The Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) has been awarded two grants, totaling $78,220, from the 2019 Conservation Partnership Program, administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Land Trust Alliance.

$40,000 is expected to be used to implement recommendations identified within the recently completed Bolton Recreational Hub Strategy, such as the creation and installation of new signage, parking lots, kiosks and other improvements to the LGLC’s preserves within the Town of Bolton.

The Bolton Recreational Hub Strategy is a compilation of stakeholder interviews, an inventory of existing trails and public spaces, and recommendations for future recreational opportunities within the Town of Bolton, prepared by The Chazen Companies. Funded by a grant from the 2018 Conservation Partnership Program grants, the 96-page plan is a collaborative effort between the Town of Bolton, the Bolton Landing Chamber of Commerce, and the Lake George Land Conservancy.

For the LGLC, the plan offers ideas for improvements on existing preserves that will offer better experiences for visitors, including ways that people can learn about the importance of protecting land for the benefit of water quality. The plan also identifies potential opportunities to connect existing LGLC preserves to State lands for expanded recreation (including multi-use trails) and natural resource protection.

For the Town, the plan identifies ways to create a marketing campaign that would entice more visitors to the region with the promise of expanded recreational opportunities combined with the conveniences of a lively downtown district for shopping and eating.

The second grant of $38,220 is being used to fund costs that were incurred in the recent French Mountain transaction, a partnership project with the Towns of Lake George and Queensbury to protect a 315-acre property located in both towns. The LGLC holds conservation easements on the land, and is working with both partners to develop a multi-use trail.

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

Photo of French Mountain courtesy LGLC.