Let what the Times Union reported in "Invasives detected, boaters ticketed," Aug. 7, be an urgent warning to everyone who loves Lake George. