Reflections on the Lake
"Reflections on the Lake" is a monthly column by the Sacandaga Protection Committee in the Edinburg Newsletter. It focuses on people's memories, or reflections, of the lake and other issues relevant to the lake community.
November 2024
A brief update on two lake - wide issues, first, per discussions with the HRBRRD the work to be done on the Conklingville dam is expected to start in the fall of 2025 and the lake will NOT be drained. The work should be able to be done using the historical drawdown of the lake. Second is the issue with Brookfield power using water from the GSL to generate power and not paying for the use of the water, which is an asset of NYS and its citizens. HRBRRD and Brookfield have been in discussions to renew a long - standing agreement but have reached an impasse. The issue is now in the courts with the NYS attorney general’s office litigating on behalf of the HRBRRD and the lake community. To note Brookfield reported earnings of 1.5 million per DAY in 2023, HRBRRD is seeking approximately $1.5 million per YEAR for the water usage.
Thanks again to everyone who contributes to the Sacandaga Protection Committee (“SPC”) in one way or another throughout the year. Remember “It’s All About the Lake”. We continue to strive to protect the environment, the economy and the access to the GSL so that everyone can continue to enjoy the lake and create lasting memories. Let’s continue to keep the Great Sacandaga Lake Great for our enjoyment and the enjoyment of our kids and grandkids.
The SPC conducts two major fundraisers during the year, a golf outing in June and our Bet on the Lake Raffle with prizes drawn in September. Thank you all for participating. Congratulations to this year’s raffle winners. They are as follows:
$10,000 – Christian Farone # 296
$2,500 – Patty Rhodes #195
$1,000 – Craig Radliff # 191
$500 – Bob Weisgerber #370
$100 winners (ten in total) Andrew Wood #300, Kory Smith #242. Tammy Reidell #313, Joyce Greiser #52, Kevin Smith #243, Daniel Casey #194, Carol Morris #274, Becky Romano #127, Susan Urbanski #78, Pat Schell #187
October 2024
When the leaves and temperatures begin to fall, Labor Day has come and gone, and the sunburns fade, that is when you know summer has come to an end on the Great Sacandaga Lake. Local businesses will soon minimize hours, traffic will become sparse, and people will flock to apple orchards for their annual fix of apple cider donuts.
As we reflect on this summer, it is almost impossible not to think of the unprecedented storms we experienced. As a community, we should be extremely proud of ourselves and the compassion we showed each other, the willingness to lend a hand, and the support to rebuild what was destroyed. Being a New Yorker all my life, I cannot remember a time we had the sheer number of Tornado Warnings we did in just these past summer months.
So naturally, I had to do some online investigating. According to the National Weather Service, the United States has experienced over 1,500 tornados so far in 2024. Obviously, we are not anywhere remotely close to Tornado Alley even though this summer felt like we were right in the middle of it. Tornado Alley is located in the center of the United States and experiences the highest volume of tornados in the country. Tornado Alley is said to account for one third of all tornados that occur in the United States each year. According to the same source, the state of Alabama alone experiences an average of 14 fatalities each year to tornados!
The thing that is most interesting to me about tornados is how specific of a problem they are to the United States. In terms of the number of tornados experienced each year, Canada ranks second to the United States with an average of 100 tornados per year. That is 6% of the amount of Tornados that we have here in the United States. For further reference, the entire continent of Europe is comparable in size to the United States and experiences an average of 250 tornados per year.
When looking into the reasoning for this, it seems that it can be attributed to the flat topography of the central United States. These areas experience high temperatures which cause warm air to rise and collide with the cool air from the north. When you add in the moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, it is a recipe for strong storms. That being said, allegedly other similarly flat countries do not keep as thorough records of these weather events as we do. It is believed that countries like Brazil, Australia, and Russia experience a higher number of tornados than what they report. It is possible that tornados may go untracked in some areas due to the lack of population in some of the extreme parts of those countries.
At the end of the day, I am not a meteorologist but rather a very thorough online researcher. I do know that this summer has been unlike any other in recent memory here on the Great Sacandaga and am thankful that we are not in Tornado Alley.
