished
and the site was cleared. The Opera House, carousel
building, several small buildings, the Cavalcade of
Cars building, gateway building, as well as the go-cartracetrack have been razed and cleared.
Ŷ With Elan Planning, Design & Landscape
Architecture as the lead consultants, along with a team
of consultants who helped create the Wild Center in
Tupper Lake, we conducted a “Charrette Week” to
gather input from around Lake George to help develop
the design concept for this new environmental park.
Ŷ Released at the end of 2011, the environmental
design park design concept (see page 9) features
recreational and educational amenities that will link
the south and north parcels, emphasizing the history
of the site, its environmental importance and function,
the importance of Lake George to the local economy
and quality of life, as well as provide hands-on
interpretation about stormwater and aquatic systems.
Protecting Vital Lands
In 2011, the FUND for Lake George continued to financially assist the Lake George Land
Conservancy in its work to protect important natural areas around the lake. There is no better
protection for Lake George than keeping lands in permanent open spaces.
8
Working Design Concept
The new design concept integrates the
north and south parcels. Stormwater
treatment will occur on the south parcel.
The north side will be centered on a
community festival space surrounded
by public education and recreational
amenities.
Fountain Sketch
Rock Outcropping at Waters Edge
Children’s Play Fountain
Traditional Interactive Fountain
Water Feature
5
Education and interpretation will be
abundant in the new environmental
park at West Brook.
Council Ring
Boardwalk
Boardwalk
Dedication Plaza/ Council Ring
9
2011 Report
Invasive Species Management & Control
Eurasian Watermilfoil Management
In 2009, the FUND for Lake George started a Eurasian watermilfoil
(Myriopyllum spicatum) control effort to supplement the ongoing work of the
Lake George Park Commission. The FUND’s work focused on two area’s not
being addressed by the Park Commission. The FUND contracted with Aquatic
Invasive Management (AIM) from AuSable Forks, a firm that specializes in the
removal of Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM).
The FUND and AIM focused on dense beds, large football-sized fields of
EWM that had been considered too big and too dense to manage. These EWM
fields were often in high boat traffic areas, which complicated management.
AIM focused on dense beds in Huddle Bay, Lake George Village, Dunhams
Bay and Harris Bay. We worked in the late season, after the summer boat traffic
died down, as well as in the early season before boat traffic was heavy. From 2009-2011, over 700,000 plants were removed from
these dense beds.
The second focus was on surveys of large geographic areas in the lake to remove scattered plants and small beds of EWM. In
2010, the AIM crew swam all of Northwest Bay and removed dozens of small beds and several thousand scattered plants. They
performed the same work around Huddle Bay, Bolton Bay and through to Basin Bay. In 2011, the work was expanded to include
most of the Hague shoreline as well as an extensive area from Anthony’s Nose down to Commission Point. At the south end, the
crew worked almost the entire shoreline from Diamond Point around to Shelving Rock Brook as well as around Long Island. Tens
of thousands of scattered plant and small beds were removed.
The Park Commission manages over 175 known EWM sites on the lake. Most of these are clear. Its focus has been on keeping
these sites clear and identifying and clearing new sites. The FUND’s work over the past
three years, and active work underway in 2012, is to help clear dense beds and clear
large geographic areas. Our goal is to work with the Park Commission to bring the
EWM population down to a level where it can be managed annually at a low level as
part of a comprehensive invasive species early detection and rapid response effort.
Asian Clam
In 2011, the Lake George Asian Clam Rapid Response Task Force implemented a plan to
contain or eradicate infestations of Asian clam in Lake George Village. By the end of the
summer other sites with clams were found. Asian clam control efforts took place in the
spring and fall with the treatment of infestations at Lake George Village, Norowal Marina
and Middleworth Bay. A great deal of information was gathered as well as practical
experience in trying to remove this challenging invasive.
The Lake George Asian Clam Rapid Response Task Force plan undertook treatment
efforts in the spring and fall with benthic barrier in each of the four infested areas, Boon
Bay, Lake George Village, Middleworth Bay and Norowal Marina. This is based on the
success in Lake George Village where two treatments attained nearly 100% elimination
of the invasive Asian clams. All sites will be surveyed
by trained scientific divers to ascertain the limits of the
infestation, starting in early April 2012.
The Task Force remains confident that the Asian clam
infestation can ultimately be controlled, but mindful that a
sustained effort of the spring and fall treatments will need
to be sustained for several years.
10
SPOTLIGHT
ADVOCATING FOR
PREVENTION AGAINST
AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES
The biggest challenges facing Lake George are stormwater pollution, which is
degrading the lake’s water quality, and aquatic invasive species infestations,
which hold the possibility of irreparably changing large swaths of the lake. The
FUND for Lake George believes that the best way to fight aquatic invasive
species (AIS) is to focus on prevention and interdiction. The main vector
for spreading AIS across New York and across the U.S. is boats. AIS are
transferred by boats as plant fragments that are tangled in propellers or boat
trailers, and animals such a zebra mussels attach to the hulls of boats as well as
engines. Other animals, such as quagga mussels and Asian clams are commonly transferred
in the engine, bilge and ballast waters and bait wells on boats in their microscopic stages.
