GREAT SACANDAGA LAKE ASSOCIATION

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Sacandaga Protection Committee established to represent the lake community on HRBRRD and DEC issues ....... (see below)

The Supervisor of Edinburg Expresses Her Thanks to the Lake Community (6.17.09) - Everyone likes to be thanks. So here is a thanks from a very strong supporter, Jean Raymond, Supervisor, Town of Edinburg:

"Thank all of you and your members, friends, neighbors, permit holders and other involved members of the lake community for all the time, effort and activity that was put into the effort to stop the adoption of the proposed permit rules. It would not have been successful if it had not been for the massive lake community effort. I wish I could thank each and every person who was part of the effort personally. The letters, petitions, phone calls and other efforts did make a difference."

The truth is, we should thank Jean Raymond for her great work and constant support. Thanks, Jean!

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The Sacandaga Protection Committee Has Announced a Support Drive (6.17.09) - The Sacandaga Protection Committee announced this afternoon that donations to the fund can be received at the: Fulton Chamber of Commerce, 2 North Main Street, Gloversville, N.Y. 12078. Contributions must be marked to: "Sacandaga Fund".

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The Sacandaga Protection Committee is Launched (6.16.09) - This morning a press release was issued announcing the formation of the Sacandaga Protection Committee. The Committee established by interested lake community members sees as its role to "represent the lake community on the issues brought about by the actions of the HRBRRD and the Department of Environmental Conservation during the past several years." The statement continues to emphasize that although it will not be directly affiliated with other lake groups "on all of its initiative because of the potential conflicts placed on lake groups' individual charters. The lake groups .... will share information updates to their members ..."

Mayfield, NY—On May 28, 2009 the Great Sacandaga Lake Association (GSLA) hosted a “strategy session” in Northville, NY, to discuss how best to communicate the lake community’s request for the suspension of the access permit rulemaking by the Hudson River-Black River Regulating District (HRBRRD) and the scheduling of public information meetings hosted by the HRBRRD and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

From the “strategy session” emerged the formation of the Sacandaga Protection Committee (SPC) with its mission to protect the environmental, economic and legal interests of the lake community.

Joe Sullivan, Sacandaga Protection Committee Co-Chair stated, “There was a great demand for a focused group to represent the lake community on the issues brought about by the actions of the HRBRRD and the Department of Environmental Conservation during the past several years. Through a number of strategy sessions which included interested parties from all around the Great Sacandaga, we felt a need to address these initiatives with the formation of the Sacandaga Protection Committee.”

This committee will not be directly affiliated with other lake groups on all of its initiatives because of the potential conflicts placed on lake groups’ individual charters. The lake groups, however, will share information updates to their members and to the public on the Committee’s objectives and accomplishments.

The Sacandaga Protection Committee in its early stages has been working with representatives of all lake community stakeholders. A sub-committee of the SPC has been formed whose responsibility is to obtain legal counsel to identify legal rights and for any legal issues that might arise. A second subcommittee is creating a database of individuals that have property adjoining the lake or who have permits on the lake. The Sacandaga Protection Committee will reach out immediately to the individual permit holders because they have been good stewards in caring for the state land.

The interval since May 28 has been used to thoughtfully develop a focus and procedures to ensure that the Committee’s work will be transparent, accountable and responsive to lake community concerns. In the opinion of the Committee organizers, although the suspension of the current lake access permit rulemaking was a welcome signal, it did not resolve the core outstanding legal issues which were raised by the actions of the DEC and HRBRRD. The group trusts that the lake community will agree and support the Committee’s work.

Joe Sullivan continued, “The committee recognizes that the property surrounding the lake is managed in an environmentally friendly manner and has resulted in the pristine lake that boaters, campers and homeowners have come to enjoy. As a matter of fact, the lake is also enjoyed by Sacandaga day visitors and vacationers who already enjoy the many public boat launch sites, campgrounds and beaches that they have returned to year after year. The lake permit holders, both individuals and commercial, have historically been granted access to the Great Sacandaga Lake and have had responsibilities of caring for the land that surrounds the lake. We want to make sure that our rights as permit holders and caretakers of this land are upheld for the benefit of everyone who enjoys the lake. We invite those who use the Great Sacandaga as a recreational destination and treasure its beauty to help us in our endeavors.”

To get involved with the committee’s work, interested parties are asked to contact Joe Sullivan at spc02@live.com.