September 2024
My how this summer seems to have flown by. I know there are still a few more weeks of summer left but the temperatures are cooling. Many are thankful for that as that stretch of hot humid weather was great for swimming but not good for much of anything else. We are also thankful that no one was hurt by the devastating tornado of July 16 or the tremendous winds of August 9. There was significant property damage and the landscape will be changed for generations, those effected are still cleaning up and will be dealing with the aftermath for a long time. Hopefully all can get back to enjoying this great lake soon. When enjoying the lake most think about water activities boating, tubing, swimming etc. There are number of other ways that one doesn’t always think of such as watching the Eagles soar above or the Loons swimming and diving below or the night time celestial shows of the Northern Lights or the meteor showers.
Let’s continue to keep the Great Sacandaga Lake Great for our enjoyment and the enjoyment of our kids and grandkids.
Thanks again to everyone who contributes to the Sacandaga Protection Committee (“SPC”) in one way or another throughout the year. Remember “It’s All About the Lake”. (There are some raffle tickets left for the $10,000 first prize, $100 per ticket only 400 tickets sold. Contact an SPC board member or the Fulton Montgomery Chamber of Commerce for a ticket) We continue to strive to protect the environment, the economy and the access to the GSL so that everyone can continue to enjoy the lake and create lasting memories.
July 2024
THANK YOU TO ALL FOR HAVING ANOTHER VERY SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISING EVENT FOR THE SPC !!
On June 1st the SPC held a fundraising golf outing at Hales Mills Country Club in Johnstown. We enjoyed a beautiful day of great weather, cold drinks, good eats and some great and not so great golf. Most of all everyone had FUN ! We would like to thank the staff at Hales Mills, golf pro Chris Mathewson, and the rest for a great day. Our mission is to maintain lake access to all users, protect the environment and enhance the economy of the Great Sacandaga Lake community. Without your support and the support of our sponsors we would not be able to continue our mission. A special thanks to our major sponsors, our presenting sponsor, Camp Bigenuf, our platinum sponsors, The Lanzi Family Restaurants, Fuel and Food, Brown’s Collision & Ford, Depaula Auto Group, and Environmental Design Partners, our Gold sponsors, the Becker Family, Universal Warehousing, Adirondack Floating Dock Shop, Olbrych Realty and Empire Wine our Bronze sponsors Hawk Well Drilling, Frank and Sons Body works, Howard Hanna, Malta Development , NLH Property Management, Park Marine Base and Manginos Auto Group.
We can’t thank everyone enough for making this a very successful fundraising event. Thank you all for contributing and the hard work of our Golf committee.
The days contest winners were as follows, First place Bob Jones, Fred Ziobrowski, Kyle Pedersen and Paul Pedersen; Second place Tom Chera, Jim Ryan, Vito Serio, and Mike Lair; Third place Terry Whitney, Tom Gleaves, Kevin Van Heusen and Josh Christensen. Longest drive Kyle Pedersen and Lauren Gritsavage and closest to the pin Sean Collins and Susan Stott. Putting contest winner was Chris Fawcett.
Thanks again to everyone who contributes to the SPC in one way or another throughout the year. Remember “It’s All About the Lake”. We continue to strive to protect the environment, the economy and the access to the GSL so that everyone can continue to enjoy the lake and create lasting memories.
January 2024
I have been involved with the Sacandaga Protection Committee (SPC) since its inception. This is a critically important nonprofit corporation designed to protect the environmental, economic and legal interests of the entire lake community. The SPC is the only advocate using legal representation to protect the rights of permit holders and the communities surrounding the Great Sacandaga Lake.
The SPC was formed in 2009 by local residents and community leaders to defend the rights of the lake users, permit holders and area property taxpayers against the threats posed by the State of New York and the Hudson River-Black River Regulating District (HRBRRD), the state agency that manages the lake. Back in 2007 and 2008 the HRBRRD was met with devastating financial news, and attempted to impose all their financial shortfalls on the lake permit holders. When that poorly planned scheme failed, the HRBRRD attempted to penalize permit holders with draconian rules which would jeopardize the quality of life and the economic vitality of the region.
