2014 Annual Report
Owned by LGLC
LGLC Parks, Preserves & Protected Lands
Number of Parcels
Conservation Easements
Deed Restrictions
Total
24
9
3
36
Acres of Land
3,885
739
206
4,830
Feet of Shoreline
10,819
300
1,613
12,732
1 The following Parks and Preserves are open to the public. Public access at properties marked with a is available with advance notice/request only. Please contact LGLC for more information or to arrange a visit.
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1
2
Cook Mountain Preserve
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5
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Last Great Shoreline Preserve Acres of Land: 331 Feet of Shoreline: 2,357 Miles of Trails: 1.5 Boat Access available
Gull Bay Preserve Acres of Land: 492 Miles of Trails: 2.5
Peggy’s Point Acres of Land: 2 Feet of Shoreline: 315 Miles of Trails: 0.1
Terzian Woodlot Acres of Land: 132 Miles of Trails: 1.5
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10
Cat and Thomas Mountains Preserve
11
Butternut Brook Preserve
Anthony’s Nose Preserve Acres of Land: 203 Feet of Shoreline 3,550 Miles of Trails: 0.75
Amy’s Park
Loines Preserve
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Acres of Land: 1,882 Miles of Trails: 7.25 Under management agreement with LGLC
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Acres of Land: 3 Miles of Trails: n/a
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8
Lynn LaMontagne Schumann Preserve at Pilot Knob
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Acres of Land: 223 Miles of Trails: 2.75
13
Van Hart Preserve Acres of Land: 223 Miles of Trails: 2.75
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10
Lichen Ledge Preserve Acres of Land: 1 Feet of Shoreline: 150 Miles of Trails: 0.1
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6
Acres of Land: 37 Feet of Shoreline: 4,150 Miles of Trails: n/a Access by water, otherwise contact LGLC
Little Slide Acres of Land: 53 Feet of Shoreline: 297 Miles of Trails: n/a
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9
Acres of Land: 173 Miles of Trails: 1.5
Legend
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Berry Pond Preserve (including Matty’s Mountain)
LGLC Protected Lands
Acres of Land: 1,607 Miles of Trails: 4.5+
Conservation Easements and Deed Restricted Lands Managed by LGLC
Acres of Land: 500 Miles of Trails: 4.5 Small boat launch
14 The information presented here is correct as of December 31, 2014. Please check with LGLC staff or visit www.lglc.org to confirm property status and accessibility before planning your visit.
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12
Lands Transferred to New York State
13
New York State Forest Preserve Lands Conservation Easements and Fee Lands Protected by NYS and TNC Wetlands Lake George Watershed Boundary
Report Contents: Land Conservation and Stewardship Pg. 4-5
Outreach and Education Pg. 6-7
Events and Friend-Raising Pg. 8-9
LGLC Volunteers Pg. 10-11
Fiancial Report; Capital Gifts Pg. 12-13
This winter, for the first time, I am
enjoying life on the lake during the cold months. Yes, we have had a number of nights (and a few days) well below zero. In mid-January, pretty much on schedule, the lake zipped up and the thickening ice now supports a thriving fishing community.
LGLC achieved Land Trust Accreditation in August, 2014, from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance. This distinction signifies LGLC’s commitment to meeting national standards for excellence, as a transparent, efficient, and trustworthy organization. LGLC is one of only 280 land trusts to have been accredited in the country. Accredited land trusts are authorized to display a seal indicating to the public that they meet national standards for excellence, uphold the public trust and ensure that conservation efforts are permanent. For more information about the accreditation process, please visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org.
I confess that the thrill some find in ice fishing largely escapes me. I recently watched a fellow sit near his fishing hole through an entire single-digit day. As dusk approached, he started moving to shore. Anticipating his landfall very near my place, I walked out to greet him. Smiling, we exchanged names and I encouraged him to say a bit about the charm of a day in the cold wind out on the ice. Without missing a beat, Joe held up one ten or twelve inch fish as if nothing more needed to be said. I suppose this is a case of the old saw “If I have to explain this to you, then you will never understand.” I wish Joe well. In spite of our differing levels of enthusiasm for ice fishing, Joe and I are caught up in the same trance: We are both enchanted by Lake George. From the ice or from the shore, the beauty of this basin—the mountainsides cloaked in white and the brilliant snow covering the lake surface—is simply beyond what words can convey. Whether you are enjoying the cold or have found warmer weather, I am sure that your winter thoughts often turn to our lake. The magic of this place lies in the simple fact that even when we distance ourselves from Lake George, the lake remains part of us.