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Hudson River-Black River Regulating District Announces Expiration of Proposed Rules and Office Closing for Staff Training (6.15.09) - The Regulating District reported today on their website that the rulemaking process for the Access Permit System has ended. They also have announced that their office will be closed for staff training on June 18, 2009.

GREAT SACANDAGA LAKE, NY – The rulemaking process for the Access Permit System at Great Sacandaga Lake has ended. The Hudson River-Black River Regulating District did not file a Notice of Revised Rule Making with the New York Secretary of State. By not filing this notice, due by June 11, 2009, the Rule Making process expired.

The Regulating District Board may contemplate initiating a new Rule Making sometime in the future. Current permit rules and fees will continue unchanged.

HUDSON RIVER-BLACK RIVER REGULATING DISTRICT
SACANDAGA FIELD OFFICE CLOSING FOR STAFF TRAINING

GREAT SACANDAGA LAKE, NY – The Hudson River - Black River Regulating District will be conducting staff training on Thursday, June 18, 2009. The Sacandaga Field Office will be closed from 9:45 AM to 12:45 PM for this training.

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Governor Withdraws Proposal Changes (6.11.09) - The Times Union website (timesunion.com) reported at 12:56 p.m. that the Governor withdraw the lake access permit rules. In a statement, Judith Enck who is the Deputy Secretary for Environment, said the "outcry played a role in the governor's decision to "take a time out" and examine the details of the rules a bit more."

Ms. Enck however, stated that "... the permit system will remain status quo for now ... it doesn't mean the governor is walking away all together." She commented: "... this is public land we're talking about and we want to take a closer look."

The GSLA joined with the elected officials on the lake to ask that the rules be suspended pending public meetings with the lake community. We thank the Governor and Ms. Enck for withdrawing the changes. We thank the lake elected officials, the assemblypersons, senators and congressional officials who supported our request.

HOWEVER, we most of all thank the individuals who took the time to pen a note to the officials and spent the time on the phone being counted by the Governor's office. Those who spent time talking to their friends or driving to Inlet have to be thanked.

We also would be remiss not to thank those individuals who worked 'behind the scenes' and may not be visibly counted! We know who you are, thank you!

It is important to note that we have not been told about next steps. The GSLA stands available to help in formulating alternatives to these rules which are developed within the lake community. Please understand, the process is not over but only suspended.

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HRBRRD Board Member Dugan Replaced (6.11.09) - Articles appeared in the Recorder and the Daily Gazette announcing the replacement of Pat Dugan on the HRBRRD Board. Pat's term of office had expired in December but he had requested a reappointment. The Gazette reported that Paul Cornell of Gloversville was appointed on Monday to replace Dugan.

Pat is a friend and thoughtful advocate for the lake community who most recently (June 9, 2009 - see below) offered a motion to suspend the rulemaking process because of impact on the community. The action was not supported by his colleagues on the Board.

Pat took a stand during the meeting at Inlet realizing he was in the minority but knowing he was right! Thanks, Pat. We will see you on the lake!

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Lake Community Members Report Positive Meeting with Congressional Staff (6.10.09) - A small group of lake community representatives met with staff from the offices of Congressman Murphy and Congressman Tonko. The group provided the staff with information about the current permit situation and asked that the Congressmen support the lake community in its request to have the Regulating District suspend the current rulemaking and hold public meetings to explain the intent and implications of the rule changes.

The meeting provided an opportunity to answer questions about the potential implications of rule changes and the areas in which the congressional offices could assist the lake community. The lake group felt very positive about future actions of the congressional offices.

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Invasive Plant Training on the Great Sacandaga (6.10.09) - We need some volunteers! Want something to do while you cruise the lake?

Although the GSLA has definitely been focusing on the lake access permit rules, we still have to take care of our waters! The Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program stepped up when we asked for information and help to combat the spiny waterflea. They believe it is important to have volunteers survey the lake for other invasive species. We believe it is important ... so ... please sign up! The following was sent to us by Tyler Smith who would love to hear from you. Don't let Tyler down because he helped us when we needed him! The meeting is in Mayfield and it is free! Take a look!

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Invasive Plant Training Sessions Announced

At least 53 Adirondack lakes and ponds are infested with invasive plants, like Eurasian watermilfoil and water chestnut. Hydrilla, a new aquatic invader to the state but not yet detected in the Adirondacks, may be on the move this summer. Plant fragments are easily spread from lake to lake by “hitchhiking” on boats, gear, and trailers. Fragments can start new infestations that clog waterways, degrade recreational opportunities, and push out native plants.