The SPC has successfully fought back against these attempts, through legal action, lobbying and public awareness campaigns. Some of the SPC’s accomplishments include:
Defeat of Proposed Permit System Rule Changes
Through the efforts of the SPC and GSLA Governor Patterson stopped the proposed rule changes that would have altered the way we enjoy the lake.
Restoration of Exclusive Use Permits
When the HRBRRD arbitrarily removed the words “exclusive use” from the permit applications and signs the SPC and its attorneys intervened and succeeded in restoring the language, preventing the 129 miles of GSL shoreline from becoming an unregulated public nuisance.
Niagara Mohawk (National Grid) Lawsuit
The SPC and its attorneys prevented Niagara Mohawk from getting the permit system declared illegal—for their own financial benefit.
The SPC Advocates for Lake Wide Permit Issues
The SPC persuaded the HRBRRD to drop a proposal to allow adjustments to the current permit boundaries. In 2021 the HRBRRD proposed new rules changes without public input. After consultation with the SPC, GSLA and the Town of Day Association the proposal was removed from their agenda.
Local Representation on the HRBRRD Board
The SPC identifies, reviews and recommends qualified candidates to the HRBRRD board.
Legislative Effort to Abolish the HRBRRD
The SPC, its attorneys and lobbyists fight continuing legislative proposals that would abolish the HRBRRD. Efforts to move control of the HRBRRD to the NYS Power Authority or the DEC would not be in the best interests of permit holders and our communities. Local control of the district is vitally important to our community. The SPC relationship with the current Executive Director and the Board is cordial and respectful, and the HRBRRD leadership is responsive to our community.
Beneficiary Studies
The SPC has and continues to monitor who is to be classified as a beneficiary and to what extent to protect permit holders from unfair assessments.
The SPC is a vital organization today. They continue to work as a watchdog to protect the interests of our communities. They’re truly a grassroots 100% volunteer organization that relies on the support of its members and donors to continue its mission. By supporting the SPC, you are helping to preserve the beauty, the history and the culture of the Great Sacandaga Lake. You are also helping to safeguard the rights and the interests of the lake community and the surrounding areas.
You can make a difference with your support of the SPC by making a donation and spreading the word about their work.
Please consider mailing a donation to SPC, P.O. Box 86, Mayfield NY 12117 or click here to go to our Donate page.
Thank you for your attention and your support. Together, we can make a difference for the Great Sacandaga Lake and our community.
Sincerely,
Joe Sullivan, Past President and Co-Chair Sacandaga Protection Committee
October 2023
Life on the Great Sacandaga Lake creates many memories - some heartwarming, others funny or exciting. But this month’s reflection is from a woman who made a decision years ago that she now recognizes was irresponsible and dangerous.
On an evening roughly 40 summers ago, she was socializing with friends and enjoying a few beverages at a Northampton restaurant near the lake. She was underage at the time, in fact young enough to still have a curfew imposed by her parents, but old enough to blend in with the crowd at the bar. As the evening wore on, she was having a great time, but eventually her friends, who had driven her to the tavern, had left and gone home. When she checked the time, she realized mom and dad’s curfew was fast approaching, and she had no ride to take her to her family’s home across the lake in the Northville.
The young woman knew if she walked home, the fastest route would take her along the lake shore, over the Northville bridge, and then through the village to her house. She believed that would take too long and she’d miss curfew, so she looked across the darkness of the lake to the lights of the houses in the village and had an idea.
Fueled by fear of missing curfew, and perhaps by some of the beverages she had consumed, she decided she could get home faster by swimming across the lake! After all, she had grown up on the lake and was an especially strong swimmer. So, holding her clothes above her to keep them from getting soaked, she set off into the darkness, paddling with one hand and kicking to get home on time!
Fortunately, she actually made it across the lake, and with mostly dry clothes! She pulled herself onto the shore after the dark, grueling, one-handed swim; got dressed; and hurried home. Incredibly, she made curfew, and her parents never knew how she got home until she told them the story years later.