The FUND believes that we need to get serious about boat inspection and decontamination on Lake George. In 2011,
Kathy Bozony of the Lake George Waterkeeper visited Lake Tahoe to tour the new and successful mandatory boat
inspection and decontamination program in operation for that lake. She found that the 3-year old program for Lake
Tahoe has been very successful. The program was created in the wake of the Asian clam infestation, which has grown to
well over 200 acres in Tahoe. Lake Tahoe leaders were very concerned about an infestation of quagga mussels.
Lake George has experienced two infestations, from zebra mussels in 2000 and Asian clams in 2010. Both species were
likely present in the lake for several years prior to discovery. The FUND is very concerned about a quagga mussel
infestation in Lake George. Over the past 30 years over $7 million has been spent to control invasive species on the lake.
Direct management is extremely expensive and ecologically stressful for the lake. Boats are the key vector for spreading
AIS from lake to lake. One sad legacy for Lake George is the inability to control Eurasian watermilfoil in the late 1980s,
and the 1990s saw Lake George become the chief source of the plant to spread infestations to other lakes due to the
popularity and high boat traffic on Lake George.
The time is now for a new mandatory boat inspection and decontamination program for Lake George. Local government
leaders (see picture), such as Robert Blais, Mayor of Lake George Village, Ron Conover, Supervisor of the Town of
Bolton, Dennis Dickinson,
Supervisor Town of Lake
George, John Strough, Town
Board member Town of
Queensbury, and Marisa
Muratori, Town Board
member Town of Lake
George, have joined the
FUND in support of this
new program. Under state
law the only entity that
could enact such a law for
the entirety of Lake George
is the Lake George Park
Commission. The time to
act is now.
11
2011 Report
Independent Public Oversight
The Lake George Waterkeeper provides independent public oversight of the regulatory review of development projects in the Lake
George watershed by local and state agencies. This is the most comprehensive and professional public oversight effort around
the lake and one of the best in the state. The Waterkeeper program provides expert public comments based on knowledge and
experiences with state and local development regulations as well as professional stormwater engineering, education, training and
certification. The highly successful Lake George Waterkeeper program is a cornerstone of the FUND’s work.
Oversight Highlights for 2011
The Lake George Waterkeeper remains the clearinghouse for land use issues and no one is more involved with local review board
and state agency actions and decisions. The Waterkeeper monitors agenda action items and reviews applications to determine
the potential of negative environmental or community impacts based on project scope, site constraints and proposed mitigation
measures among other criteria. Many times, the Waterkeeper will submit detailed comments on recommendations on the
implementation of Low Impact Development and other water quality protection measures as well as compliance with Town Code
and approval conditions.
In 2011, the Waterkeeper produced over 120 letters focusing on water quality improvements on applications around the watershed.
We attended over 110 review board meetings providing public comments, presentations and interacting with review boards to
educate and promote water quality protection.
The Waterkeeper created and maintains information on our website on the review process regarding the status of projects of
interest, which contains a description of the project, perspective of the Waterkeeper on the project, public comments and action of
the review boards as well as upcoming meetings. This is information is updated continually.
There were many projects of note this year:
Ŷ An expansion at the Algonquin Restaurant in Bolton
Landing required a variance, which was granted with a
condition to address stormwater management with the
Waterkeeper. The Waterkeeper worked with the owner
to place a biotention infiltration trench to capture runoff
from the existing parking area in close proximity to the
lake.
Ŷ A 2-lot subdivision with significant disturbance of
steep slopes on Andrews Bay in the Town of Fort Ann
requested variances for a stormwater management system.
The Lake George Park Commission denied the application
twice on concerns of the system functioning properly
based on Waterkeeper
comments.
Chris Navitsky
12
Lake George Waterkeeper
“After ten years of the Waterkeeper, we are observing improvements in the local and
state review processes from stormwater management as conditions of approval to
implementing shoreline buffers to detailed state permits required for construction on
steep slopes. We are encouraged with these actions since these improvements reduce
the negative water quality impacts from land use and development. But greater public
involvement is needed in local decisions to defend Lake George’s water quality and
natural resources.” - Chris Navitsky, P.E., Lake George Waterkeeper
®
Ŷ The Royal Anchorage subdivision in the Town of Putnam requested modifications to their existing APA permit to
allow 150% increase in building size. The APA placed conditions on the permit based on comments submitted by the
Waterkeeper.
Ŷ The NYSDEC held a scoping session for the
Environmental Impact Statement on the proposed
dredging projects for Finkle, Indian and Hague Brooks,
which was a result of inquiries by the Waterkeeper
regarding compliance with New York State Environmental
Review Law.
Ŷ The Town of Lake George issued violations on a project
located along English Brook that failed to comply with
approved plans, which were initially reported by the
Waterkeeper. The applicant constructed 16 foot high
retaining walls on 40% slopes, which increased disturbance
resulting in significant erosion.
Ŷ Low Impact
Development measures,
such as reduced pavement
widths, rain gardens and
open swale conveyance,
were recommended
by the Waterkeeper to
the Lake George Park
Commission and were
incorporated into a
townhouse development
overlooking Irish Bay in
Pilot Knob. These will
reduce water quality
impacts from the
development.
Kathy Bozony
Natural Resource Specialist,
Lake George Waterkeeper
13
Ŷ The Waterkeeper, along with concerned neighbors, presented
opposition about a garage proposed within close proximity of Smith
Brook in Diamond Point, which the Town of Lake George Zoning
Board of Appeals denied due to potential negative impacts.