Contributions FY 2014 Pg. 14-18
Staff and Board of Directors Pg. 19
Why? Each one of us has a unique story, but the common theme is that we find joyful play and peaceful serenity in this special place. Children learn to swim, teens find a first love, adults hone their fishing skills, and everyone reconnects with family from around the country. The circle of lake-life turns again and again—season after season, generation after generation—until we and this majestic setting become intertwined for all time. Lake George has done so much for us. What are we willing to do for the lake? The Lake George Land Conservancy is your agent to protect land and water. Since our beginnings in 1988, the organization has helped to protect close to 10,000 acres of land in the lake basin. And “protect” means forever. The LGLC’s gift to you is measured in natural views and high water quality. Will you give back? We welcome your support in contributions large or small. We pledge to use these funds wisely and efficiently to protect this national treasure. Finally, on behalf of the board of directors, I want to warmly welcome Jamie Brown, our new executive director. Please make a point of meeting Jamie at one of our events in the coming year. With best wishes,
John J. Macionis, Ph.D. President, Board of Directors
The year 2014 concluded with many accomplishments in land conservation for LGLC and its donors. Thanks to an amazing rally of support, 132 acres in Silver Bay are now a public resource; an essential connection was completed at the heart of the Lake George Wildlife Refuge; and land donations provided important water quality protection and recreational assets in the towns of Bolton, Lake George and Fort Ann. In all, five projects in five different towns were completed in 2014, providing for the conservation of 468 acres that protect intact forests, wetlands, rocky slopes and ridges, and streams, as well as important wildlife habitat and recreational passageways. This year we also made the final payment on a $3.15-million mortgage on the Last Great Shoreline Preserve in Putnam, completing a purchase that was made in 2009. The 331-acre property contains extensive wetlands that are part of the Sucker Brook complex and integral to the Lake George Wildlife Refuge. The conservation project also included the protection of 2,357 feet of lake shoreline, and an additional 90 acres and 1,613 feet of shoreline through a donation and deed restrictions.
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2014 Completed Conservation Projects
Stewardship Activities of 2014
Anthony’s Nose Addition Purchased 12/19/2014 13.9 acres in Putnam Provides land for public access to Anthony’s Nose. A parking area and trail will be completed in 2015.
Last Great Shoreline/Gull Bay Connection Purchased 4/17/2014 3 acres in Putnam Established land link between the two preserves. A 1.25-mile trail has been completed to connect existing trail systems to the north and south.
Terzian Woodlot Purchased 12/5/2014 132 acres in Hague 1.5 miles of hiking trails have been completed. Final signage and trail work is expected in 2015.
Combined, these two preserves make the heart of the Lake George Wildlife Refuge and offer a total of 5.75 miles of hiking trails.
Edgecomb Pond Addition Conservation Easement Donation 9/16/2014 84 acres in Bolton Adjoins NYS-owned Cat and Thomas Mts. Preserve. Further protects Bolton drinking water and expands recreational opportunities.
Matty’s Mountain Donation 12/20/2014 171 acres in Lake George & Lake Luzerne Adjoins the Berry Pond Preserve on three sides and includes existing trails used by local snowmobile club.