Luckily, as the boating season begins, volunteers will help survey lakes and ponds to search for these non-native invasive plants.

The Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APIPP) will host its annual volunteer training sessions in aquatic plant identification and survey techniques on June 23^th in Mayfield. All sessions are free and open to the public, but space is limited. Please RSVP to Tyler Smith at 518-576-2082 x 119 or tyler_smith@tnc.org .

Volunteers are critical in the fight against invasive species. Hundreds of citizens in the Adirondack region keep watchful eyes for new plant infestations which can lead to quick removal.

To date, 371 citizens volunteered 4,000 hours to survey 216 waterbodies. Their vigilance each year in APIPP’s early detection program has established a baseline to better understand the distribution of infected waters.

Armed with this information, organizations and communities take prescriptive prevention and management actions, such as having stewards at boat launches to inspect watercraft for attached plant fragments or starting control programs to remove invading plants.

The APIPP is a partnership program among governmental and nongovernmental organizations that is housed by the Adirondack Chapter of The Nature Conservancy. Learn more about APIPP online at www.adkinvasives.com.

Hudson River-Black River Regulating District Board Meeting at Inlet (6.09.09) - The Board meeting at Inlet was attended by approximately 100-125 lake community residents. The turnout was amazing because of the 2 hour distance from the Great Sacandaga! Thanks to everyone who made the trek and also to the more than 30 individuals who addressed the Hudson River-Black River Regulating District Board about their rulemaking concerns.

During the meeting, Pat Dugan who is the HRBRRD Board member from Edinburg made an eloquent plea to his Board colleagues about suspending the rulemaking because of his concern for the lake community. Regretfully, his motion to suspend rulemaking was not supported by a single one of his colleagues! Please thank Pat when you see him!

The current status of the rules is a little confused. Heather Nellis of the Recorder in Amsterdam today (June 9, 2009) reported that the Governor's Office of Regulatory Reform confirmed that they have "... approved the proposals and sent it to state administrators in the governor's executive chambers for their review". It appeared at the HRBRRD meeting later the same afternoon that District counsel was confused as to the status and location of the rules!

There was no confusion as to the unanimity of the lake community in asking that the rulemaking be suspended. Most of the speakers at the public forum could not understand why they were being punished for being good stewards of the lake and why the proposed rules which might herald environmental problems for the lake were supported by the Regulating District Board and the Department of Environmental Conservation.

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HRBRRD Board Contacts (6.05.09) - Although the GSLA earlier corresponded with the HRBRRD Executive Director, it was suggested yesterday that the Board Members of the Hudson River-Black River Regulating District should be contacted directly to enlist their support for suspending the rulemaking process and holding public meetings to explain the intent and implications of the changes.

We currently only have the general contact information from http://www.hrbrrd.com/contactus.html: Hudson River Area Office, 350 Northern Boulevard, Suite 304, Albany, N.Y. 12204 (518.465.3491 - hrao@hrbrrd.com); Sacandaga Field Office, 737 Bunker Hill Road, Mayfield, N.Y. 12117 (518.661.5535 - sacfo@hrbrrd)

The Board Officers include: Philip W. Klein, Chair; Pamela S. Beyor, 1st Vice Chair; and Ronald Pintuff, 2nd Vice Chair. Black River representatives are: John K. Bartow, Jr.; Audrey B. Dunning; and David W. Berkstresser.
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Alternate Email Address for GSLA (6.05.09) - Members having difficulty communicating with the Association using our sloffice@gsla.org may use the alternate gscandaga@msn.com We apologize for the inconvenience with the email and links. We thought they were corrected earlier but .....

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Governor Paterson Establishes 'Hot Line' (6.03.09) - The GSLA received word this morning that the Governor's Office has established a 'Hot Line' for calls on the lake access permit issue. Please call 518.474.8390 to express your views. We appreciate the Governor's response to lake community concern. Regretfully, we have not received written response to the lake community request to have the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Hudson River-Black River Regulating District (HRBRRD) to hold public meetings to explain the nature and implications of the new proposals. We will advise when we receive a response!

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GSLA Works with Lake Community to Address Lack of Specific Information on Lake Access Permits (5.31.09) - In the past few days, activities have intensified around the lake as more members of the community have become aware of the importance of taking part in the lake access permit rulemaking discussion. On Thursday night, the GSLA sponsored a 'strategy' session at the Bradt Building in Northville. The meeting was attended by over 40 people representing the various lake organizations, members of the lake community who had previously been involved in advising the Regulating District on the rules, Town Supervisors or their representatives, the press and other stakeholders including the Fulton County Chamber of Commerce.

