Town of Queensbury
Warren County
Wildland Fire: On April 23 at 5:30 p.m., three Forest Rangers responded to a fire in Dunham Bay Marsh. By 8:30 p.m., fire crews had the 2-acre fire under control. The cause is under investigation.
May 22 “Repose of the Fallen” Ceremony at Lake George Battlefield Park Grows Closer
After discovering what officials believed were Revolutionary War soldiers in early 2019, the construction of the reinterment memorial is nearing completion. Officials plan to inter the remains in the new “Repose of the Fallen” memorial in a public ceremony on May 22 at 11:00 a.m. in Lake George Battlefield State Park.
Read the announcement and see proposed renderings and pictures here.
Sunday Morning Calm
This picture was taken from County Route 6 on Sunday morning, April 26, 2026. The lake has been calm the last two days and the grass has been growing and becoming green.
Forest Rangers in the News
Towns of Chester, Lake George, and Lake Luzerne
Warren County
Training: On April 14, 15, and 16, Sixteen Forest Rangers participated in the largest Flood Incident Response Strike Team (FIRST) exercise ever held on the Hudson and Schroon rivers. Ranger instructors taught 82 participants techniques for whitewater swimming, throw bag rescues, swiftwater rope work, inflatable rescue boat operations, and swiftwater river crossings. FIRST is comprised of New York State Fire, New York State Police Dive Team, New York State Park Police, New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs, and Environmental Conservation Police Officers and Forest Rangers. The joint training effort will make crews better prepared to work together during flood responses.
FIRST Training
FIRST Training
Town of Horicon
Warren County
Wilderness Search and Training: On April 18, Forest Rangers conducted a limited continuous search for Tom Messick, a hunter missing since 2015. Three Rangers joined 19 members of Lower Adirondack Search and Rescue (LASAR) to focus on areas that may reveal clues about his disappearance. Volunteers used the opportunity to improve their crew boss and search skills. The last search was conducted in November 2025 on the 10-year anniversary of Messick’s disappearance.
Tom Messick search
Tom Messick search
April 23rd and Lake George
Today is April 23rd, which is celebrated in England as St. George’s day. There are traditions like flying the St. George’s Cross flag, wearing red roses and special parades. While it is not a public holiday, it is a significant cultural day. The video below describes who St. George actually was and why he is considered the patron saint of England.
Today is St George's Day. ???????
Your patron saint wasn't English. Your flag wasn't English either.
Here's why we claimed them both. ?????????
He was from Cappadocia. Modern Turkey.
A Roman soldier. The Praetorian Guard. Diocletian's personal bodyguard.
303 AD. The Emperor orders him… pic.twitter.com/ntMLPeNfB6
— Proudofus.uk (@ProudofusUK) April 23, 2026
What does any of this have to do with Lake George, NY?
On August 28, 1755, William Johnson led British colonial forces to occupy the area in the French and Indian War. He renamed the lake as Lake George for King George II. It had been named Lac du Saint-Sacrement (Lake of the Holy Sacrament) by the French, while it was under their control.
On September 8, 1755 the Battle of Lake George was fought between the forces of Britain and France resulting in a strategic victory for the British and their Iroquois allies. After the battle, Johnson ordered the construction of a military fortification at the southern end of the lake. The fort was named Fort William Henry after King George II’s grandson Prince William Henry, a younger brother of the later King George III.
All English kings named George, were named after the original St. George, patron saint of England. So that is how our great and spectacular lake got to be named Lake George.
Winter’s End is Close
This photo of the Mountain Grove Memorial Church, taken on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, shows winter’s grip is receding. The last few days of warmer weather has melted much of the snow. The ground is reappearing from below the lessening snow piles and the ice on the lake is also getting much thinner.
Before we know it, it will be spring.
DEC Releases Lake George Fisheries Management Plan
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the release of a five-year (2025–2029) Fisheries Management Plan for Lake George, Warren County. With this plan in place, DEC will focus on collecting data primarily on lake trout, Atlantic salmon, and black bass to inform a subsequent long-term fisheries management plan. DEC will also implement a net pen release strategy to improve recruitment of Atlantic salmon to the fishery and help determine the fate of the existing Atlantic salmon stocking program.?
“DEC is proud to continue our decades-long commitment of responsible fisheries management in Lake George through this five-year, data-driven management plan,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “Informed by angler survey data and DEC biologists’ research and observations, DEC will engage in data collection and population assessments for key species in the ‘Queen of American Lakes’ to develop a long-term plan focused on the health of these species and of Lake George.?DEC is grateful to the public for participating in the revealing 2023 angler creel surveys and for members of the Lake George fishing community for bringing DEC their concerns.”