Lake George Wildlife Refuge A management plan for the Wildlife Refuge is in the process of being completed with assiantance from The LA Group of Saratoga Springs, which has provided its expertise at no cost to LGLC. The plan includes strategies for future conservation efforts, recreational and educational opportunities, and economic development for the region. Van Hart Preserve Donation 6/12/2014 63.5 acres in Fort Ann Publicly accessible by request only; future plans include securing land links between this and the Schumann Preserve at Pilot Knob, less than 1.5 miles to the north. 5
Much of the stewarship work was conducted by LGLC’s seasonal stewardship assistants, Tom Devlin, a junior at Paul Smith’s College, and Michelle Piechowicz, a senior at the University of Connecticut. In all, staff monitored eight properties with LGLC-held conservation easements, and, with help from volunteers, built bridges, blazed trails and maintained existing trails at eight parks and preserves. Some specific projects included: Amy’s Park LGLC teamed up with YMCA Camp Chingachgook to construct a bridge. Last Great Shoreline A dock and an overlook trail that connects to the water’s edge was completed this summer. The connector trail was also completed, joining the Last Great Shoreline to the Gull Bay Preserve. A new off-road parking area was created on Warrick Road, with a trail connecting it to the main trail kiosk. Peggy’s Point The garden was renamed “Mary Lou’s Friendship Garden” in honor of Hague resident and volunteer Mary Lou Doulin. A gazebo was installed in September. Terrestrial Invasive Plant Management Garlic mustard was removed from the Gull Bay Preserve; purple loosestrife from the Cook Mountain and Last Great Shoreline Preserves; and shrubby honeysuckle from the Schumann Preserve at Pilot Knob. Extra help was gratefully received from volunteers, including Mr. Brechko’s 8th grade students from the Glens Falls Middle School.
Sharing our trails
with the public is a responsibility that we take very seriously, but we also have a lot of fun helping kids and adults of all abilities and backgrounds explore the forests and view the lake from towering mountaintops. Events like our annual Hike-A-Thon and guided outings bring people to the land to witness first-hand why Lake George is worth protecting.
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Hike-A-Thon LGLC’s Hike-A-Thon, held each year on July 5th, proved itself once again as a great outreach event! The event had 400 people, including 25 volunteers, hiking (or boating) at nine locations around Lake George to rally for land conservation. As always, participation was free thanks to support from sponsors and the donation of services by Carl Heilman, II, who gave his time and talent to photograph the event, and Bruce Mowery of North Country Heliflite, who donated his flight services. Ticonderoga resident Miriam Dunne was the 2014 winner of the Hike-A-Thon helicopter ride, the grand prize of LGLC’s annual spring appeal drawing. She got to enjoy a unique perspective of the event while riding beside LGLC board member Debbie Hoffman.
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Seeing well-known and well-loved landmarks from the air was really special to me. Heart Bay, Anthony’s Nose, Glenburnie Bay, Cook Mountain and Roger’s Rock are all places I’ve come to love over the last 30 years of spending time at my husband’s family home on the northern end of the lake. As a result of the helicopter ride, I am now encouraged to explore farther south and see more of the lake’s watershed. ~ Miriam Dunne
More information about the event, including a full list of sponsors, can be found at lakegeorgehikeathon.org, and in our fall newsletter, posted at lglc.org/news.
Walks & Talks Each year LGLC schedules a series of guided hikes and educational programs that are primarily free to the public. In 2014, this program included: • 24 guided hikes, paddles and volunteer work days • 300 participants • 265 volunteer hours • 12 sites in six towns around Lake George Four of these outings were arranged in partnership with outside groups—CDPHP, as part of their wellness program; Girlfriends Getaway in Bolton Landing, an annual event dedicated to women’s wellness; Warren County Master Gardeners, who also helped with invasive plant removal; and Ticonderoga School District’s 4th grade students, who enjoyed an educational field trip at the Gull Bay Preserve. Wildlife Talks Nearly 200 people attended LGLC’s 2014 Lake Talks Series, which were held each Wednesday evening in July. Presentations were all focused on wildlife, and ranged from wolves to habitat management. Presenters included Steve Hall of the Adirondack Wildlife Refuge
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and Rehab Center, Certified Forester Erin O’Neill, licensed wildlife rehabilitator Nancy Kimball, and Zoe Smith, director of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Adirondack Program.
Public Speaking LGLC Communications and Outreach Manager Sarah Hoffman was honored to be the guest speaker at YMCA Camp Chingachgook’s annual Earth Service Awards banquet in April. Her inspirational presentation focused on John Apperson, a conservation activist with Lake George roots, as an example of how one person’s passion and dedication to a cause can make a significant difference in our world.
Annual Meeting Troy Weldy, senior conservation manager for The Nature Conservancy of New York, provided opening remarks for LGLC’s 2014 public Annual Meeting, held July 17th at the Inn at Erlowest in Diamond Point. Weldy discussed issues pertaining to forest health, including deer management, invasive species, and the use of carbon credits. LGLC’s Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Richard Hayes Phillips, for his extraordinary donation of hundreds of hours for trail creation and maintenance on LGLC properties.