The meeting was used to describe the lake-wide activities undertaken to promote our message for the: "the HRBR Regulating District, Governor Paterson and the legislature of the State of New York to immediately suspend this rule making process and schedule meetings with the public for discussion of the rule changes to be followed by a question and answer session.... Alternatives should be explored ...."

Participants recommended an expansion of letter writing, telephone calling and personal visits beyond the Governor, the DEC Commissioner and lake community elected legislators. It was specifically noted that because of the 'significant' nature of the changes made in the latest version of the rules, the Governor's Office of Regulatory Reform should be looking for a revised series of 'regulatory impact statements'. It was also suggested that DEC should be required to demonstrate that they have conducted an environmental impact review on the potential implications of the new proposals on the lake area.

In regard to contacts, the group was reminded that many of the lake community are seasonal and for that reason they should contact the elected officials in their 'non-seasonal' addresses. This would serve to inform that the lake issue is not just a lake issue because it touches a constituent base which extends beyond our local officials and across party lines!

The major issue of discussion at the meeting was the fact that we needed a better understanding of the legal nature of the permit issue. It was suggested that a group other-than-the GSLA be established to undertake this type of review. The activity to identify a mechanism to secure a more thorough legal understanding has begun. We need to be educated about all facets of this issue and will report to the membership as this activity evolves.

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Petition Drive (5.31.09) - So many things to do and so little time! During the past week, the GSLA in coordination with the local town officials and business groups has developed a petition modeled after the town resolutions. Copies of the petition are available on this website to be shared with neighbors, friends and all those who are interested in having public meetings held prior to the public comment period! The petition drive is another effort to both educate the public about the need for public meetings but also to heighten awareness about the proposed rules and the need to study them! The completed petitions can be returned to any of the town halls around the lake.

Just as a quick aside, many times we love to be cynical about elected officials and claim they are unresponsive to local needs. Well, everyone might want to re-think their thoughts about the lake community! We have always worked as partners with our Supervisors and representatives. Spread the word and when you see them thank them for their help and for quickly passing the town resolutions demanding public meetings with DEC and the Regulating District. The community is stronger when everyone works together.

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Addresses (5.22.09) - Members have been busy sending letters but would like a quick reference to addresses that their representatives have told them are important.

Here are a few: Governor David A. Paterson, State Capitol, Albany, New York 12224; Commissioner Pete Grannis, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), 625 Broadway, Albany, New York, 12233-1011; and Amelia F. Stern, Acting Director and Counsel, Governor's Office of Regulatory Reform, P.O. Box 2107, Albany, New York 12220-0107.

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Response from Regulating District to Request for Public Meetings (5.22.09) - On May 20, 2009, the Great Sacandaga Lake Association requested that the Regulating District delay the public comment period until the District has an opportunity to explain the changes and answer questions from the lake community at public meetings. The GSLA received notice that the request is under consideration by the Regulating District's Board Chairman, Philip Klein. On May 21, 2009, the Regulating District Executive Director, Mr. Glenn LaFave, informed the GSLA of Mr. Klein's review and offered: "... in the meantime if you and your members have questions about the interpretation of the rules, please forward them to this address (lmcavoy@hrbrrd.com) or sacfo@hrbrrd.com " We trust that our members will use this valuable service as they develop their opinions about the rules.

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The Great Sacandaga Lake Association has taken a strong role in initiating and coordinating a lake-wide response to the issuance of the newly proposed rules for the lake access permits. The Association would like to bring the membership up to date on the activities undertaken by the GSLA and our neighbors around the lake.

The Association attended the Regulating District meeting on May 12, 2009 to recommend a "thoughtful examination process and hopes that our concerns about these new changes will be allayed by an open, frank and thorough discussion by Board members ..." at their meeting. Regretfully, we cannot report that our expectations were reached.

On May 14, 2009, the GSLA Board of Directors met and reviewed a draft of the proposed rules which were issued on the District's website that afternoon. The meeting time was divided between the review and a session to determine the Board-approved strategy for our activities. The GSLA would communicate with the public at large and request that they read the amended rules and send their thoughts to elected officials (see below), Simultaneously, the leadership would establish communication with a smaller group of lake-wide leaders and concerned citizens who were previously involved in such groups as the access permit advisory committee while preparing an analysis of the proposed rules. The GSLA Board reasoned that this approach would be manageable and result in useful outcomes.

