A coalition of Adirondack and regional environmental groups is calling on state officials to help create a new mandatory boat inspection program for Lake George.
The Adirondack Mountain Club, Protect the Adirondacks, the Adirondack Council, Adirondack Wild and the Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter have sent a letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo and Environmental Commissioner Joe Martens. The groups say it is past time for a reactive approach to aquatic invasive species and it is vital that the state support mandatory boat inspections and cleaning as proposed by the Lake George Park Commission. Adirondack Mountain Club Executive Director Neil Woodworth says strong state level action is needed.
While aquatic invasives are problematic in other water bodies, Woodworth says the five groups are focused on Lake George, in part, because local government authorities and residents are unified in tackling and focusing on the problem. Lake George Waterkeeper Chris Nativsky says the groups’ action highlights the urgency of dealing with invasives.
Neil Woodworth notes that state action would have implications across the state and the Adirondacks.
Massachusetts officials developed a zebra mussel control plan in 2012 to prevent the spread of the mollusk into Pontoosuc and Onota Lakes following infestations in Laurel Lake and the Housatonic River.