Ŷ The Town of Queensbury Zoning Board of Appeals requested a
redesign of a 9 lot subdivision located on the steep slopes of French
Mountain based on concerns expressed by the Waterkeeper and
adjoining neighbors. The revised plan implemented Low Impact
Development measures including a reduction in the number
of lots and driveway lengths, which will reduce runoff from the
development.
Tropical Storm Irene
Late summer brought one of the more damaging weather events
in recent years – Tropical Storm Irene. Although rainfall may
not have reached amounts recorded at other locations, the storm’s
intensity resulted in significant damage to private and public
property and natural and man-made conveyance systems. Due
to the intensity of the storm, rainfall could not percolate into
the ground resulting in large volumes of runoff, which carried
debris and sediment. The transportation of these materials
clogged these conveyance systems that could not handle the shear
volumes caused stream channel expansion, clogged culverts and
overtopping and washouts of roads.
Also the winds caused property damage through the loss of boats
and docks as well as the washout of the southern shoreline of the
lake. These winds had significant impacts on the Asian Clam
eradication project in the Village of Lake George by the lateral
relocation of tons of lake bed material and sediment onto the
mats set in the lake to suffocate the clams.
“The aftermath of Irene showed us many things. One aspect
was no matter how much we engineer, water may not follow the
path we suggest, but will find the course that it wants. We have
encroached into and sacrificed our stream corridors by removing
vegetation and altering areas necessary for the natural inundation
of high flow conditions. This has been done for personal benefit
because of the common belief that this is our property and we
have the right to use our land. However, as such events show,
there are considerations that may be better than our personal
choices,” said Chris Navitsky.
14
SPOTLIGHT
LITTER RAKES DONATED TO
CRUISE SHIP COMPANIES
The FUND and Waterkeeper donated long-handled litter rakes
to both of the cruise ship companies on Lake George.
North winds bring floating trash and debris to the south end of
the lake where it is often visible nestled among the ships docked
in the Village of Lake George. Cruise ship crew members of the
Lake George Steamboat Company and Lake George Shoreline
Cruises can now collect trash that floats into the south end
of the lake. Bill Dow, owner of the Steamboat Company and
Jim Quirk, owner of Shoreline Cruises, welcomed the donated
litter rakes and pledged to help keep the lake clean, as they
have in the past. The cruises always include commentary at the
beginning of each trip to remind customers to dispose of trash
properly and to hold onto their paper cups.
Gifts of long-handled litter rakes will help cruise ships
clean the lake of floating trash and debris.
15
SPOTLIGHT
®
LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT
The Waterkeeper continues to be the leading advocate for Low
Impact Development in the Lake George watershed, which is an
approach to site planning and design focused on maintaining
existing drainage patterns, topography and site features.
Consideration for the implementation of LID measures became
a requirement under the updated New York State Stormwater
General Permit and Design Guidelines in 2011. Despite this
requirement, there has been a limited implementation and
understanding of LID measures by municipal reviewers and
developers around Lake George.
In an attempt to improve this situation, the Waterkeeper
organized a conference to promote Low Impact Development
and address some concerns of involved boards and individuals.
This conference, “Problems and Solutions Using Low Impact
Development,” brought nationally renowned speakers on LID
to Lake George, including Larry Coffman, the Father of Low
Impact Development. Our approach to the conference was to
present typical problems confronted in development and offer
solutions through the application of Low Impact Development.
The conference was such a success that it has been determined to
become an annual event.
16
SAVE THE DATE
Thursday, May 5, 2011
“Challenges and Solutions
Using
Low Impact Development”
SPOTLIGHT
NATIVE PLANT SHOW AND
SALE
The first Let’s Go Native Plant Show and Sale in 2011 was a
collaborative partnership with Up Yonda Farm in Bolton
Landing. Five local nurseries that specialize in growing native
perennial plants, shrubs and trees brought their products to sell
at the event and offered landowners information about simple
measures that will increase the value of their property while
helping to improve water quality within our watershed.
Native plants are ideal for stream or shoreline buffers, create a
rain garden and for all landscaping on your property. Because
native plants do not require extensive watering, are generally
drought resistant, do not suffer from local insect predation, do
not need fertilizers and pesticides to flourish and are extremely
beautiful, they help to protect water quality while preserving the
Adirondack landscape.
On September 10, 2011 local nurseries sold native plants and
shared their knowledge and ideas with over 150 people who
enjoyed their day at Up Yonda Farms.
Participating Nurseries:
Sweet Pea Farm, Toadflax Nursery,
Oligny’s Creative Landscapes and
Country Gardens, Mandy’s Spring
Nursery and Fiddlehead Creek Farm
and Native Plant Nursery.
17
2011 Report
Advocacy
The FUND and Waterkeeper advocated at the state and local levels on a variety of issues. 2011 saw significant accomplishments.
These ranged from local laws restricting fertilizer use on shoreline and near surface waters to new public participation rules, among
other issues. The voices of the FUND for Lake George and Lake George Waterkeeper influenced policies and decisions around the
lake.
Phosphorus Free Fertilizer Laws
The Town of Queensbury passed a new law that states that no fertilizer can be
applied to lawns within 50 feet of Lake George, and if pesticides are used on the
property, the homeowner must post a visible marker stating its use. Beginning
January 1, 2012 New York State’s Nutrient Runoff Law also restricts application of
fertilizers greater than 0.67% phosphorus within 20 feet of surface waters.