On May 19, 2009, the GSLA contacted this small 'advisory group' and solicited their opinions on the amended rules and thoughts on future actions. A few of our outcomes included:

Where do we go from here? The lake community is a great place to live. It is a shame that we have to spend so much time away from the lake and on our computer keyboards! One of our neighbors caught the thought in a note to Assemblywoman Sayward who you may recall from her passionate defense of lake-wide rights at one of the HRBRRD public meetings! He and his wife wrote: "The difficulties surrounding the entire permit system have been argued by both sides for years and now we are even further apart in our hopes for living on this lake, peacefully, in our retirement." They characterize all of the controversy as: "divisive, expensive and threatening dialogue ..."

The GSLA has received calls and email from the lake community asking what to do. The answer is simple. Keep writing letters and calling your State elected officials and agency representatives. This is a democracy and it works best when we are informed! Our Association helped develop the message expressed in the Town resolutions: suspend the rulemaking process and meet us publicly for a description of the changes and let's have a question and answer period and discuss alternatives to the current proposals!

The GSLA will be reporting further developments and posting information. Keep an eye on this website. As we work our way through this controversy we will never be able to recognize everyone's contribution ... we don't know who you are but THANK YOU! Keep up the good work. It has been a busy week for all of us!

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GSLA Request to Members (5.19.09) - The Hudson River-Black River Regulating District released the proposed rules for the lake access permits which were forwarded to the Governor's Office of Regulatory Reform. The GSLA is engaged in a process of analyzing the language of the changes. We humbly admit that we do not understand the rules and their implications. We are reaching out to our elected officials to help us understand the nature of the changes and their potential impact. Please join us in that effort and ask your elected representatives to join in the effort. You can access their addresses by email if you check both the New York State Assembly and New York State Senate sites. You also might want to ask the Governor or the Commissioner of Environmental Conservation what they can tell you about the changes. Take a moment and ask them to help us understand these new rules which may change the fundamental nature of the Great Sacandaga Lake access permit system.

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Hudson River-Black River Announces Submission of New Revised Access Permit Rules (5.15.09) - On May 14 - 15, 2009, the Hudson River-Black River Regulating District posted the newly revised rules and a request for comment on their website. These revised rules are the ones which they discussed and did not provide at their Board meeting on May 12, 2009.

These revised rules are the basis for the comment in The Daily Gazette (May 15, 2009) that "Almost all of the shoreline of the Great Sacandaga Lake would become a free public park ...."

We ask our members to read the revisions and comment accordingly. The Great Sacandaga Lake Association is developing an analysis of the changes proposed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Please take a thoughtful look at the revisions and use the Public Comment period to express your thoughts!

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REGULATING DISTRICT TO BEGIN ACCEPTING PUBLIC COMMENTS
FOR THE GREAT SACANDAGA LAKE ACCESS PERMIT SYSTEM

Great Sacandaga Lake - The Hudson River-Black River Regulating District has submitted the latest revision to the Proposed Rules for the Great Sacandaga Lake Access Permit System to the Governor's Office of Regulatory Reform (GORR) for that Agency's approval prior to submission of the Proposed Rules and a Notice of Revised Rulemaking to the Secretary of State for publication in the NYS Register. While the period for the submission of public comment on the proposed rules will not officially commence until the NYS Register publication of the Notice of Revised Rulemaking, the Regulating District Board will consider all comments submitted to it; even those submitted before the commencement of the public comment period mandated by the State Administrative Procedure Act (SAPA).

Those submitting public comment are asked to use the Public Comment Form, submitting a different form for each comment. The form is available at Regulating District offices and on the Regulating District’s website at http://hrbrrd.com/publiccommentform.pdf

The Regulating District will not respond to each individual comment. Rather, in accordance with SAPA, the Regulating District will prepare an Assessment of Public Comment addressing the comments received before the end of the public comment period.