Using the management plan, DEC will expand data collection to include tracking the population of the long-stocked Atlantic salmon, assessing status and overall health of adult lake trout, and monitoring the black bass population. This new plan will address gaps in the data to inform a subsequent, long-term fisheries management plan to better manage and improve the populations of these species.
In 2023, DEC conducted an angler creel survey that reported both recreational and professional anglers seeking Atlantic salmon or lake trout had concerns with the rate and size of their catches. These data indicate overall poorer health in the lake trout population despite strict harvest regulations. Over the upcoming years, DEC will collect more information on the trout population to determine future management actions to increase the quality of the lake trout in the fishery.?
DEC determined that existing Atlantic salmon stocking?is failing to create a viable, sustainable fishery for this sought-after species based on data from the?2023 angler creel survey and the overall poor survival rate of stocked Atlantic salmon. DEC will employ a net pen release strategy, which protects hatchery-raised yearling salmon within the safety of a net as they acclimate to their new waters.?DEC will also implement a standardized sampling protocol to assess the ongoing health of black bass in Lake George.
“The Lake George Fisheries Management Plan supports stellar recreational fishing access to public lands and waters while prioritizing the overall health of the ecosystem,” said DEC Region 5 Director Joe Zalewski. “DEC management promotes a healthier Lake George and fosters diverse angling opportunities for both local and visiting anglers. Through this plan, DEC fisheries biologists will better understand the fish community within Lake George to provide outstanding angling as visitors to the fishery have come to expect.”
Lake George remains one of the Adirondack’s cleanest lakes and has long been a popular tourist destination, attracting anglers from around the world to the region. The Lake George Fisheries Management Plan is just one way that DEC’s investments in habitat enhancement, angler enjoyment, and research will help continue to protect Adirondack fisheries. DEC recently announced a Final Adirondack Brook Trout Pond Management Plan to guide future species management and, in 2025, DEC announced a $100 million investment from the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act and other capital funds for State hatchery improvements, including enhancements at the Adirondack Fish Hatchery that will help construct a new brook trout broodstock building.
In Six Months You Could Be Swimming
This picture taken on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 looking north from County Route 6, shows Narrow island on the right and Huletts Island in the center. The lake is frozen, although you should always be careful if venturing onto the ice. It was an overcast gray day. The good news – six months from now you could be swimming in Lake George.
Lake George Land Conservancy Purchases 160 Acres in Dresden
A photo of the stream protected as part of the “Spruce Mountain Addition” acquisition. (Click image to see larger image.)
The Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) purchased 160 acres near Huletts Landing in the Town of Dresden on January 29. The “Spruce Mountain Addition” has more than 1,100 feet of stream corridor within the Lake George watershed, including the headwaters of a tributary that flows into Lake George.
The mostly forested property adjoins the 488-acre Spruce Mountain, protected by the LGLC 1996 and currently owned by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. This land, in turn, shares a boundary with the LGLC’s Leeming Jelliffe Preserve close to the lake’s shoreline in Huletts Landing. Together, this connected stretch of land provides critical habitat for a variety of wildlife, including the timber rattlesnake, a threatened species in New York State.
LGLC Executive Director Mike Horn said, “In addition to safeguarding the water quality of Lake George, this region of the watershed provides important resources for wildlife. By connecting parcels together, we are expanding the safe areas through which wildlife can roam and thrive.”
“I want to thank the landowners,” Horn continued, “for working with the LGLC to permanently protect this land, ensuring that the forests and streams will forever remain wild, protecting everything we love about Lake George and this whole region.”
The LGLC will develop a management plan to address past disturbances and improve forest health. At this time, the Spruce Mountain Addition does not have public access for recreation.
Lake George Land Conservancy Purchases 26 Acres in Bolton
Photo: Trout Lake (in the foreground) and its surrounding lands in Bolton are further protected by the LGLC’s recent purchase and conservation of 26 acres. Lake George can be seen in the distance on the right side of the picture. Credit: Carl Heilman, II/Wild Visions, Inc.
Lake George, NY – The Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) purchased 26 acres in the Town of Bolton on December 23, 2025. The “Trout Lake Addition” has about 500 feet of stream corridor and one acre of wetlands, which are critical to protecting water quality. The stream and wetland flow into Trout Lake, which drains into Lake George via Huddle Brook.
The undeveloped forested property adjoins the 215-acre Trout Lake Uplands property, which LGLC acquired from Twin Pines, Inc. and permanently protected in 2019. The newest acquisition is also near the 2,765-acre Cat and Thomas Mountains Preserve, now owned by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC).
