The Lake George Association’s annual gala, held July 11 at the Sagamore, raised more than $500,000 for its lake conservation work – the most money ever raised by the 140-year-old organization in a single night.
Roughly half that sum will be used to meet the LGA’s commitment to the Jefferson Project, the organization’s collaboration with RPI, the Darrin Fresh Water Institute and other institutions to keep Lake George, as Thomas Jefferson himself put it, “the most beautiful water I ever saw.”
“This year, we’re dedicating half a million dollars to the Jefferson Project because, while we’ve accomplished so much over the past 12 years, our work is actually just beginning,” said John Kelly, the LGA’s chairman.
Among other things, the LGA’s investment in the Jefferson Project will support the work of scientists and engineers as they expand their capacity to forecast, in real time, when and where algal blooms are likely to occur, said Brendan Wiltse, the LGA’s executive director.
“Refining the Jefferson Project’s forecasting systems is key to our ability to understand, respond to and mitigate harmful algal blooms, that is, the strains of cynobacteria with genes that have the potential to produce toxins,” said Wiltse.
The LGA’s contribution to the Jefferson Project also helps fund the long-term monitoring of the lake’s water quality, which began in 1980, and the maintenance of the project’s sensor network.
“Through our investment in the world class research of the Jefferson Project, we’re identifying the most significant threats to Lake George, and more importantly, we’re validating and scaling solutions that provide lasting protection to the lake,” Wiltse said.
For every dollar that the LGA invests in the Jefferson Project, Wiltse sad, “we invest $6 in on-the-ground projects that directly improve the water quality of Lake George.”
Wiltse said funds raised on July 11 will also support those on-the-ground projects – from stormwater retrofits and road salt reduction to invasive species prevention and wastewater treatment plant upgrades – in many cases through the LGA’s Lake Impact Fund. This year, the fund will distribute more than $600,000 to initiatives such as the Lake George Park Commission’s mandatory boat inspection and milfoil management programs and the prevention of a sewer line break in Huletts Landing. Wiltse said the LGA will contribute $40,000 to the Town of Dresden for that project.
For more information about current projects funded by the LGA’s Lake Impact Fund, Wiltse invites anyone interested to visit a new interactive project map, accessible through lakegeorgeassociation.org.
“The LGA’s Science-to-Solutions work is wide-ranging and often behind the scenes, involving hands-on science, community engagement, shoreline protection and collaboration with local municipalities,” said Wiltse. “This new map brings these efforts to the forefront, offering greater transparency, awareness and community connection to the protection of the lake.”
The record-breaking sum raised at the LGA’s July 11 gala “speaks volumes about how deeply this community cares about preserving the beauty and health of ‘The World’s Smartest Lake,’” said Tyra MacGuffie, the LGA’s Director of Development. “July 11 was a powerful reminder of the strength and unity of a community committed to our lake.” “What sets the LGA apart is that each of its investments (in lake protection projects) is guided by sophisticated research and monitoring, ensuring that we maximize the impact in every contribution of our members and donors,” said Brendan Wiltse. “I joined the LGA because of its members and donors. I knew that if I did my job, you would provide the resources and support to make our work to protect Lake George possible.”