HUDSON RIVER - BLACK RIVER REGULATING DISTRICT BOARD AUTHORIZES
ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR THE
GREAT SACANDAGA LAKE ACCESS PERMIT SYSTEM

Proposed Rules Include Revisions From The Department of Environmental Conservation

Great Sacandaga Lake - The Board of the Hudson River – Black River Regulating District considered a new version of the Proposed Rules for the Great Sacandaga Lake Access Permit System at its May 12 meeting in Johnstown. The revised Proposed Rules reflect comments from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). At the meeting, the Board passed a “Resolution to Amend Access Permit System Rules and to Submit the Revised Rules to the Governor’s Office of Regulatory Reform and, Upon GORR Approval, to Submit a Notice of Revised Rule Making to the Secretary of State for a Comment Period of No Less Than 30 Days.” Following the public comment period, the Board will review and may revise the Proposed Rules and then, in compliance with the Regulating District’s enabling legislation, submit the rules to DEC for approval.

“Although proposed rules have been posted to our website, the Regulating District must submit the Proposed Access Permit System Rules to the Governor’s Office of Regulatory Reform (GORR) for approval before submission of the Notice of Revised Rulemaking to the Secretary of State. At that time, the public comment period of no less than 30 days will commence, ending sometime in July. As DEC approval is required prior to board adoption, the rules will not be adopted until sometime this fall. The Regulating District hopes to implement the new rules prior to the 2010 Access Permit System season,” stated Glenn A. LaFave, Executive Director.

The following link is to the May 12, 2009 Proposed Rules approved by the Regulating District Board on May 12, 2009 {Note: These Proposed Rules are the same as the April 24, 2009 version above, except these are in regular format instead of revision format.}:
http://hrbrrd.com/proposedrules05122009.pdf

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Hudson River-Black River Regulating District Modified Proposed Rules for Lake Access Permits (5.13.09) - On May 12, 2009, the Hudson River-Black River Regulating District (HRBRRD) announced that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) made 'significant' changes in the rules which were sent to the DEC in September, 2008. The District would not elaborate on the specifics of the changes other than to say that DEC wanted to ensure that the permit areas retain their status as lands of the State of New York.

To underscore the 'significance' of the recommendations, the Board directed HRBRRD staff to post the correspondence from DEC on www.hrbrrd.com and took great care to emphasize that the new changes in the proposals were a result of DEC's action. It is premature to comment on the impact of these changes because they have not been released publicly. The District staff promised that the text of the DEC correspondence and the revised rules would be posted on www.hrbrrd.com within '3 or 4 days of the May 12, 2009 meeting.

At the public comment period prior to the meeting, the GSLA requested "an open, frank and thorough discussion by the Board" prior to Board action. We are waiting .....

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Hudson River-Black River Regulating District To Vote on Increases in Permit Fees (5.13.09) - On May 12, 2009, the Hudson River-Black River Regulating District (HRBRRD) received a report from Red Oak Consulting Services on the District's application of the Permit System Fee Methodology. Regretfully because of Board policy the information provided for discussion by the Board was not provided to the public. It appeared from the discussion that the District collected information from their staff on the amount of time spent on access permit duties and also pro-rated facility use for this purpose. It was noted that this methodology would be posted on www.hrbrrd.com but apparently devoid of any matching dollar amounts. These would be provided to the Board prior to their budget vote which will be held at their next monthly meeting in Inlet, New York. District staff indicated that the Red Oak Consulting Services presentation (without accompanying dollar amounts) would available within '3 or 4 days' of the May 12, 2009 meeting.

The District has not provided public accounting of the cost of the access permit system. The GSLA position on the issue is that it is impossible to set new rates without an accounting of the legitimate and legal costs of the current system. We believe that the District should provide a clear explanation to the public before implementing a new fee structure.

The GSLA is requesting a copy of the 'permit system tracking document' mentioned at the May 12, 2009 meeting.

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Hudson River-Black River Regulating District to Consider Proposed Rules (5.07.09) - On May 6, 2009, the Hudson River-Black River Regulating District announced on their website that they received comments from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's review on their proposed lake access permit rules. Interested individuals should attend the meeting which begins at 10:00 a.m. in Johnstown, New York at the Holiday Inn at 308 Comrie Avenue. It appears from the Regulating District website that when approved the revised document will be resubmitted to the Governor's Office of Regulatory Reform, the Department of State and will appear for a 'not less than 30 day' public comment period.

The Great Sacandaga Lake Association will be represented at the meeting and will provide an update on action taken at the meeting in later postings on this site.

Hopefully, the May 12 meeting will be used by the Regulating District Board Members to openly and publicly discuss the content and implications of the revisions proposed by the DEC. These proposed rules are extremely important for the lake community and deserve a complete review before implementation.

