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Top 10 Tips on Lake Protection From the Lake George Association

Whether you're a local resident or just visiting, you can help keep Lake George clean, clear, and beautiful! Learn 10 ways you can save Lake George with these lake protection tips, courtesy of the Lake George Association (LGA).

view of Lake George

1) Reduce the Stormwater Entering the Lake

Keep hard surfaces (parking lots, driveways, rooftops) at a minimum, and use permeable pavement, rain gardens, catch basins, and native plants to infiltrate stormwater into the ground before it can flow into the lake. Report runoff, erosion, and clogged storm drain problems to the LGA when you see them.

Get more info about runoff »

2) Abide by Mandatory Boat Inspections

Vessel inspection technicians must inspect every trailered boat before entry into the water and decontaminate the vessel, if necessary. Once the boat has been inspected, it will receive the vessel inspection control seal (VICS). No boat will be allowed to launch without an intact VICS Seal.

Read more about boating rules and regulations »

3) Plant Vegetative Buffers & Preserve Trees

When landscaping in Lake George, preserve trees and native plants, and establish vegetative buffers. They benefit Lake George's water quality and overall health by doing the following:

  • Providing food and shelter for local wildlife
  • Stabilizing soil and reducing erosion
  • Filter pollutants and sediments
  • Absorbing nutrients
  • Deterring nuisance species
  • Keeping water cool

Learn more about vegetative buffers »

4) Buy Firewood Locally

Always purchase firewood locally. It is illegal in New York State to transport firewood more than 50 miles from its source. Destructive invasive insects are traveling via firewood and killing millions of trees in our state. Trees are vital to keeping our lake clean and beautiful. When buying from a local vendor, ask for a receipt or label that has the firewood's local source.

5) Be Smart With Chemicals

Don't fertilize with phosphorus - it feeds plant growth and algae in the lake, and it is illegal in the Town and Village of Lake George. Use pesticides sparingly and consider natural alternatives, like more native plants in your garden. Don't flush pharmaceuticals or hazardous household wastes down the sink or toilet.

If possible, take cars to a car wash. Don't wash cars or boats where soap can enter a Lake George storm drain - the soap will flow directly into the lake. Use biodegradable soap without phosphorus. Don't put anything down a storm drain because they all lead to the lake!

6) Keep Leaves, Grass & Debris Out of the Lake

Too many leaves, debris, and grass clippings in the lake can reduce the oxygen levels, making it more difficult for fish and aquatic animals to live. Rake it all away from the lake, streams, storm drains, and streets, and if possible, compost it.

7) Be Kind to Septic Systems

Inspect and pump septic systems regularly. Reduce the risk of septic system failure by using as little water as possible. Don't do multiple loads of laundry all in one day - spread it out instead. Don't drain a hot tub or pool into your tank or over your drainfield. Don't clog pipes with diapers, coffee grounds, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, or grease and fat from cooking. Avoid frequent use of a garbage disposal.

See how to best maintain your septic system »

8) Don't Litter & Clean Up After Your Dog

Dog waste should be flushed down the toilet (ideally), put in the trash, or buried in your own yard. Dog feces can contain coliform bacteria, hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, and more. This bacteria and potential parasites can stick around the soil for years, making its way into the lake and affecting wildlife.

9) Don't Feed Ducks or Geese

Feeding birds causes them to unnaturally concentrate in large numbers close to people. Artificial food is bad for the birds' health. Waterfowl droppings can result in water-quality problems such as summer algal blooms. And where waterfowl congregate to feed, E-coli counts can swell to levels that make the water unsuitable for swimming.

Read more on why feeding ducks & other nuisance species can damage the lake »

10) Stay Informed

Become a member of the LGA, go out on their Floating Classroom, come to LGA events, follow them on Facebook, and otherwise keep apprised of what's going on with the lake so you can help to protect it!

Learn more about the Lake George Association »

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