Fortunately, the woman is able to reflect on her irresponsible, youthful decision. Others are not so fortunate. It seems that each summer lives are tragically lost on the lake. The Sacandaga Protection Committee urges everyone to enjoy the lake. Let’s do so responsibly and look out for one another.
April 2023
Each month this column shares with you someone’s reflections, or memories, of the Great Sacandaga Lake. This month I spoke with Bradley Brownell, a founding member of the Sacandaga Protection Committee, who shared his family’s oral history of the lake, including his family’s participation in the lake’s creation, the loss of their home, and then the evolution of the family business which now derives much of its income from the existence of the lake.
Bradley recalls his family members talking about the lake’s creation, and his family’s role actually began in the early 1920s when his grandfather was hired to survey the land around what is now the lake. At the time, the purpose of the survey was not shared with Bradley’s grandfather, but he was hired to map out the land at 778’ elevation. His section to survey was in the area of Batchellerville, and other surveyors were hired for other areas of the Sacandaga Valley.
Only later did the Brownell family learn the reason why all the land in the area, at 778’, had been surveyed. The State of New York was going to build a dam at Conklingville to prevent flooding in communities down the Hudson River, and the areas of the Sacandaga Valley lower than 771’ would be flooded by the damming of the Sacandaga River. This included the Brownells’ home, farm, saw mill, and store in West Day, also known as Huntsville.
Bradley recalls his parents and grandparents describing the impact on the Brownell family and people throughout the Sacandaga Valley. First the state began trying to acquire the properties that were to be flooded, making offers to residents to buy their land, but many refused. Soon “landsharks” invaded the area and started buying up property to resell to the Water Regulating District. Purchasing representatives came in and told residents they would offer as much as 20% more than the state to buy their land. Many residents accepted the swindlers’ offers, not recognizing that these opportunists were buying land for the same purpose as the state. As you can imagine these “sharpies” were simply taking advantage of the distressed families and comfortably lining their own pockets. They turned around and quickly sold the land to the state at a considerable profit. Eventually, all the land in the valley was acquired by the state either through purchases or eminent domain, forcing families from their homes.
The Brownells described how workers broke windows out of the houses in the valley, even while some families still lived in them, with nowhere else to go. Then the homes were burned, with the “burning line” advancing through the valley, house after house. Families were fractured as they moved from adjacent homes on long-held family lands to whatever housing they could find. Of course, the Brownells had to move too, as their family land was going to be flooded.
Bradley recalls how much his grandfather hated the lake because of what he, the Brownell family, and people throughout the valley experienced. But Bradley’s father at one point actually worked for the Hudson River Regulating District. Then Bradley continued the family business once destroyed by the lake, growing the business and making a life for his family that was centered on manufacturing and building homes on the lake he grew to love. Bradley’s son now operates the same business that started in the now flooded valley, and it is thriving due to the popularity of the lake. A large part of the business now is manufacturing floating docks, many of which are placed on the Great Sacandaga Lake. The impact of the lake’s creation and the evolution of the Brownells’ opinions of the lake parallel the creation and evolution of the lake itself.
The Sacandaga Protection Committee was created in 2009, by men and women like Bradley, to preserve the permit system and public access to the Great Sacandaga Lake, thereby ensuring the greatest enjoyment of the lake by all users and bringing benefits to the surrounding communities. The SPC’s annual Golf Outing Fundraiser, which supports the SPC’s work, will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at the Hales Mills Country Club in Johnstown. To register to play, or to be a sponsor, please email spcgsl@gmail.com.
March 2023
Fishing is quite popular on the Great Sacandaga Lake, and I have seen many forms of it. Some love to bore holes in the ice and see what they can catch, either from inside a shelter or out in the elements. Many more prefer to fish when the weather warms up, fishing from shore, from docks, and from boats of various types, including family bowriders, true fishing boats, and the lake-favorite pontoon boat. I’ve also seen people fishing from canoes and kayaks, whom I’ve always assumed were among the most serious fishermen on the lake because of the physical effort involved.