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May 6 , 2009 ANNOUNCEMENT ON HUDSON RIVER-BLACK RIVER REGULATING DISTRICT WEBSITE

HUDSON RIVER-BLACK RIVER REGULATING DISTRICT BOARD TO CONSIDER PROPOSED RULES FOR GREAT SACANDAGA LAKE ACCESS PERMIT SYSTEM

GREAT SACANDAGA LAKE, NY – The Board of the Hudson River-Black River Regulating District plans to consider a new version of the Proposed Rules for the Great Sacandaga Lake Access Permit System at its May 12, 2009 meeting in Johnstown. The revised Proposed Rules reflect comments by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). On September 8, 2008 the Board revised the Proposed Rules based on public comments and then, in compliance with the Regulating District’s enabling legislation, submitted the rules to DEC for approval. DEC returned the rules to the Regulating District with suggested revisions.

“After next week’s board meeting, we anticipate the latest version of the rules will be posted to the Regulating District’s website and a Notice of Revised Rule Making will be published in the NYS Register, with an additional public comment period of not less than 30 days,” stated Glenn A. LaFave, Executive Director. “Although adoption of the rules is still months away, the Regulating District hopes to implement the new rules in time for the 2010 permit system season.”

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Spring Newsletter on the Way (5.06.09) - The May edition of the Great Sacandaga Lake Association Newsletter went to press last week and should be in members' homes shortly. The expanded (6 page) edition recounts the action around the lake and announces the calendar for the NYS Safe Boating Classes for the summer season. Check your mailbox!

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Water Level (5.06.09) - The water level on the Great Sacandaga has stayed on the low side when compared to recent history. It always is surprising when looking at the 'target elevation' graph that the water is actually where it is projected to be! Hopefully the rest of the season will follow a similar pattern, although rain seems to elude us.

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The Batchellerville Bridge (5.06.09) - The Great Sacandaga Lake community spent quite a bit of time arguing the merits of the height of the replacement bridge in Batchellerville. Our Association was party to the discussion and we cannot remember any disagreement during the lengthy deliberations on the necessity of replacing the bridge. The bridge served the community well for many years but has been proven through New York State Department of Transportation review that it needs to be replaced with a newer bridge. This bridge is not ornamental. The bridge connects two parts of the Town of Edinburg together. Without the bridge, transportation between neighbors disappears, emergency services are delayed, town services become more costly and everyone’s bills for gasoline skyrockets!

What happened? The short story is that the Department of Transportation thought that the new bridge would cost less than the contractors who bid on the project. What can we do?

Edinburg Supervisor Jean Raymond emphasized the importance of the bridge for the life of her community. She and her colleagues on the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors urged the State to authorize $25 million from federal stimulus money to cover the funding gap. It was reported in The Daily Gazette ( April 22, 2009 ) that this additional amount would be sufficient to pay for the new bridge. If you believe a bridge is critical …. let your elected officials know!

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Lake Access Permit Regulations (5.06.09) - There has not been very much information forthcoming on the status of the proposed rules for lake access permits. The message given by the Hudson River-Black River Regulating District last year has remained the same. The proposed rules were sent to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for their approval and no other action has been taken. The next Regulating District Board meeting will be held in Johnstown (see www.hrbrrd.com) on May 12, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. We will ask the District for an update.

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Albany Engineering vs the Federal Regulatory Commission (5.06.09) - On April 19, 2009 , The Daily Gazette ran an article entitled: “Complex Federal Decision Affects Regulating District Cost Recovery”. According to the article, the federal Court of Appeals on November 28, 2008 ruled that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) “revise its policies governing billing by license holders, such as the district.” At the Regulating District’s April meeting, their Board voted to “begin looking for new downstream beneficiaries …”. It was noted in the article that “potential customers include communities in the lower Hudson Valley that depend on river flow to dilute pollution from wastewater treatment plants.”

The GSLA contacted District Executive Director Glenn LaFave who asked us to share his comment with GSLA members. He stated: “Although the Court ruled against FERC, it didn’t come up with an order or solution on its own. Instead the Court sent it back to FERC with instructions to come up with a different solution. We are still waiting for FERC to establish remand proceedings. We do not know how this will affect the permit holders; however I am optimistic there will be no effect.”

