What is a Lake Management Master Plan?

A Lake Management Master Plan (MASTER PLAN) is a working document that serves as a guide to the collaborative ecosystem management of a body of water. The plan identifies the goals and concerns of lake users, shorefront owners, government, and businesses, and outlines those strategies that offer the best opportunity to achieve the stated goals and address the shared concerns. The overall objective of the LAKE MASTER PLAN is to offer partnership activites and opportunities for action that, when successfully completed, should result in the optimal use and enjoyment of the lake as a natural, recreational, and economic resource. The process of creating a LKE MASTER PLAN is a consensus-building effort aimed at involving all interested members of the watershed in order to develop the best possible document.

By identifying and defining the existing or potential threats to the environmental, recreational, aesthetic, or economic quality of the lake in a scientific manner; the LAKE MASTER PLAN makes it possible to prioritize efforts to identify, mitigate or eliminate problems. In addition, by defining and prioritizing these problems or threats, the LAKE also becomes a fundamental tool for soliciting grant money to aid in their solution. Thus, The Lake Management Master Plan becomes an important tool for lake advocacy, and a vital step towards preserving our lake and now our Watershed. The original Lake Management Master Plan was adopted in 2010. An Addendum was adopted in 2019. Both documents are on this site at: Schroon Lake Watershed Management Plan / FINAL Lake Watershed Management Plan Addendum 07.2019

Latest Developments

The Steering Committee has developed an Addendum to the original plan which includes the entire Watershed. Deliberations have started on which projects will take place over the coming years. See the Schedule for Steering Committee Meetings.

Steering Committee Formed

A Watershed Steering Committee was formed to pursue opportunities for grant funding and coordinate stewardship work within the watershed. The Committee is formed of two members of the Schroon Lake Association, two members of the East Shore Association, two member from the Paradox Lake Association, two members from each of the three towns, Schroon Lake, Horicon and Chester, a representative from the Schroon Lake Park District, and the Warren and Essex County Soil and Water Districts. This Committee will meet quarterly and their meetings are open to the public. See the Events Calendar for dates, times, and places of these meetings if you are interested in attending.

Plan Details

How Did It Happen?

In late 2006, the Board of Directors of the Schroon Lake Association agreed to set aside $1,000 to begin the development of a Lake Management Master Plan (LaMP) for the greater Schroon Lake watershed. A committee of SLA Board members (Roger Friedman, Howard Warren, who was replaced by Paul Conolly when he moved from the area, Mark Whitney, and Helen Wildman) was established. In December, 2006, they met with the Supervisors of Schroon, Horicon and Chester Townships, and our Lake Manager, Steve LaMere of Adirondack Ecologists, to explore the ramifications. It was agreed that the Schroon Lake Association would lead this project aided by the three towns.

In the spring of 2007, Howard Warren wrote a grant application for educational signage and handout materials for the launch ramp areas which in later meetings led to the development of the Launch Ramp Project. To seek support and input from the greater Schroon Lake watershed area, meetings were then broadened to include the East Shore of Schroon Lake Association, the DEC, the Warren and Essex County Soil and Water Districts, the business community, the Schroon Lake Park District, and other interested parties.

The LaMP Committee outlined the area to be included in the LaMP as the Greater Schroon Lake Watershed; which was defined as the Schroon River, Schroon Lake from its beginnings to the Starbuckville Dam, and the river's tributaries and upland drainage. The Schroon Lake Association signed a proposal from Adirondack Ecologists, who were responsible for the compilation and dissemination of all materials to be included in the LaMP. The SLA entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Warren County Soil and Water District (WCSWD) which agreed to conduct the upland portion of the study. A questionnaire was developed to seek input from all stakeholders in the area. The returns were tabulated and summarized to identify areas of concern. Adirondack Ecologists was responsible for the preparation and presentation of all information related to the aquatic and wetland environments of Schroon Lake. WCSWD conducted and wrote the upland portion of the document and was responsible for its final production.

Latest Developments

SALT AND SILT WHAT IS GETTING INTO OUR WATERSHED

In December 2021 Gov. Hochul announced appointments to the Adirondack Road Salt Reduction Task Force. Read about the individuals appointed here.

 

Data Collection

July 1st EWM Report

Schroon Lake Beach- We surveyed from the boat launch to the end of the beach. This area had a sandy bottom with limited plant growth that consisted of mostly low growing plants and no EWM plants located. Visibility was poor in this area due to recent storms.

North of Steep Bay- This area had prolific plant growth in areas around 7ft in depth. We observed numerous native milfoils throughout the area and no EWM was located. We plan on continuing north in our survey this coming weekend.

