The Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) has protected 37 acres in the hamlet of Huletts Landing, Washington County, by purchasing a 33.3-acre upland piece and a conservation easement on the adjoining lower 3.7-acres lakefront property on Lake George. This conservation project is expected to provide permanent water quality protection by preventing the development of uplands directly above the lake, viewshed protection, and the addition of a small, family-friendly recreational opportunity.

A press release from the LGLC said the organization intends to make “modest improvements to the uplands property to allow for minimal passive recreational use.” A small parking area is expected to be identified so as to not interfere with traffic on Bluff Head Road, and a short trail will lead to one or two picnic tables installed at the lookout area.

Located on the eastern shore of Lake George, Bluff Head Road forms the approximate boundary between the two parcels that were sold by the Wilkening family. The lower property includes an old home (“the White House”), nearly 1/4-mile of stream corridor, and over 600 feet of Lake George shore frontage. The upland property has an existing path leading to a viewpoint overlooking the narrows and Silver Bay on the western shore. The uplands also share a 1/2-mile boundary with Spruce Mountain, owned by New York State as part of the Lake George Wild Forest.

Current zoning would have allowed the construction of up to three homes on the larger parcel, and the smaller parcel could have been subdivided to allow for one additional home. However, the Wilkening family welcomed the possibility of protecting the land that has meant so much to them.

According to an oral history documented in 2010 by Friends of Historic Huletts Landing, the Wilkening family owned the property since the late 1800s when Helena “Bunny” Wilkening’s grandfather, Smith Ely Jelliffe, bought a 150-acre parcel. That land was then divided between his children; Ms. Wilkening’s mother was given the land that Ms. Wilkening enjoyed coming to for more than 80 years.

The conservation project was made possible with the support and cooperation of Paul and Sylvia Lawler, and Paul’s employer, the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, which matched their gift.

For more information about the Lake George Land Conservancy, visit their website.

Map of Hulett’s Landing courtesy Lake George Land Conservancy.