Every not-for-profit relies on the generosity of donors —individuals, businesses and foundations—to keep moving forward with impactful, mission-driven actions. Fundraising is therefore a necessary part of an organization’s functions, but we strive to make every solicitation, benefit event and campaign as effective and enjoyable as possible for those who participate.
In 2014, LGLC held six major fundraising events and campaigns that involved nearly 1,100 donations towards operational support and specific conservation projects.* Our sincere thanks goes to everyone who donated dollars, time, talents and services to support our cause. Lake George is a better place because of your concern and we couldn’t continue without you.
*This information reflects activities for the 2014 calendar year. Fiscal year numbers can be viewed on page 12. 8
Land and Water Conservation Celebration More than 190 guests attended LGLC’s annual dinner and auction benefit event at the Sagamore’s Shelving Rock Terrace on August 8th. The Celebration was another record-breaker, raising a net total of over $150,000 for projects involving land conservation—about 40% more than the previous year! Guests were amazingly generous during the Fund-ANeed, which raises funds for specific projects and organizational needs. Through this tool, LGLC raised $95,550, most of which has been directed towards the purchase of the Anthony’s Nose access parcel (see page 5 for details) and to expand the Wildlife Refuge in Putnam. The Fund-A-Need also raised dollars for office technology upgrades and LGLC’s new website, which is now compatible with today’s computer and smart phone capabilites. Patricia Spencer, of Patricia Spencer Designs, built the beautiful site and donated a significant portion of her services. In addition to functioning as LGLC’s largest single fundraiser, the Celebration provides the opportunity to honor individuals who have already made significant contributions to LGLC and the lake. The 2014 Henry M. Rowan Conservation Award was presented to Helen V. Froehlich and the Froehlich Foundation for their significant support of
numerous environmental projects around Lake George and their direct support of LGLC. Nancy Kimball and Rebecca Smith were inducted as the newest members of LGLC’s Apperson Society.
Last Great Shoreline Campaign Nearly 400 individuals, families and organizations contributed towards our final push to pay off the Last Great Shoreline’s mortgage in February. All donors who contributed to this campaign were entered into a drawing to win a commissioned watercolor painting of Jumping Rock by Marianne Ganter. The winners were Ken and Enid Engler of Forest Bay in Hague. Specific thanks go to Hank and Lee Rowan and Manning and Ginny Rowan Smith, without whom we would never have been able to purchase this property.
Name the View Contest—Nosa’s Bluff Rick and Evelyn Spann of Gull Bay were announced as the winners of the Name the View Contest during LGLC’s annual meeting. This contest was part of our fundraising campaign for Berry Pond, and generated nearly $5,000 towards its mortgage. In addition to having the honor of naming the northern view from Berry Pond, the Spanns also won a picnic on Dome Island hosted by LGLC. The family chose to name 9
the view Nosa’s Bluff, in honor of their dog and favorite vacation spot in Australia. Contestants could enter the drawing with or without making a donation, but many people showed their support and contributed to the campaign. In addition, everyone who signed our 1,000 Friends of Lake George book were also entered into the drawing.
Neighborhood Socials and Benefits This summer’s outreach events focused on the acquisition of the Terzian Woodlot in Silver Bay. The need to rally and gain support was intense in order to meet a short deadline and successfully protect this property. We are grateful to our fundraiser co-chairs, Judy Larter, Elizabeth Guest, and Bob and Jan Whitaker, and to Dr. Bill Brown for providing expertise on the timber rattlesnake during guided hikes on the property. We also thank Frank and Nancy Tetz for “thinking outside the box” and rallying their friends and family for a fun Birthday Challenge. The talented and gracious Prometheus Brass from New York City presented their second annual benefit concert at the Grace Memorial Chapel on Sabbath Day Point on August 16th. Performers Sandra Coffin, Matthew Ragsdale, Susan LaFever, and Dale Truk, along with the Chapel Board and volunteers, all donated their time to help further the Terzian project.
Volunteers
Administrative AdministrativeSupport Assistance
170 individuals collectively donated nearly 1,700 hours of their time to helping with LGLC’s various programs throughout the 2014 calendar year.