Required Public Hearings
With the encouragement of the Lake George Waterkeeper, the Town of Lake
George enacted Local Law 1-2011 that amended the Town of Lake George
Zoning Law to require public hearings for Site Plan Review of projects within
300 feet of Lake George.
Clean Boats
Active efforts were made in 2011 to urge the Lake George Park Commission to
adopt a new mandatory boat inspection and decontamination program. This
program is badly needed around Lake George and would significantly reduce the
risk of new aquatic invasive species infestations.
State Environmental Funding for Land, Water
Quality
The FUND and Waterkeeper advocated for strong funding for the NYS
Environmental Protection Fund, which supports critical land protection and
clean water programs around the lake and across the state.
State Appointments
The FUND was a leader in advocating for Commissioners to the NYS Lake
George Park Commission and Adirondack Park Agency.
Warren County Invasive Species Transportation
Law
The FUND and Waterkeeper supported a new law to criminalize transport
of invasive species in Warren County. This is a good first step for limiting the
spread of aquatic invasive species, but must be
enforced.
Environmental Upgrades
at the DEC Facilities
The FUND and the Waterkeeper advocated
with senior members of the DEC for upgrades
to the Million Dollar Beach facilities to match
Warren County plans for a new permeable
pavement complex for the Beach Road area.
18
Emily Oswald
Administrative Coordinator
SPOTLIGHT
FERTILIZER RESTRICTIONS
In September 2011, the Town of Queensbury Town Board
unanimously passed the Lawn Fertilizer and Pesticide Runoff
Control Law. This law states that no fertilizer can be applied
to lawns within 50 feet of Lake George, and if pesticides are
used on the property, the homeowner must post a visible
marker stating its use.
The Town and Village of Lake George previously passed
in 2010 Lawn Fertilizer Restriction laws. The Town’s law
regulates that only phosphorus free fertilizers can be used
within 20 feet of surface waters. The Village bans all fertilizer,
and beginning January 1, 2012 New York State’s Nutrient
Runoff Law also restricts application of fertilizers greater
than 0.67% phosphorus within 20 feet of surface waters.
All laws promote the planting of a continuous natural
vegetative buffer 10 to 15 feet wide to protect water bodies.
All local laws were passed with violation provisions as a civil monetary penalty with fines imposed. In NYS a written warning with
educational materials is issued for homeowners or occupants of a household for first violation with monetary fines imposed for
subsequent offences. The penalty for all others is a fine up to $500 for first violation and $1000 for subsequent offences.
Fertilizers supply excess nutrients that infiltrate and flow
into Lake George and are directly responsible for changing
water quality and creating algal blooms.
JUST SAY NO
19
SPOTLIGHT
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20
518.668.5913
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(x 303 - Kathy
KEEP THE QUEEN CLEAN LAKE GEORGE CLEAN UP
Trash in Lake George and around its beautiful shoreline is
unsightly and a pollution threat to the lake and its water quality.
As a response to this and a vehicle to raise awareness, the Lake
George Waterkeeper organized the 1st annual event Keep the
Queen Clean - Lake George Cleanup Day. The Waterkeeper
reached out to all communities and received support from local
municipalities, homeowner associations, key clubs, volunteer
firemen and many individuals. Hundreds participated in the
first annual cleanup day by snorkeling, scuba diving, walking the
shoreline and stream banks, beaches, parks and town roads.
The turnout in 2011 was terrific and the event was an
overwhelming success, with hundreds who participated, but it
does not stop there. A renewed consciousness about our clean
water and the need to protect its quality was the main focus of
this one day event. The lake community extends an appreciative
thank you to those of you who spent your Saturday and Sunday
joining together in this successful lake wide cleanup effort. Lake
George thanks you for removing pollution and debris from its
waters. Plan to participate in the 2nd annual Keep the Queen
Clean on August 4, 2012. It’s a big lake and we need YOU!
North Queensbury Volunteer Fireman aboard the Joan A.
Robertson picked up trash underwater using SCUBA gear and
rescue equipment.
