The crisis du jour is the infestation of Lake George by aquatic species, which if not addressed immediately will supposedly cause Lake George to become a swampy morass, devastating the local tourist economy and reducing the multimillion dollar property values.
The solution is to wash all the boats before entry and place the entire cost on the backs of boat owners through higher boat registration fees, dock fees, washing fees, in addition to exorbitant launch fees and daily usage fees to use a lake where regulations prohibit boaters from anchoring within 200 feet of the privileged multimillion dollar properties.
Under common law, lakes in the state are considered public waters, which, theoretically, allows free, unfettered access to all, except seemingly Lake George.
No one denies its exquisite beauty. However, if the major concern is the protection of the tourist business economy and retention of property values, then it is imperative and fair that everyone who benefits from a pristine lake must share in the cost of preserving it. Therefore, all lake property owners and all area businesses must be assessed along with the boaters to fund this effort.
Whatever reasonable solution can be found to the pollution problem is to the greater good of the lake, community and businesses; let's not have any further plans or laws that place the burden solely on the small guy. The greater community should share in the costs.
JOHN E. OLENIK
Ballston Spa