Lake Protection - Top 10 Tips from the Lake George Association

10 Lake Protection Tips From The Lake George Association

Written by Lynne Rosenthal of the LGA

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. Read more here.
 

2. Clean boats = clean waters. Boaters, sailors, anglers, paddlers…every time you leave a launch:

• INSPECT boat, trailers and equipment and REMOVE plants, animals, and mud.

• DRAIN water from your boat, motor, bilge, live wells, and bait containers.

• DON'T MOVE live fish away from a water body.

• DISPOSE of unwanted bait in the trash.

• RINSE boat and equipment with hot or high pressure water OR dry for at least five days.
  Read more here. During the summer months, you can also visit an LGA Lake Steward at a local launch for more information!
   

3. Plant vegetative buffers. Preserve trees. When landscaping in Lake George people leave ideas of conventional yards and grass lawns down to the lake shore behind. Instead, preserve trees and native plants, and establish vegetative buffers. They benefit Lake George’s water quality and overall health by:

• Providing food and shelter for local wildlife;

• Stabilizing soil and reducing erosion;

• Filtering pollutants and sediments;

• Absorbing nutrients;

• Deterring nuisance species;

• Keeping water cool.

4. Buy firewood locally. Always purchase your firewood locally. Some very destructive invasive insects are traveling via firewood and are killing millions of trees in our state. It is illegal in NYS to transport firewood more than 50 miles from its source. Trees are a vital to keeping our Lake clean and beautiful.

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 using 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 – they 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 in the Lake, making it more difficult for fish and aquatic animals to live. Rake it all away from the lake, streams, stormdrains, and streets, and if possible, compost it. Read more here.
   
    

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, and grease and fat from cooking. Avoid frequent use of a garbage disposal. Read more here.

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. Read more here.
   
    

9. Don’t feed ducks or geese. Feeding birds causes them to unnaturally concentrate in large numbers where people are. 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 here.

 

10. Stay informed. Become a member of the LGA, go out on the Floating Classroom, come to LGA events, sign up for our free e-news, follow us on Facebook, and read our Lake-friendly Living blog.

 

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When: Sat, Jun 2, 2012 at 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Where: Lake George Association, Lake George, NY

Don't miss our Lake-friendly Living OPEN HOUSE on Saturday, June 2, 10 am - 2 pm, here at the LGA. You'll meet local experts who work with exciting, new green landscaping technologies!

When: Wed, Jul 11, 2012 until Wed, Aug 29, 2012 at 10:00 AM

Where: Dock north of Shepard Park, Village of Lake George

Two public programs are available each day on Wednesdays in July and August, at 10 am or 1 pm. Program is out on the water and is 2 hours long.

When: Fri, Jul 13, 2012 at 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM

Where: Inn at Erlowest

A dinner dance and auction. Proceeds from this event benefit our Floating Classroom program and lake saving projects throughout the watershed.

When: Fri, Jul 20, 2012 at 10:00 AM

Where: Hague Town Park Dock

Enjoy an aquatic learning adventure on Lake George with the educational staff of the Lake George Association.