Environment DEC
From the October 2006 issue
Governor Announces Additional Public Access to Lake George
Governor George E. Pataki recently announced that the state will purchase a $2 million conservation easement to establish a public boat launch at the Norowal Marina in the Hamlet of Bolton Landing, Warren County, expanding recreational access to Lake George.
Critical Public Access Point
The public boat launch is located
at an important access spot on
Lake George
"Lake George is a popular destination for local residents, people from all regions of the state, and tourists from around the world," Governor Pataki said. "The purchase of this easement for Norowal Marina provides a critical public access point for fishing, boating and other water-based activities, ensuring that people of all ages will be able to experience the beauty and wonders of this historic lake."
Under an agreement with the Town of Bolton Landing and the Bolton Local Development Corporation, DEC will pay $2 million for a conservation easement that ensures public access to the marina and limits development of the property. The town will operate the facility as a public marina, in accordance with a marina operating management plan to be developed in cooperation with DEC.
Will Help With Lake Management
Commissioner Sheehan introduces
Lt. Governor Mary Donohue
at the ceremony
DEC Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan said, "We are very proud to partner with the Town of Bolton to ensure the public's ability to access the scenic and pristine waters of Lake George. Whether it's for fishing, or accessing a Lake George Islands campsite, the public will always have a place to come to launch their boats. In addition, DEC will now have facilities that will allow us to further our management of Lake George."
The 4.3-acre site located on the western shore of Lake George across from Green Island was formerly privately owned and operated as Norowal Marina. The property lies at the end of Norowal Road off Route 9N and can also be accessed from the Sagamore Road which serves as its southern boundary.
Senator Elizabeth Little; former owners, Walter and Cheryl Lamb; DEC Commissioner, Denise Sheehan; Lt. Governor Mary Donohue and Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward
The former owner, Walter "Buzz" Lamb, had planned to put the property up for sale, but offered to sell the property to the Town of Bolton Landing at a reduced price if the site would be maintained as a public marina. A feasibility study undertaken by the town determined that the municipality could not afford to complete the project on its own. By partnering with New York State, the marina was saved from private development that could have restricted public access. DEC worked with the town to develop a plan to keep the property open to the public and continue public access to the lake.
The Easement's Terms
Under the terms of the easement, the property will be held in perpetuity as public land and a seasonal marina. In addition, the agreement allows DEC, at its own expense and with 60 days notice, to construct structures and improvements it determines are needed to operate the public marina. DEC also is provided with a minimum of 215 feet of dock space, 12 parking spaces, outdoor winter storage space for up to 25 boats and trailers; 150 square feet of unheated indoor storage space; and 150 square feet of indoor area for office space. The agency will pay all operational costs associated with these areas, which will be used to administer programs for management of Lake George and the surrounding area.
The agreement allows the Town of Bolton to collect nominal fees for use of the marina property; operate or contract with others to operate concessions related to operating a marina; maintain, move or remove existing buildings and construct new structures and improvements as deemed necessary for the operation of a public marina or public use of the property.
