The first in-person Adirondack Lakes Alliance (ALA) symposium since 2019 brought together watershed activists from across the Adirondack Park. The symposium provided a forum for lake associations to gather with researchers and conservationists to share information about the challenges facing Adirondack lakes. This year’s conference, “Coming Together for the Good of Our Lakes,” was held Aug. 5 at Paul Smith’s College.
The keynote speakers were Chris Mikolajczyk, aquatic ecologist and the current president of the North American Lake Management Society, and Dr. Dan Kelting, executive director of the Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute and Adirondack Road Salt Reduction Task Force appointee.
Other speakers included: Cathy McGlynn, aquatic invasive species coordinator for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation; Joe Thouin, environmental analyst for the Lake George Park Commission; Brian Greene, aquatic invasive species coordinator for the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program; and local and state elected officials, including Assemblyman Billy Jones.
Participants engaged in round table discussions led by water quality experts focusing on:
- The new state Aquatic Species Spread Prevention Certification Program
- On-site wastewater systems — inspections, impacts, and solutions
- Community education and training to increase awareness and participation within lake associations
One session was supposed to focus on the use of the herbicide ProcellaCOR to treat invasive milfoil infestations, but the talk was canceled due to ongoing litigation over the approval of its use in Lake George.
The symposium concluded with a reception sponsored by the ALA and Paradox Brewery.
The ALA, representing lake and river associations within the Adirondacks, has as a primary mission of protection and preservation of our Adirondack waters.
Downloadable Presentations:
Chris Mikolajczyk – The BIG picture: How a complete lake and watershed management plan guides the protection or restoration of your lake in both the short and long term
Dan Kelting – Update on Adirondack Road Salt Reduction Task Force