April 16, 2025 LGLC Protects 993 Acres in Fort Ann

The Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) has permanently protected 993 acres of forested land in Fort Ann with a conservation easement. The property includes 94 acres of freshwater ponds and wetlands, including Sly Pond and most of The Three Ponds.

The protected property is on Sly Pond Rd, and is part of Camp Wakpominee, owned by the Twin Rivers Council. The Camp Wakpominee Conservation Easement (the Easement) shares more than 1 mile of its boundary with NYS DEC protected land to the north and to the southwest. The LGLC’s Schumann Preserve at Pilot Knob lies 1/4-mile west of the newly protected land.

This addition of nearly 1,000 protected acres expands the large, connected wild lands of Lake George’s south basin, increasing natural benefits such as wildlife habitat, clean air, clean water, recreation, and scenic beauty.

Large intact forests provide habitat for a variety of wildlife species including bobcat, black bear, moose, fisher, timber rattlesnake, and a variety of bird species. The ponds, wetlands and streams protected by this conservation easement help to reduce storm water impacts and provide water purification. They also provide important habitat for aquatic invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals, fungi, and plants.

The Easement allows the LGLC to monitor the forest for invasive species, including hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), which has been found throughout the Lake George watershed. Early detection of HWA and other invasives is important for successful management and spread prevention.

LGLC Executive Director Mike Horn said, “This project is an important step forward in large-scale land conservation that will forever protect the natural feature of the Lake George region. We are grateful that the Twin Rivers Council shares our vision of protecting natural resources for future generations.”

Camp Wakpominee has existed on this property since 1931, and Twin Rivers Council will continue their ownership and operation of the property as a Scout camp. By protecting its forested land with a conservation easement, the Council is ensuring the land will forever be available for outdoor recreation and exploration, continuing to instill a love of nature in future generations.

The conservation easement was made possible through collaboration with The Nature Conservancy.

“We’re pleased this project will create lasting and meaningful conservation impacts. The protection of nearly 1,000 acres that connects to other wild lands will support forest health and wildlife connectivity in perpetuity,” said Matt Levy, Director of Land Protection for The Nature Conservancy in New York.

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