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On April 9, 2009 , the Great Sacandaga Lake Association participated in a telephone conference call sponsored by the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program and attended by Randy Gardinier of the Great Sacandaga Fisheries Federation and representatives from the Department of Environmental Conservation, Adirondack Park Agency, Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District and the Lake George Association. The purpose of the call was to continue planning anti-invasive species activities on the Great Sacandaga. Although the group has developed an extensive list of ‘pathways’ and ‘audiences’, the one fact still remains …. IT IS UP TO YOU TO ENSURE THAT BOATS AND EQUIPMENT ARE CLEANED BEFORE AND AFTER VISITING THE GREAT SACANDAGA!

During our conference call, we spoke at length about placing ‘lake stewards’ at the boat launches and are trying to make this a reality. However, what happens when the ‘lake stewards’ aren’t on duty? The arrival of the spiny waterflea to the Great Sacandaga was a wake-up call for all of us. We have a beautiful lake and we want it to remain that way. It is too late to stop the spiny waterflea from coming to the lake but it is not too late to make sure that it doesn’t travel to someone else’s lake. It is also not too late to stop other ‘critters’ and invasive plants from coming to our lake.

Sometimes we think that all of our boat traffic is local and that invasive species come from exotic locations. In the end of season report (2008), provided to the GSLA by Emily DeBolt, Program Coordinator of the Lake George Watershed Lake Steward Program, it is reported that the Lake George Stewards inspected 2,489 boats that had been in “…. 159 different waterbodies in 19 different states.” The report also found that of the 56 waterbodies visited in New York State by boats arriving at Lake George only 15 have not reported invasive species. As a matter of fact, the Hudson River is home to 91 invasive species! The risk is clear but we are not helpless!

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service suggests that we: remove any visible mud, plants, fish or animals before transporting equipment; drain water from equipment (boat, motor, trailer, live wells) before transporting; clean and dry anything that comes into contact with water (equipment, clothing, dogs, etc.); and never release plants, fish or animals into a body of water unless they came out of that body of water. No big deal … simple steps to stop the invasive attack.

The bottom line is that it is everyone's responsibility to ensure that invasive species are not given a 'free ride' into or from the lake.

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New York State Boater Safety Classes (5.06.09) - Every spring the GSLA announces a calendar for FREE boater safety classes on the lake. This year's schedule and reservation form are provided in the May issue of the GSLA Newsletter.

Every summer we wonder why more members do not take advantage of the FREE course. This is a privilege of membership in the GSLA and can be used by a member's extended family.

This is really a good deal! The course is approved by New York State and results in a New York State boating safety certificate for everyone who passes the State test. Everyone can see ads around the lake for the same class but the fee is $55 a person.

Now, for those skeptics .... we know that sometimes a FREE deal isn't always FREE. However in this case, it is! The instructor is a New York State 'certified instructor in boating safety training', the teaching materials are all from the State and the final certificate is from the State. The only difference is that this class is offered for FREE!

The GSLA will be offering two classes in Mayfield and one in Northville this season. Take a look at the registration form and sign up! Did we say it was FREE!

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Who Needs a NYS Boating Safety Certificate? (5.06.09) - As of January, 2009, operators of personal watercraft (PWC) must be at least 14 years old and hold a boating safety certificate. This means that children under the age of 14 who hold a boating safety certificate may no longer operate a PWC unless accompanied on the same PWC by a holder of a boating safety certificate who is at least 18 years of age. Children over the age of 10 who hold a boating safety certificate may operate a motorboat.

Everyone over the age of 14 is required to hold a boating safety certificate to operate a PWC.

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Where is the District Permit System Audit? (10.26.08) - Now that the proposed rules were submitted for final approval it is necessary to focus on the FEES! Yes, the next step is to determine how lake access permit fees will be assessed. The GSLA had a rather simple request when the entire fee process discussion hit the stage years ago. We asked that no fees be levied for the permit system until the Regulating District could provide an audit of the amount of money which they spend on the system. We have not seen the audit so we cannot comment on any proposed fees. The fees might go up or they might go down, depending on the results of the audit. The only thing that hasn't changed is our request for an audit!

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The GSLA Posts the Darrin Fresh Water Institute Fifth Interim Water Quality Report (7.31.08) - The Great Sacandaga Lake Association has posted the latest of the interim reports received from the Darrin Fresh Water Institute on the lake water quality in the Great Sacandaga. Darrin has undertaken a second year of water testing to ensure the quality of the waters. The final report from last season and this report are posted under 'water reports' which can be accessed through the selection bar at the top of this page. Funds for the water quality testing were received from 'Offer of Settlement' monies administered by the Great Sacandaga Lake Advisory Council. Take a look at the reports!

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