April 7, 2025
The 2025 Land Campaign is the largest fundraising effort in LGLC history, and will result in:
1,200+ acres of forested land in the Lake George watershed permanently protected, including some of largest privately-owned properties south of the Narrows.
2.8 miles of streams and 26+ acres of wetlands conserved, ensuring healthy, clean water flowing into Lake George, and a reduction in downstream stormwater impacts.
Protecting the scenic integrity of the iconic Pilot Knob Mountain in the south basin, as well as the undeveloped ridgeline in Bolton visible from Northwest Bay.
$9 million total investment:
$6.6 million has been secured in donations, pledges, and grants, which will provide $2 for every $1 donated. (as of March 2025)
This project will permanently protect 517 acres on Pilot Knob Mountain, including its 2,159-foot peak, 1.6 miles of streams, and stunning views that define the southeast landscape of Lake George. The land abuts NYS DEC Wild Forest and is close to the LGLC’s Schumann Preserve at Pilot Knob. Its protection will prevent the possible development of up to 60 buildings, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the land for water quality protection, wildlife habitat, scenic beauty, and future recreational opportunities.
With this Campaign, the LGLC will protect several important properties in the Indian Brook and Northwest Bay area – a total of 772 acres, with 1.2 miles of streams and more than 26 acres of wetlands and ponds. Their conservation will provide critical protection of stream corridors, wetlands, steep slopes, and forested lands, while also protecting the undeveloped ridgeline along Northwest Bay. Grants awarded to fund these Bolton properties require matching funds, effectively providing $2 for every $1 donated.
The LGLC’s 2025 Land Campaign will achieve the permanent protection of more than 1,200 acres of forests, streams, and wetlands, critical to safeguarding Lake George’s water quality, scenic beauty, and healthy ecosystem for the people and wildlife that depend on it.
The majority of the water in Lake George comes directly off the land in the watershed through streams. Over 141 streams flow into Lake George, making up 55% of the water that enters the lake. By protecting land that contains significant streams and their vegetated buffers, we can allow that land to continue doing what it does best—naturally filter and control the quantity and quality of the millions of gallons of water that flow into Lake George.
Wetlands are also critical to protecting water quality. They provide a natural filtration system, slowing stormwater and runoff, and absorbing potentially damaging pollutants before the water reaches the main stream or larger waterbody.
It goes without saying, Lake George is a beautiful place. The most beautiful and desired scenery is not of houses and roads but of the natural lands that are the backdrop of every photo and special moment at the lake. That beauty persists because of conservation efforts that have kept those mountains green and water clear.
Pilot Knob Mountain sits directly in the line of sight from Diamond Point on the western shore, and more closely, Long Island, Cleverdale, and anywhere by boat in the south basin. The Bolton conservation properties protect the scenic ridgeline along Northwest Bay and are visible from scenic roadways.
The protection of these properties is important not only for the enjoyment of those who visit, but also for the economic vitality of the entire Lake George basin.
Photo: Bolton uplands from Walnut Ridge by Lauri Carr
The properties identified in the 2025 Land Campaign expand existing protected lands, owned either by the LGLC or New York State, to further enhance opportunities for wildlife and human recreation.
Contiguous blocks of land are essential for “wildlife corridors,” or pathways for animals, particularly larger mammals such as bears, moose, bobcats and fishers. These corridors allow animals to travel the long distances required to survive without being exposed to dangers and obstructions such as roads and development.
Land connectivity is also important for whole ecosystem health and vitality, allowing forests, streams, and other freshwater resources to interact uninterrupted for maximum water quality benefits.
Photo: Lake George south basin by Carl Heilman, II/Wild Visions, Inc.
A robust and diverse wildlife population is an important part of an overall healthy ecosystem. Intact forests, wetlands, and stream corridors provide critical habitat for a variety of animals, from large mammals like black bear, to the tiny red spotted eft.
American beech and other hardwood trees provide an important food source for wildlife. The watershed’s dominant eastern hemlock stands are ideal for wildlife that relies on the cool climate and protection created by dense canopy. Additionally, hemlocks prevent erosion on waterways and cool them to create water that supports invertebrate communities and brook trout habitat.
Photo: magnolia warbler by William Adamczak @wadamczakphoto