Launch Ramp Project

Horicon Launch Ramp NOW Has Boat Washing Station

The Horricon Boat Launch Ramp now has a boat washing and decontamination station fully operation.  The SLA and ESSLA joined forces to obtain the station through a grant with the help of Warren County Soil and Water and the Towns of Schroon, Chester and Horicon.  The three towns share the cost of its operation. Stop the spread of invasives. Make sure your boat is CLEAN, DRAINED AND DRY.

Clean up the boat!

Don't bring invasives into our lake! Our Boat Launch Stewards are harde at work inspecting boats every day for invasives. Come on down and see them at work on the Schroon lake Town Boatlaunch. The SLA donates funds to the Town of Schroon to pay the Stewards who are Town seasonal employees. Come down and thank these young folks for helping to protect our lake. These are other examples of you dues and donations at work.

How It Gets Here

The stems of milfoil break apart (senesce) easily and each plantlet can drift around and eventually sink to the bottom where it becomes rooted. Floating pieces of milfoil can easily become caught on boat trailers and boat propellers so that milfoil can be carried from one water body to another. Perhaps the most important function of our volunteers was to hand out educational materials on milfoil and other invasives. While they did this they also looked for milfoil on incoming boats and trailers. Some launch ramps (including Horicon at the southern end of Schroon Lake, have installed wash stations for boaters. KEEP YOUR BOAT CLEAN, DRAINED AND DRY between launches. 

For more information, see our Eurasian Watermilfoil page. 

12 NEW BOAT DECONTAMINATION STATIONS NOW OPEN IN THE ADIRONDACKS

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that 12 new boat decontamination stations are now open across the Adirondacks, as part of a pilot program to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in the region. In addition, more than 100 events will be held this week across the state in recognition of Invasive Species Week, which Governor Cuomo proclaimed as July 12 – 18.

"Preventing the spread of invasive species in our Adirondack waterways is vital to preserving the natural treasures of this region and ensuring it remains a major economic asset," Governor Cuomo said. "Through a proactive campaign we are getting experts and the public involved so everyone can do their part to keep the Adirondacks pristine and enjoyable for years to come."

This comprehensive pilot program is led by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program, and Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute. It includes strategically locating boat washing stations, the addition of boat stewards at 14 new locations in the region, invasive species prevention signage at all Department of Environmental Conservation and most municipal and private boat launches, and educational outreach efforts.

The program is the result of an agreement reached among more than 60 conservation groups, owners associations, and local and state governments in March to work in concert to help preserve clean water, increase recreation opportunities and promote tourism. This effort is funded by the state Environmental Protection Fund. Under Governor Cuomo's leadership, the new state budget included an additional $1 million in the Environmental Protection Fund targeted specifically for combatting aquatic invasive species.

Boat launch stewards at 41 boat launches will show arriving boaters the signs of possible invasive threats on their watercraft and trailers. At decontamination stations, boat stewards will use high pressure, hot water decontamination units to clean boats that have not been cleaned and drained. Boater participation is voluntary yet strongly encouraged.

“The many groups partnering with the state in this important work is key to this program’s success,” said Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens. “Governor Cuomo has made significant investments to combat invasive species and educate New Yorkers about the damage they can cause. These measures will preserve pristine waters while promoting regional tourism.”

A recent study by the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program found that if invasive species are allowed to spread, they could cost the Adirondack economy up to $900 million. This includes annual losses in visitor spending, and agriculture and primary forest production value as well as losses in property value that will affect the tax base and borrowing ability for property owners on an ongoing basis.

Data from the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program indicates 18 aquatic invasive and non-native species currently infest waters in the Adirondack region. Nearly 200 aquatic invasive and non-native species exist nearby in the Great Lakes, Hudson River, Lake Champlain, and St. Lawrence River and are a threat to invade waters of the Adirondacks. Aquatic invasive species, such as Eurasian watermilfoil and spiny waterflea, can be spread by boats, trailers, fishing gear and other equipment.

In 2014, during the first ever Invasive Species Week, Governor Cuomo signed a new law to help stop the spread of these harmful species. Under the law and subsequent regulations, the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of Agriculture and Markets created lists of prohibited and regulated species and established measures to prevent their release in the state. The regulations make it unlawful to knowingly possess a prohibited species with the intent to sell, import, purchase, transport or introduce.

Invasive Species Week Events

More than 100 events will be held across the state to help prevent the spread of invasive species in recognition of Invasive Species Week. The events are designed to raise awareness and to encourage all New Yorkers to take action to protect lands and waters from invasive species that can be harmful to human health, animal habitat, agriculture and tourism. Additional information and a complete list of more than 100 events are available on the NY Invasive Species Week website at www.nyis.info/blog.

Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Invasive Species Week is an opportunity to educate New Yorkers about the proactive measures they can take year-round to prevent the spread of these harmful species, which pose a serious threat to New York agriculture, our ecosystems and economy. By working together with our partners at the Department of Environmental Conservation, and with the help of all of our partners on the ground in communities across the state, we stand a better chance at managing and fighting these devastating species, and protecting our farmlands, waterways and natural resources.”

