By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-854864.mp3
Lake George, NY – A North Country-based volunteer group has been recognized by the Obama administration. Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports.
Bateaux Below is a not-for-profit corporation that studies historic shipwrecks in Lake George ... it is comprised of a group of underwater archaeology enthusiasts who have discovered French and Indian War shipwrecks in the Lake. One of the Lake George wrecks discovered by the group has been designated a National Historic Landmark.
The group's work led to the establishment of New York state's first shipwreck park.
This month Underwater Archaeologist and Executive Director of Bateaux Below Joe Zarzynski, received a letter from First Lady Michelle Obama and the White House recognizing the "Volunteers of Bateaux Below, Inc." as a recipient of a "Preserve America Steward" designation.
Preserve America is "a federal initiative that encourages and supports community efforts to preserve and enjoy" the nation's "priceless cultural and natural heritage."
The honor recognizes the Bateaux Below team for their exemplary volunteer efforts caring for the historic resources in Lake George. The group's research arm has spent the last 2 decades studying the lake's shipwrecks and implementing programs that promote historic preservation of these finite cultural resources.
The First Lady serves as the Honorary Chair for Preserve America. The First Lady's letter thanked Bateaux Below's volunteers for all that they do "to care for our Nation's important historic resources."