Rule changes could return
We were pleased to hear Gov. Paterson's office withdrew the proposed new rules for lake access permits along the Great Sacandaga Lake.
The rules could have had a damaging effect on property owners, residents and businesses around the lake. The rules, which were revised by the state Department of Environmental Conservation and approved by the Hudson River-Black River Regulating District, would have allowed anyone to go onto shoreline property if accessed from the lake and would have prevented property owners from maintaining their shoreline areas. The rules also would have forbidden people from walking on privately owned land to access the shoreline, forcing "back-lot" owners - people who own non-lakefront homes - to access the shore only from a public point or to get to it from the water.
At this point, the rules now in place will remain in effect for an indefinite period. Permit holders can breathe easier, but as they sit back in their beachfront chaise lounges, they should remember the proposed regulations could return.
Lake residents must not become complacent. Instead, they should strengthen their voices and join in their efforts to preserve the system that's been working for decades.
They should get involved with the local lake associations and attend meetings of the Hudson River-Black River Regulating District, which regulates the lake. They should demand the regulating district and the state communicate with them before proposing any changes affecting residents and the communities around the lake.
A new group, the Sacandaga Protection Committee, will aim to protect the environmental, economic and legal interests of lake residents.
"In the opinion of the committee organizers, although the suspension of the current lake access permit rule-making 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 stated in a news release.
Joe Sullivan, co-chairman of the committee, said, "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, people may contact Sullivan at spc02@live.com
We encourage lake residents and others in the area to take steps now to protect their interests.
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Discobulous
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06-18-09 2:50 PM
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If P.E.T.A. protects animals and flies, do the fish also have a lobby these days?
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Scarecrow57
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06-18-09 1:31 PM
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It is a man made body of water, not a natural lake. The sole purpose of it is flood control. DEC and the environ nuts want to make believe it is a natural body of water. If you want it to be a lake, then fill the Conklinville****with concrete and leave it alone.
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TiredOfTax
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06-18-09 12:12 PM
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you say potato I say patatto
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ipaymyway
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06-18-09 12:07 PM
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its not a lake its a reservoir.
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