Private Lands Stewardship Initiative

The Private Lands Stewardship Initiative is a program of the Lake George Land Conservancy that encourages landowners in the Lake George basin to steward their land in a manner consistent with the ecological needs of the watershed. Since many of the lands in the watershed are not available for sale, easement or donation, or may not be appropriate for an easement or direct acquisition, the Lake George Land Conservancy has established this voluntary program, designed to educate the landowner about sound land management practices and encourage continuation of these practices. The program also familiarizes the landowner with the mission of the Lake George Land Conservancy. The program is voluntary and based on a non-binding agreement that can be severed by the landowner at any time. If a landowner agrees to participate, the Lake George Land Conservancy will coordinate the registration with the program and honor the landowner with a certificate to recognize constructive stewardship efforts.

Our stewardship staff work with a registered landowner in developing a management plan for the property by identifying conservation issues, and suggesting best management practices to address each issue. Conservation issues may include, but not be limited to providing assistance on:

• Erosion control;
• Identifying and eradicating invasive plants;
• Recommending suitable native plant species;
• Pesticide use; and
• Natural shoreline protection alternatives.

The LGLC staff visit the registered property annually, and also develop a series of base maps on the participating property which detail information on soils, natural communities, topography, water bodies, wetlands and slope conditions.

Please contact us if you are interested in learning more about how you can protect your private lands in the Lake George watershed through this program.