In addition to protecting water quality, this purchase provides an even greater expanse of contiguous habitat necessary for our native terrestrial and aquatic wildlife to thrive. Land connectivity is important for whole ecosystem health and vitality, allowing forests, streams, and other freshwater resources to interact uninterrupted for maximum water quality and habitat benefits.
LGLC Executive Director Mike Horn said, “This region of Bolton provides critical water quality protection for Lake George, and important wildlife habitat. I want to thank the landowners for working with the LGLC to permanently protect this land, ensuring that the forested terrain and streams will forever remain wild, protecting everything we love about Lake George.”
The land’s forest is dominated by eastern hemlock trees, which are currently threatened by the invasive pest, hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA). As owners of the land, the LGLC will be able to monitor for HWA and manage any infestations, as deemed necessary for the health of the forest.
The acquisition of the “Trout Lake Uplands Addition” was LGLC’s final land protection project of 2025 and closed out another impactful year. In total, LGLC closed seven land projects in 2025, resulting in permanent protection of 1,963 acres of land and permanent protection of 22 acres of wetlands and 2.8 miles of streams that feed into Lake George.
See Fort Ticonderoga Rare Artifacts
Sewer District # 1 Pipes Buried Under Foster Brook
File photo of contractors at work in mid-November burying Sewer District # 1 lines under Foster Brook.
It was announced at the December 8th meeting of the Huletts District # 1 Sewer Committee that the two pipes going under Foster Brook have been installed and pressure tested. The work to restore the ground on both sides of Foster Brook will be completed in the spring.
Ms. Suzy Shad reported that when digging the lower crossing (closest to the lake), the contractors, when they were about 3/4 of the way across, hit bedrock. They broke a drill bit and had to bring in another device to hammer their way through the stone. While waiting to proceed at the lower crossing, they moved on to the higher crossing (farthest from the lake) and completed that first. It was reported that the contractors were able to dig under the ground “like butter” at that location. The lower crossing was then finished when additional equipment was brought in.
Both lines have been pressure tested and backfilled and are now up and working. Any remaining cleanup from the two crossings will be completed in the spring.
These two underground crossings have been a very large project that have been years in the making. Many thanks to Dresden Town Supervisor Charles Tall and Ms. Shad for facilitating and working with both the Lake George Park Commission which donated $80,000 to the project and the Lake George Association which donated $40,000. This $120,000 in grant money was instrumental in getting this project completed.
Ms. Shad also reported at the December meeting that the bond application is being worked on. Preliminary discussions indicate that the bond may be financed at 3.89% for ten years – which would translate into roughly $153 per user per year. That amount will be included in the yearly annual fee which is not projected to increase. It had been previously decided at the November 2025 town board meeting that the sewer distinct # 1 fund balance will be also used toward this project.
Many thanks to all the members of the sewer committee, town board and both the past and present sewer district superintendents who have worked to make this project a reality.
Adirondac Tour Boat Catches Fire on Lake George
Lake George Land Conservancy Permanently Conserves 192 Acres in Bolton
The LGLC recently protected 192 acres in Bolton, including more than 1,000 feet of stream corridor.
The Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) purchased 192 acres in the Town of Bolton on November 21. The “Wing Pond Addition” has more than 1,000 feet of stream corridor and about three acres of wetlands, which are critical to protecting water quality.
The undeveloped forested property shares nearly half a mile of its boundary with the LGLC-owned Wing Pond Preserve and also borders NYS DEC-owned Wild Forest. Its stream flows into the LGLC’s recently protected 207-acre Sundew Pond Preserve, which flows into Lake George’s Northwest Bay.
In addition to protecting water quality, this purchase provides an even greater expanse of contiguous habitat necessary for our native terrestrial and aquatic wildlife to thrive. Land connectivity is important for whole ecosystem health and vitality, allowing forests, streams, and other freshwater resources to interact uninterrupted for maximum water quality benefits.
Knowing the land’s great ecological value, the Miller family, who owned and cared for the land for decades, was happy to work with the LGLC to see the land permanently protected.
Sarah, Jim, and John Miller expressed, “When Captain James Miller purchased acreage in North Bolton in the late 60s, it was to protect and preserve the land. His children are grateful that going forward, the LGLC will be taking over the stewardship of this beautiful property.”
LGLC Executive Director Mike Horn said, “I want to thank the Millers for working with the LGLC to permanently protect this important land, ensuring that the lush forested terrain and flowing streams will forever remain wild, protecting everything we love about Lake George.”
The Wing Pond Addition acquisition was funded in part with a grant received in 2024 through the Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) grant program administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Additional funding came from generous donors who gave to the LGLC’s $9 million 2025 Land Campaign, which included the Wing Pond Addition as one of several conservation project goals.
Due to its habitat sensitivity, the Wing Pond Addition is not open to the public.