Recreational Boating Precautions

The Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation adopted new regulations last year that require boaters to remove all visible plant and animal materials from boats, trailers and associated equipment, and to drain boats prior to launching and after retrieving from Department of Environmental Conservation and Parks boat launches. Boaters are advised to check their boats, trailers and fishing and boating equipment, bunks, rollers, trim tabs and other likely attachment points on boats and trailers for any plants or animals that may be clinging to them. Following a thorough inspection, boaters should follow the CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY standard:



State Senator Elizabeth Little said, “Controlling the spread of invasive species is essential to the quality of our park environment, protection of property values, and health of our economy. The leadership of the governor combined with the collaboration of local government and private groups is resulting in a coordinated program to control aquatic invasive species in the Adirondack Park. I thank Governor Cuomo for his support and applaud the collaboration of municipalities and NGO’s working together so effectively to provide a park wide on the ground program to address this threat.”

Assemblywoman Janet Duprey said, “In order to continue to preserve our Adirondack lakes and waterways we must be pro-active in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species. The boat launch stewards and boat wash stations will serve not only as a deterrent to spreading invasive species but also as an awareness to the public of the need for all boat owners to do their part in assisting in this effort.”

Chairman of the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors William G. Farber said, “It is vital we protect the waters in the Adirondack Park, and we thank Governor Cuomo for his leadership in bringing together and funding the efforts of this unique partnership of numerous organizations and local and state government. The stewardship efforts to combat the spread of aquatic invasive species are now up and running and we know this cooperation will make a difference.”

D. Billy Jones, Chairman Franklin County Legislature, said, “I have personally seen the damage invasive species can create in our beautiful local lakes. For our residents who live by our lakes, and remembering how important this is to our tourism industry, we must combat this and continue to have proper funding to protect one of our most important natural resources. I want to thank Governor Cuomo and the Legislature for the funding provided in this year’s budget to combat invasive species in our treasured local lakes and encourage them to continue to properly fund this important endeavor.”

Town of Wells Supervisor Brian Towers said, "The communities of the Adirondacks are pleased with the commitment and resources of the Governor and DEC to mitigate the proliferation of aquatic invasive species in the park. Today marks the first step in what we hope will be a multi-year program that promotes protecting our pristine waters through a system of boat washing stations that offer the boating public the opportunity to help protect the very asset they enjoy at no cost, so that future generation will also experience these magnificent waters."

Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program Coordinator Brendan Quirion said, “On behalf of the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program and partners, I want to thank Governor Cuomo, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, NYS Department of Transportation and Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute for their support, impressive effort and strong collaboration in getting this summer’s AIS spread prevention pilot program up and running. An operational pilot program not only represents the culmination of hard work conducted by dedicated staff and partners, but more importantly a commitment by all parties involved to better safeguard the Adirondack region from the negative ecological and economic impacts of aquatic invasive species. Future generations will thank us for taking this stand as our iconic lakes and ponds continue to provide the invaluable recreational, aesthetic, economic and ecological benefits that they always have.”

Eric Holmund, Director of Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute Watershed Stewardship Program said, “The Adirondack Pilot Program represents a tremendous step forward for landscape-scaled, coordinated invasive species management. The program brings together all the major stakeholders at an unprecedented level which is needed to address a threat that transcends municipal, park, and watershed boundaries. We have provided the information and the tools for the public to prevent the spread of AIS by inspecting and decontaminating their watercraft at many convenient locations around the Park. This is a landmark day in the history of water quality in New York State.”

Adirondack Council Executive Director William C. Janeway said, "Invasive species threaten the clean water and wildlife, economy and recreational enjoyment of America’s greatest Park, the Adirondacks; and the Adirondack Council applauds Governor Cuomo, Commissioner Joe Martens and all the local government and private stakeholders who have come together to fight this threat."

Adirondack Park Local Government Review Board executive Director Fred Monroe said, “We appreciate the Governor's leadership in protecting the health of Adirondack waters by funding this important invasive species prevention program. The Adirondack Lakes Alliance, the New York State Conservation Council, local governments, landowners and regional environmental groups are pleased to work in partnership with DEC to implement the program. We also appreciate the supplemental funds provided by the SAVE Lake George partnership.”

More information on the Adirondack Aquatic Invasive Species Spread Prevention Pilot Program can be found at: http://www.adkwatershed.org/invasive-species/ais-pilot-program.

The recently adopted Aquatic Invasive Species regulations for Department of Environmental Conservation boat launches can be found at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/98240.html.

Additional information on the preventing the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species can be found at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/48221.html.

The Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program's website (http://adkinvasives.com/) provides information on Aquatic Invasive Species in the Adirondacks, including identification of species and where they are currently found.