2011 Acknowledgement of Supporters
Individuals & Families
David and Tracy Abbott
Frank Adamo
Mary Jane and George Adams
Fred and Margaret Alexy
Kathe and Rolly Allen
Andrew and Karen Amerling
Ruth Anderson
Nancy Ann Archer
Rita Arnstein
Theodore and Leila Arnstein
John and Diane Asiel
James Ayers
Karen Azer
William and Andrea Baldwin
Robert Ball
Andrew Bania
Richard and Carleen Baright
Richard Barney
Roger and Fay Barrows
Lionel and Deborah Barthold
Douglas Bauer
Stephen and Elizabeth Beatson
Denise Beattie
Douglas Beattie
Seddon and James Beaty
Gerald Beck
Chyhe Becker
Nancy Beekman
Leigh Beeman
Vondee Beeman
John Behrens
Paul and Colleen Bell
Russell and Jan Bellico
Charles and Cynthia Belser
Robin and Bryan Benak
Antranig Berberian
James Berg
Fred and Rosemary Berger
Richard and Janet Berls
Joyce and Bob Bernard
Laura and Greg Bibler
Gerard Bielak
Jeffrey Birch
Arthur and Alison Birney
John and Gail Bisceglia
Nancy Mackay and Henry Bisner
Will and Stacey Bixby
Robert Blais
Ronald and Ilene Blitzer
Don and Jayne Blum
Bob and Ginger Bailey
Mac and Lucy Bollman
Carol and Arthur Borin
Dennis Borrello
Edmond Boullianne
Stuart and Sallie Bowling
Charles Boylen
Wendy and Norman Bradburn
Richard and Susan Brainard
Allison Branson
Gregory Braun
Bruno and Dorothy Brauner
Judith and James Breitenstein
Heidi Brickner
Richard Brining
Robert and Phyllis Bronzo
Ted Brothers
John and Joanne Brown
Miriam Brown
Glen and Katie Bruening
Douglas and Kim Bryant
David Bulger
Peter and Cynthia Bulger
Thomas Burleigh
Antonio and Norma Bustamante
Rosamond and James Butler
Catherine and Dale Campbell
Barbara Cardinell
Patrick Carney
Matthew Casamassima
Lincoln and Nancy Cathers
John Chambers
Richard Chase
Michael and Marueen Cherubini
J.P. and Barbara Childress
Alice and Robert Cisler
Eleanor Clark
Karin Close
Mara Cohen
Brian Collier
Peter Collins
Ted Collins
Ken and Annette Colloton
David and Marjorie Comstock
Florence and Brian Connor
Richard Watkins and Lisa Conrad
Julie Cook
Chester Coons
HELEN V. FROEHLICH
FOUNDATION
Ken and Mary Lou Cooper
Chris and Deborah Corbett
Tom and Lydia Cordier
Robert Cowan
Weston Cowles
Graham Cox
Edward Crabbs
Jane Craigie
William Creighton
John Crosby
Carl Crozzoli
Howard Crusey
John and Debra Cully
Thomas and Julianne Currie
Judith Resnik and Dennis Curtis
Patty Cutignola
Nicholas and Caroline Cutro
Lawrence D’Arco
Tom and Paula D’Orazio
Richard and Patricia Daniels
James and Janet Davies
Roy and Louise Davis
Alfred Deana
Holly and Bob DeBuys
Philip and Lenore Defliese
David DeFranco
Tom Devlin
Mike and Dee Dee Diccicco-Craft
Lorraine Dickinson
Robert and Diane Dickson
Catherine Dillingham
Marvin and Joan Dobert
Charles Dolin
Linda Donaldson
Mary Lou Doulin
John and Chris Doyle
Scott and Helene Dubin
Lynn Wilson and Alfred Dunlop
Henry and Anita Duprey
Robert Eagan
Alexis and Richard Eakin
William Eastham
Sheryl Ebeoglu
Sheron Kendall and David Eberle
Richard and Nancy Elkin
Kenneth Ellis
Toni and John Elmendorf
Bob and Trisha End
Bruce and Jane Ergood
Donors listed on these pages made
contributions from January 1 through
December 31, 2011. Every effort has
been made to ensure the accuracy of
this list. Please contact us to note any
changes.
The Helen V. Froehlich Foundation, a charitable foundation based in Chicago, Illinois has graciously supported the work of the
FUND for Lake George and Lake George Waterkeeper since 2002, contributing over $1.75 million to help protect Lake George.
Grants have supported the Lake George Waterkeeper program, Uplands and Shorelands Protection program, the West Brook
Conservation Initiative, public education and research.
The Helen V. Froehlich Foundation was created in 1993 with a mission to assist with the conservation and the preservation of
the environment related to Lake George, including but not limited to, matters involving the lake, land and water immediately
surrounding Lake George. The FUND for Lake George is truly grateful for this support.
21
2011 Acknowledgement of Supporters
22
Robert Ervein
David and Marta Ettline
Robert and Cheryl Evans
Sally and William Faber
Philip and Cynthia Farbaniec
Sarah and Thomas Faulkner
William and Carol Feibusch
Cynthia Ferguson
Steve Fiato
Leo and Martha Fishel
John Flickinger
David and Jane Floyd
John Forbes
Alfred and Suellen Franz
Emily and Paul Frederick
Ester Frederick
Rich Frischmann
George and Lesley Froehlich
John and Claire Fulco
