Last Great Shoreline

On February 27, 2009 the Lake George Land Conservancy ended nearly two decades of negotiations when it closed on the Gabriel land, known as the Last Great Shoreline project. With this great acquisition LGLC also took a leap into debt in order to finance the purchase. The cost of the land was $4 million with another $300,000 of project expenses. As of July 2009 we have raised $1.7 million in gifts and pledges. The remaining $2.6 million must be raised by February 27, 2012.

The Lake George Land Conservancy’s purchase of the Last Great Shoreline project, located in the Town of Putnam, Washington County, was a crucial step in the protection of the Lake George watershed. 351 acres and 2,357 feet of shoreline were acquired as a preserve, and 70 acres and 1,613 feet remain in private ownership that is now protected by a deed restriction. LGLC has already built over a mile of trails to lead hikers through a diversity of ecological systems, from the Sucker Brook wetlands, to the lichen covered rocks on the western shore of Lake George.

The land contains approximately thirty-five acres of wetlands (reportedly including a rare white cedar swamp) which provide important food and breeding sites for amphibians, birds and mammals. These Sucker Brook wetlands provide a natural filtration system, contributing to the pristine water quality of Lake George. In addition, the legendary Jumping Rock, rising approximately 30 feet above the lake, is situated on the northern shore and will be preserved forever as an LGLC preserve.

The $4 million project marks the largest dollar purchase in LGLC history. While we are very grateful for the funding we have received so far, provided by the Helen V. Froehlich Foundation, the Open Space Institute (OSI), and generous support by private donors, we still have a long way to go before the project is fully paid for. We hope that all residents and users of Lake George will appreciate the protection of this critical resource land that protects the wooded views from the Lake and the western shore as well as providing public access to Jumping Rock. Whatever your capacity may be, we need your help! We encourage family and association area participation; naming opportunities are always available. Donate now, or contact us for more information on how you may help us to protect the Last Great Shoreline.
 

West Brook Conservation Initiative

Together, the Lake George Land Conservancy, Lake George Association and the Fund for Lake George are working in partnership to transform the dilapidated Gaslight Village area into an environmental park and protect vulnerable upland headwater areas. This $15 million effort is the biggest environmental project ever attempted on Lake George.

On January 22, 2008 LGLC purchased the 1,436-acre Berry Pond tract in southern Lake George, marking the largest dollar purchase in LGLC history and the largest acreage purchased at one time from a single landowner. The purchase, made possible in part through a loan from the Open Space Conservancy and funding provided by the Helen V. Froehlich Foundation, was an integral step in the West Brook Conservation Initiative as the property includes the headwaters of West Brook.

  • Visit the Fund for Lake George website for project details and learn how you can be part of this Initiative.
  • See this new short video on YouTube that describes the West Brook Conservation Initiative. Learn about the transformation of the Gaslight Village and protection of vital upland forests.
  • Contact us.

 

Lake George Land Conservancy • Lake Shore Drive • P.O. Box 1250 • Bolton Landing, NY 12814 • (518) 644-9673

A not-for-profit, member-supported organization that depends on the support of generous individuals, corporations, and foundations.
Contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law and deeply appreciated. DONATE NOW.