My first fishing experience on the lake did not involve any serious fishermen, but rather when I took my young son to try to catch his first fish. My family and I were visiting, long before we moved here full time, and people told me that a great place for little kids to fish was from the shore of the Northville Lake, or the “Little Lake” as it’s known, near Skiff Rd, not far from where Northville Lake is joined to the “Big Lake” by a spillway. So, off we went with our fishing gear, parked the truck along the guardrail, walked down the bank, and set about getting him his first fish.
It probably took about 15 minutes, and it was “fish on!” A little sunfish perfect for a little boy was tugging at the other end of the line. He reeled it in, and being so young, of course he was hesitant to touch the flopping little fish. But we quickly put the struggling fish into a bucket of lake water, raced around the corner to show Mom and Grandma, took a picture, and then after a few minutes, returned the fish to the Little Lake hoping he would survive, perhaps to be caught by another child.
It is experiences and memories like this that make so many of us love the lake. Warmer weather is just weeks away, and the Sacandaga Protection Committee encourages everyone to enjoy the lake with family and friends and to make memories you can reflect on fondly for years.
February 2023
When people think of the Great Sacandaga Lake, many think of summer activities such as boating, swimming, sailing, kayaking, and lakeside parties; but there is lots of fun to be had on the lake in winter as well. One activity which is extremely popular in our region is snowmobiling, as evidenced by the existence of local snowmobile clubs, well-established trails throughout the area, the sight of snowmobiles racing along roadsides, the scream of high-powered engines piercing the cold night air, and sleds being towed on trailers or in the beds of pickup trucks throughout the winter. Of course, the vast expanse of frozen lake is a favorite spot for riders to enjoy.
A couple of friends recently told me about an annual snowmobile “poker run” that brings back great memories. For those unfamiliar with poker runs, the participants would ride their snowmobiles around the lake, visiting participating bars and restaurants and picking up playing cards to form poker hands to compete with fellow riders at the end of the event.
Many years ago, the final poker run of the winter concluded with a gathering of snowmobilers and a fireworks show on Sand Island. My friends remembered the large crowd of riders, well-lubricated by the region’s best barkeepers, reveling in their love of snowmobiling and the camaraderie of the event. Some people even drove cars over the frozen lake to join the fun on Sand Island, and my friends laughed about the time an old Ford Escort got stuck in the snow until a group of enthusiastic participants encircled the small car and lifted it out of its snowy trap.
They also described the fireworks show as bittersweet, because it was enjoyed by all participants but also concluded the final event of the snowmobile season, similar to how the “ring of fire” symbolizes the end of summer around the lake. Each year, my friends would be among the last to leave Sand Island, allowing the most lubricated riders to depart first, and watching the red taillights fan out in all directions across the lake like winter’s fireflies. After a few years, the fireworks show was discontinued, but the participants can still reflect on some of their favorite memories of snowmobiling on the Great Sacandaga Lake.
The Sacandaga Protection Committee encourages all users to enjoy the lake responsibly and safely. Have fun, but never swim or operate cars, boats, or snowmobiles while impaired.
January 2023
Sometimes in the midst of winter on the Great Sacandaga Lake, there is a warm spell or a thaw that provides a brief reprieve from the cold of winter. Children take this opportunity to play outside without the burden of heavy coats and snow pants, and adults try to complete some outdoor chores.
During a January thaw almost 50 years ago, a twelve-year-old girl and her best friend brought their bicycles out of storage and rode to the spillway between Northville Lake, locally known as “the little lake,” and the Great Sacandaga Lake. Because of the thaw, a tremendous amount of water was rushing over the spillway, and the girls watched it flow with great force into the big lake.
Despite the warm temperatures, the girls were wearing waterproof winter boots because of the slush and puddles the thaw created, and they decided to walk onto the top of the spillway, knowing their boots would keep their feet dry. With her friend standing nearby but not watching, the girl’s feet were swept out from under her by the torrent of water, and she tumbled down into the freezing water of the lake at the base of the spillway.