Theodore Furdyna
John Gaddy
Andrew and Joan Gagliardi
Ann Gardiner
Roderick Geer
Virginia and John Geils
Barbara Gerlach
Ken Gethard
Robert Glandon
John Glover
Bonnie and Glenn Goldberg
Ely and Ann Goldsmith
Paul and Lynn Gollhofer
Chuck and Char Gosselink
Marie Graham
Wallace and Adeline Graham
Edman and Virginia Gray
Pat and Judy Griffin
Patricia Griffith
Philip Gross
Robert Gwirtzman
John and Donna Haanen
William and Ruth Haase
Judy and Andy Hadjandreas
Randall Hahn
Robert and Kathleen Hale
Jules and Gale Halm
J. Peter and Elizabeth Hansen
Alexander Haring
John Harrigan
Jane Caffry Hawn
Barrett Hazeltine
Karen and Samuel Hazleton
Betty Hedges
Barbara Heenan
Beverly Heineman
Betty Heintzelman
Dorothy Henry
C. Edward and Gloria Herder
Peter Herman
David Hersh
Ralph and Judith Hewes
Robert Hill
H. Douglas and Margaret Hinkle
Dave and Carolyn Hoeschele
Jack Hoffman
Shannon and Zachary Hoover
Henry and Katrina Hotchkiss
Stanley House
Jane Howland
Gordon and Cynthia Hoyt
Mary and Michael Hunter
Susan Hurley
Kristee Iacobucci
Paul and Jane Ingrey
Gina and Brian Jeckering
Jean Jelliffe
Herman and Ellen Joerger
Allen and Anne Johns
Mary Nohara and Steve Jones
Stewart Jones
Vincent and Mina Jones
Glenn Jorgensen
Robert and Carol Kafin
Stephen Kalajian
Daniel Kana
John and Carol Kanis
Joel and Janet Karp
C. Stuart and Melissa Kelley
Mary Kent
Catherine Kindl
Dorothy Kingsley
Stephen Kirshon
Gerald and Rose Marie Kirwin
Robert and Mary Klebe
Susan Klebl
Ron and Patricia Knott
Gloria Koch
Alfred Kopf
Eric Krantz
Andrew and Phyllis Kreek
Mikiko Kurosaka
Buzz and Cheryl Lamb
Harvey Lambeth
Douglas Langdon
Charles LaPlante
Judy Larter
Gary LaVoy
Christopher Lawrence
Patricia and Charles Lawrence
Stuart and Martha Lazarus
Mary Legge
Donald and Audrey Lehn
Richard Lempert
Cynthia Leonard
Barbara Levine
Peter Leyh
Marjorie and Robert Lichtenstein
Laura Lee Linder
Marion Linhart
Kenneth and Margaret Linton
Denis and Pamela Lusignan
Scott MacDowell
Colin Macinnis
Lorraine Mackenzie
James and Diane Mahar
Roger and Joan Mahieu
Betsy Brainard and John Maier
Paul and Helen Mallon
Gerald and Madeline Malovany
Andrew and Joyce Manchester
Frank Marceca
Richard and Carole Mariani
Peter Marshall
Richard Martin
Douglas and Evelyn Marzloff
James and Ann Marie Mastin
Richard and Polly Mathews
J. William and Margaret Maynard
Judith and Michael McMahon
Medford McCalip
James and Elizabeth McClure
Walter and Isabel McConnell
Joyce McCormac
John and Anne McDonald
Lynne and James McGill
Thomas and Elizabeth McGrath
Michael McGrath
Philip and Barbara McLaughlin
Sue and Paul McPhillips
Richard and Madeline Mead
David and Margaret Mengers
James Menzies
Barbara Meyer
Dick and Jean Meyer
Tim Ledwick and Sibyl Meyer
Peter and Stephanie Meyers
Douglas and Susan Michels
Geraldine and Robert Middleton
Veronica Miller
Joseph and Colleen Milot
Albert and Katherine Mitchell
Henry Mitchell
Anthony and Joan Mitola
Vincent and Maria Mongelli
Milo and Judith Moore
Ernest Moritz
Stanley Mudzinski
John and Theresa Murnane
Monnie Newman
Jeff and Andrea Noel
Karen O’Carroll
Dan and Mary Helen O’Keeffe
Bill O’Malley
James and Madeline O’Toole
Jarek and Violette Olesiak
Mark and Kimberly Pacala
Robert and Carol Palandrani
John Pariseau
Frank Parisi
Joan and Blackwood Parlin
Linda and Leonard Parr
Brian and Lisa Payne
Perry and Sarah Pickert
William Picotte
Donald and Francesca Piper
Kathleen Taylor and Donald Pompliano
Christopher Poppe
Bob and Sandy Powell
Beverly Pozzi
Ted and Donna Prime
Charles Puckette
Robert Purrott
Frank and Rosemary Pusateri
William Quinn
Judith and David Quist
Ronald Ragonetti
Bette Ramsey
Marilyn Randall
Jeanne Randles
Nancy and Theodore Reale
Vincent and Linda Reilly
Daniel and Abigail Reingold
Margarey Render
Jacquelyn Restle
Charles and Anita Richards
David and Antoinette Richards
Cindy Richter
Elva and Frank Ring
Margaret and John Ringer
Kenneth and Jane Robbins
Richard Robertello
Chris and Karen Robinson
Dave and Joan Rockwell
Mary Rodell
Cynthia Rosebrook
Stuart and Bonnie Rosenberg
David Rowley
John and Joan Ruef
Daniel and Dianne Ryderband
Frank Salamone
Charles and Margaret Sandora
Eleanor Sapakoff
Ralph and Lydia Savage
Thomas and Charlene Schaffer
P. Michael and Patrice Schelkun
Roland and Claire Schmitt
Jeremy Schneider
Steve and Cathie Schonwetter
Richard Schumaker
Kenneth Scott
Steve and Debby Seaboyer
Gary and Christina Seldomridge
Steven and Nancy Shane
