Press Release: NYS, June 19, 2004

Governor George E. Pataki today announced two Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) grants totaling $40,000 to help stem the proliferation of Eurasian milfoil in Lake George.

"Lake George is one of New York's most popular attractions, combining breathtaking natural beauty with abundant recreational opportunities," Governor Pataki said. "These grants will allow the Lake George Park Commission to expand milfoil control operations, helping to preserve the long-term health of the lake and the quality of life throughout the region."

"Controlling milfoil is not only good for the environment, it's good for tourism, for the local economy and for creating jobs," Governor Pataki added.

Senator Betty Little said, "The eradication of milfoil in Lake George is vital to the health of the lake and the local economy. This funding is an important step in achieving our goal."

Assemblywoman Teresa R. Sayward said, "I commend Governor Pataki on this wonderful step to eradicate Eurasian milfoil in Lake George. We should all become involved in this initiative and work to protect the pristine nature of Lake George as well as other threatened Adirondack waters."

Under the EPF grants, the Lake George Park Commission will receive a $25,000 local matching grant to expand its hand and mechanical milfoil harvesting program, which has been successful in controlling the growth and impact of milfoil. In addition, a State grant of $15,000, to be matched by in-kind services, is targeted for a long-term strategy guiding future efforts to control milfoil in the lake.

Eurasian milfoil is a non-native aquatic plant that has impacted a number of water bodies across New York State. Milfoil, which was first found in Lake George in 1985, expands rapidly, crowding out native aquatic plants and forming dense beds that affect lake ecology and also can impact swimming, boating and other recreational activities. The Lake George Park Commission has undertaken the removal of milfoil through hand harvesting, suction harvesting, and the placement of benthic mats along the lake bottom.

In 2001, the Department of State formed the Lake George Watershed Conference, a consensus organization including the nine municipalities and three counties along the lake; state and federal agencies that have interests in the lake; the Lake George Park Commission; and various other organizations involved in the protection of the lake. Chaired by Secretary of State Randy A. Daniels, the Watershed Conference developed the plan, "Lake George - Planning for the Future," which established a list of priority projects and actions need to protect and improve lake water quality. Following the completion of the plan, a Memorandum of Agreement was signed by all member organizations to continue collaborative efforts to implement the plan.

One of the priorities of the plan was the preparation of a lake-wide milfoil management strategy and expansion of the current milfoil control program.

Secretary Daniels, whose agency assists municipalities with waterfront revitalization projects, said, "Governor Pataki has committed significant financial resources to protect and improve the water quality of Lake George, including efforts to halt the growth of Eurasian milfoil. The Department of State will continue to work closely with local officials and stakeholders to ensure that Lake George remains a healthy and vibrant community resource."

Since 1995, more than $35 million in State grants and loans have been awarded for projects benefiting Lake George, including park development, waterfront revitalization, and water quality improvement.

The Lake George Watershed Conference includes the following members: the Village of Lake George; the towns of Lake George, Bolton, Hague, Dresden, Putnam, Ticonderoga, Fort Ann, and Queensbury; Warren, Washington and Essex counties; the State Departments of State (DOS), Environmental Conservation (DEC), and Transportation (DOT); the Adirondack Park Agency (APA); the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service; the Lake George Park Commission; the Lake George Association; the Fund for Lake George; the Darrin Fresh Water Institute; the Lake George Basin Land Conservancy; and Cornell Cooperative Extension.