Betsy Birchenough Jeff Brozyna Patti Brozyna Marianne Castillo Sue Heusner Debbie Hoffman Jeri Kellerman Mary Ellen Martin Todd Martin Falon Neske Susan Small Lois Sullivan Marilyn Tilton
Volunteers help LGLC as presenters, field volunteers, preserve stewards, hike leaders, office assistants, fundraisers, event organizers, and by sharing their expertise in a variety of topics. The list displayed on this page does not include those who serve on our Board or Advisory Board unless their volunteer service was for a task above and beyond the usual Board-related duties (general and specific committee meetings, event attendance). For a complete list of LGLC’s Board of Directors, please see page 19. Our sincere thanks go to all of our volunteers! Special Committees Conservation/Stewardship
Events
Graham Cox Nancy Kimball Rosemary Millham Corrina Parnapy Richard Hayes Phillips Jerry Tolchin
Charity Anderson Betsy Birchenough Paul Breslin Amy Csenge Cynthia Ferguson Anne Green Debbie Hoffman Judy Larter John Macionis Sheilagh Menzies
Thank-You Calling Team Jeff Brozyna Tracey Clothier Chuck Cumming Doug Langdon Judy Larter Elizabeth Meigher Mike O’Reilly Rob Singer
Education and Outreach & Outreach Bernie Brown Henry Caldwell Ted Caldwell Jane Caldwell Steve Clark John Crist, Jr. Tabor Dunn Michaela Dunn Dawn Faller Pat Fitzgerald Zandy Gabriels John Gaddy Deb Gaddy Anne Green Steve Hall Nancy Kimball Eric Krantz Nick Laiaconia Richard Leone Rosemary Millham Erin O’Neill Doug Pearl Mark Perry Lynne Rosenthal Kenyon Simpson Pat Simpson Zoe Smith
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Kate VanDyck Troy Weldy Field & Stewardship Field and Stewardship Bob Aspholm Paul Breslin Mary Lou Doulin Glens Falls 8th Graders, Mr. Brechko’s Class Nancy Hill Bob Kafin Doug Langdon Richard Hayes Phillips Ed Sheridan Warren County Master Gardeners Warren County Youth Court members Bob Whitaker YMCA Camp Chingackgook campers and staff Fundraisers Fundraising & Socials Bill Brown Elsa Coughlin Grace Memorial Chapel Trustees Anne Green Elizabeth Guest Judy Larter Falon Neske Charlotte Pedlow Lucy Pedlow Prometheus Brass Sandra Coffin Susan LeFever Matthew Ragsdale Dale Truk Isabel Singer Nina Singer Bob Whitaker Jan Whitaker
2014 2014 Hike-A-Thon Hike-A-Thon Ashley Andy Betsy Birchenough Paul Breslin John Buhac Jenny Coughlin Amy Csenge Tonie Franz Cathy Gilcrest Carl Heilman Sue Heusner Hal Heusner Adam Hoffman Debbie Hoffman Doug Langdon Judy Larter Lorraine Lefeve Kathy Miller Ron Miller David Morrison Joanne Morrison Bruce Mowery Falon Neske Dede Potter Daniel Ryterband Fran Sloatman
Volunteers give
their time, talent and enthusiasm to help on our board, in the field, with office tasks, on special committees, and for events. We are incredibly grateful for the hours given to LGLC by our volunteers—hours that could have been spent with family or helping other organizations. This dedication has a real, positive impact on LGLC’s day-to-day operations and the long-term future of Lake George. 11 11
Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2014 The Lake George Land Conservancy’s Fiscal Year (FY) ran July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014.
Consolidated Balance Sheet from Audit* FY 2014
Support and Other Revenue
$702,856
$585,409
$1,148,194
$1,190,163
$13,938,823
$13,761,218
Stewardship Cash and Investment
$107,990
$147,490
Other Assets
$476,823
$309,000
$16,374,686
$15,993,280
Property and Equipment, Net Land Held for Conservation
Total Assets
Land Acquisition 41%
Contributions 68%
FY 2013
Personnel 35%
Assets Cash and Cash Equivalents
Disbursements
Grants 24%
Communications/Development 9% Occupancy, Fees, Insurance 7%
Special Event/Program Fees 7%
Depreciation 4% Professional Fees 2%
Lease and Rent 1%
Equipment and Supplies 2%
Interest Income