Donald and Debbie Shannon
Mellissa Shannon
Richard and Mary Sharp
Kenneth Shepherd
Nancy and Bill Sidford
Jack and Janet Silliman
George and Gloria Singer
2011 Acknowledgement of Supporters
Robert Sinkway
Bryan Smead
Mary Smith
Matt Smith
Peter and Ellen Smith
Bohan and Regina Soifer
Henry Sommer
Pete and Heidi Spencer
Beth Staab
Eric and Kim Steinfeldt
Cheri and Tom Stevens
Derwin and Bonnie Stevens
Robert and Patricia Stickney
Eleanor Strack
Emil and Anita Stranzl
Richard and Jacqueline Strobel
John Strough
Bob and Bobbie Stuart
Tighe and Callie Sullivan
Robert and Nancy Szapucki
Michael Boardman and Kate Tabner
Gladys Tasker
Judith and Christopher Tate
Kathy Taylor
Nancy and Frank Tetz
Richard and Alice Thompson
Gerald and Myra Tolchin
Linda and John Toner
Kenneth Tornvall
Robert and Beth Tully
Kenneth and Rosemary Ulbricht
David Van Dyck
Richard and Stephanie Van Rhyn
Martha and Kirby Van Vleet
Roxa VanDyck
Michael and Patricia Vaughn
Susan Vaughn
George Vizvary
Richard and Dorothea Volkert
Peter and Julia Voll
Richard Wardwell
John and Kathy Weber
Susan Weber
Madeline Weisenfeld
Jeffrey and Rose Anne Weissel
John and Laura Werner
Robert and Janet Whitaker
John and Roberta Whiteley
Thomas Whitney
Victoria Zeldin and David Wilcox
Elizabeth and Geoffrey Wilson
John and Annis Wilson
Lorraine Wilson
Gert and Charlotte Wolfang
Ellen Zager
Charles Zimmerman
Robert and Margaret Zone
Lake George 100
George and Mary Jane Adams
Bob and Ginger Bailey
Robert and Kristin Davidson
Robert and Diane Dickson
Tom and Linda Feist
Toni and Arthur Franz
Nell Fraser
Bud and Toni Gates
Thomas Halbach
Sandy and Gail Keeler
Jeff and Judy Killeen
Charles and Marie Kireker
Kenneth and Margaret Linton
John and Amy Macionis
David Meath
Richard Oliver
Michael O’Reilly
Harvey and Margaret Schadler
Dan Starr
Ms. Leigh Beeman
Robert and Diane Dickson
Helen V. Froehlich Foundation
Rich Frischmann
Jeff and Judy Killeen
Frank and Delores Parillo
RBC Foundation
Ed and Jennifer Scheiber
Donald and Debbie Shannon
Betty Spinelli and Joe Stanek
Stewart’s Shops
Lawrence Waterhouse
James Wolitarsky
The Weatherlow Foundation
Richard and Janet Yulman
JOHN “JACK” RYDER
Foundations & Trusts
Ms. Leigh Beeman
David and Jane Floyd
Dick and Ann Parker
William Ryan
John Ryder, Jr.
Alison Vail Craig Loving Trust
Helen V. Froehlich Foundation
Henry M. Rowan Family Foundation
Higgins Family Foundation
John H. Koerner Fund
Lake Champlain Basin Program
Pucek Family Trust
The Community Foundation
The Lake George Watershed Coalition
The Knapp Fund
The Rice Family Fund
The Susan & Lawrence P. Brown Charitable Fund
William Bernard Revocable Trust
Willner Family Fund
Bill and Lisa Stromberg
John and Patricia Tierney
Wendy and Kevin Whalen
Richard and Janet Yulman
In Memory Of
DAVID BEEKMAN
John and Donna Haanen
LYMAN BEEMAN, JR.
DONALD SKAHAN
Marion Costello
ED SMITH
John Austin
Ms. Leigh Beeman
Bolton Teachers Association
J. Timothy Breen
Len and Nancy Carapezza
Vincent and Shirley Desantis
Betty Dodds
Connie Fisher
Robert and Patricia Foulke
Glens Falls National Bank & Trust
Jane Caffry Hawn
Stephen and Phyllis Hillinger
Samuel and Patricia Hutchinson
Edward Kormondy
William Morgan
Janine and Daniel Murphy
Nine Pratt Corp
Dick and Ann Parker
Plattsburgh North Country Chamber of
Commerce
Grace Roberts
Derwin and Bonnie Stevens
Joseph and Mary Vogt
Kireker Family Challenge
Jane Freihofer
Charles and Marie Kireker
Janet Kireker
Willner Family Fund
Lake George Waterkeeper
Mark Finke
Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation
Garden Club of Lake George
Huletts Landing Federation
Charles and Kim Barton
Barton Mines
Ronald Ragonetti
Richard Navitsky and Tanya Leinicke
Chris and Beth Navitsky
Corporate Match of
Employee Contributions
Barton Mines
GE Foundation
Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation
IBM International Foundation
Businesses & Associations
Arcady Bay Estates Homeowners Association
Assembly Point Association
Boathouse B&B
Caffry & Flower Attorneys at Law
Cooper & Cooper, Attorneys
Dunhams Bay Association
Kantar Retail
Keeler Motor Car Company
Landworks
O’Connors Resort and Cottages
Off Shore Owners, Inc.
Property Owners of Silver Bay
St. Regis Foundation
Stepping Stones Resort
Stewart’s Shops
The Sagamore
The Chronicle
The FUND for Lake George is
extremely grateful for the generous
support from many individuals and
foundations in 2011.
West Brook Conservation
Initiative
John and Ann Barber
Ms. Leigh Beeman
23
2011/10 Financial Summary
Assets
2011
Cash in Bank Accounts:
2010
2011
Liabilities
2010
$92,495
$152,654
Gaslight Village Conservation
Easement Loan (4)
$290,740
$724,491
$194,073
$117,825
Office Property Loan
$435,933
$433,944
Marketable Securities
$4,001,383
$4,315,706
$700
$700
Limited Partnerships
$4,500
$5,377
Total Liabilities
$727,373
$1,159,135
$88,081
$88,081
Operating Income (5)
2011
2010
$393,363
$393,363
Private Contributions
$384,246
$438,357
$93,321
$94,579
Limited Partnerships
$493,050
$350,500
$719,381
$719,381
Depreciation and Amortization
$(136,767)
$(111,710)
Investment Transfers (7)
Total Assets
$5,449,830
$5,775,256
Rental Income
Investment Portfolio (1)
Cash in Investment Accounts
Tenant Security Deposits
Property and Equipment
Lands
Buildings
Equipment/Vehicles/Software
Gaslight Village
Conservation Easement (2)
Foundation Contributions (6)
Bank & Investment Dividends
Inkind Transfers & Donations (8)
Total Operating Income
Expenses
2011
2010
Lake George Waterkeeper
$222,960
$220,444
$55,045
$121,961
$19,680
$108,447
Water Quality Projects
$351,132
$120,588
Darrin Fresh Water Institute
$127,500
$110,500
$27,895
$51,463
$(877)
$2,485
$153,378
$458,833
$14,100
$16,820
$356,750
$9,500
$1,400,647
$1,125,638
2011 Total Resource Allocation
Restoration (West Brook Conservation
Initiative)
Uplands & Shoreland Protection
Lake Science & Water Quality:
86% PROGRAM
10% ADMINISTRATION
4% MEMBERSHIP
& DEVELOPMENT
10%
4%
Outreach & Education:
Outreach
Lake George Land Conservancy
Inkind Transfers to LGA (3)
Administrative/General/Fundraising
Depreciation on Program Related Assets
Total Expenses
$0
$10,000
$77,000
$74,662
$146,465
$143,494
$5,181
$4,943
$1,032,858
$966,502
Footnotes:
1. The FUND’s investment portfolio generated a net investment loss of
return of $108,075 in 2011.
2. In March 2008, the FUND for Lake George purchased a conservation
easement on the former Gaslight Village site in partnership with the Lake
George Association and Lake George Land Conservancy.
3. Inkind transfer related to the West Brook Conservation Initiative.
4. The FUND for Lake George and the Lake George Association borrowed
$2.1 million for the purchase of a conservation easement on the former
Gaslight Village site in 2007. As of 12/31/11 and 12/31/10, the respective
balance outstanding on the loan was $290,740 and $724,491.
24
5. The FUND’s annual operating income is maintained separately from its
Investment Portfolio.
86%
6. The majority of contributions from private charitable foundations is from
the Helen V. Froehlich Foundation, and is provided for specific programs
such as the Waterkeeper and Upland Protection, as well as contracts for the
Asian Clam Control project.
7. The annual distribution from the FUND’s Investment Portfolio is
generally 5% of the average of the year-end portfolio values of the previous
three years. In 2011, only three quarterly transfers were dispersed.
8. Inkind transfers related to the West Brook Conservation Initiative on the
former Gaslight Village site. $307,000 from the LGA, one half of a $614,000
NYS Senator Kirstin Gillibrand earmark, and the other for $49,750.
The full 2011 independent audit prepared by Whittemore, Dowen and
Ricciardelli, LLP of Glens Falls is available upon request. The figures above
are presented in a format designed to facilitate an understanding of the
sources of our revenue, the nature of our expenditures, and the financial
status of our organization.
You CAN make
a difference
New guide
for property
management that
helps protect
Lake George
2011
WIN.NEEPAR
U.S
MENTAL
D
ENVIRON
Y AWAR
QUALIT
The FUND for Lake George and the Lake George Waterkeeper
have released Do-It-Yourself Water Quality: A Landowner’s
Guide to Property Management that Protects Lake George. This
guide provides important information about the impacts of
property management on the water quality of Lake George. This
is a large format color publication with over 25 specially created
educational illustrations.
Whether lands are on a hillside, in a hamlet area, or along the
lakeside, the way we each manage our properties impacts Lake
George. Do-It-Yourself Water Quality details the best ways to
limit impacts to Lake George. From decisions about how and
where to site a house, the hazards of fertilizer and pesticide use,
improving stormwater control with rain gardens, creating or
expanding a shoreline or stream buffer, septic system design and
maintenance, landscaping with native species, to the protection
of shoreline wetlands, there are many actions that a landowner
can undertake to protect the lake.
How we manage our property is a choice that we make.
Properties in the watershed can be managed to have a minimal
impact or major impact on the lake. Today, land use activities
around the lake are causing slow, steady decline of Lake George
water quality. It’s possible to manage and landscape properties
in ways that minimize negative impacts. Do-It-Yourself Water
Quality shows how to do this. Join us in a new commitment to
great property stewardship!
®
www.fundforlakegeorge.org | www.lakegeorgewaterkeeper.org
®
FUND BOARD OF TRUSTEES
FUND STAFF
Jeff Killeen, Chair
Elizabeth Spinelli, Secretary
James Wolitarsky, Vice Chair
Bob Bailey, Treasurer
Peter Bauer, Executive Director
Kathleen S. Lindberg Bozony, Natural Resource Specialist
Chris Navitsky, Lake Georger Waterkeeper
Emily Oswald, Administrative Coordinator
Robert Dickson, PhD
Nell Fraser
Gena Lindyberg
John Macionis, PhD
Don Rice
Margaret Schadler, PhD
Edmund M. Scheiber, Jr.
Susan Weber
Tom West
Wendy Whalen
The FUND for Lake George
P.O. Box 352
2199A State Route 9
Lake George, New York 12845
Phone: 518.668.9700
Fax: 518.668.5915
Email: [email protected]
Online: www.fundforlakegeorge.org
Cover photo: Joe Kaye