She immediately went below the water’s surface, and the water from the spillway crashed down on her relentlessly, preventing her from surfacing and tossing her around under water as if she were in a washing machine. She knew her friend was not watching when she fell, so she did not expect any help. Struggling against the force of the descending water, and desperate for air, she could not reach the surface; and she began to accept that she would likely drown in the icy water.
Just then, she felt a force pick her up and toss her out of the water and to the side of the spillway where she could crawl out. As she related this story to me recently, she believes the force that lifted her up and cast her to safety was the hand of God, while acknowledging it may simply have been a combination of the turbulence of the rushing water and good luck. Either way, she is grateful for the force that saved her so many years ago.
Each year it seems that lives are lost on the Great Sacandaga Lake. Most common are snowmobile and boating accidents, as well as drownings. Our way of life on the lake brings us great enjoyment, so let’s commit to considering safety as we plan our activities. And if we see someone doing something unsafe, have the courage and compassion to say something.
December 2022
Life on the Great Sacandaga Lake really slows down this time of year. But some activities around the lake continue, and some are perfectly informal and unplanned.
For example, a woman was recently telling me about her experience as a child visiting her grandparents’ house on the lake, roughly 40 years ago. In late autumn, when the lake level was low but ice and snow had not yet come, she and some local friends would walk the water’s edge to see what the receding waters had revealed. They often came upon the foundations of the homes that once stood, before their residents were forced out and their homes flooded when the Sacandaga River was dammed. The displaced residents left a lot behind. Broken plates and bowls were common finds for the kids, but most sought after were the cobalt medicine bottles, with their blue glass that would glisten once dipped in the cold lake water and rubbed clean. Of course, the kids’ hands got cold and wet, but it was worth it for the shiny blue treasure they had found.
She also told me that she and her friends once found an intact, 1940s era Virgin Mermaid fishing lure. An internet search reveals that the Virgin Mermaid, made by Stream-Eze in South Bend, Indiana “lures both men and fish.” The anatomically correct lure apparently was crafted on the questionable premise that fishermen and fish had similar interests. It surely was an amusing find for a group of kids on the shores of the Sacandaga in late fall four decades ago.
I find it ironic that the Sacandaga River was dammed, creating the lake and flooding the homes of people who lived there, so that downriver communities could avoid flooding that came from the spring snowmelt. In essence, some were flooded out of their homes so others could avoid floods. But despite that sad history, the lake is now vital to the region. Tourists visit the lake year round. Property taxes on lakefront homes, camps, and businesses support local communities’ budgets, and the lake is ringed by docks, public beaches, boat launches, marinas, and restaurants. The region’s ability to adapt is a testament to the resilience of its people.
November 2022
This is the first of what I and my colleagues on the board of the Sacandaga Protection Committee hope will be many articles about our way of life on the Great Sacandaga Lake. It is an interesting time to write our first article about lake life because autumn is bittersweet for most of us. The water level on the lake is extremely low. The boats are out of the water and prepared for winter storage. The water is much too cold for a swim. The “summer people” have mostly left, not to return until spring; and we feel the pressure to complete the last of our outdoor chores before the snow flies. I suppose there may still be a few days warm enough to paddle a kayak or canoe, but only for the most cold-hardy among us. We will miss the fun, and the warmth, of summer.
But autumn is also beautiful around the lake. Hiking among the colorful leaves, drinking fresh New York apple cider (and eating too many cider donuts), or enjoying New York wine and microbrews, or hot cocoa in the company of friends around a lakeside fire are among the special activities our region offers. And for many, the chores at this time of year go beyond just raking leaves to include preparing snowmobiles and ice fishing shelters, or bringing cross-country skis and snowshoes out of storage, anticipating the beauty of the coming winter on the Great Sacandaga.
Perhaps most importantly, at this time of year we join with family and friends to be thankful for our good fortune of living in the beautiful foothills of the Adirondacks, on the shores of the Great Sacandaga Lake. Happy Thanksgiving!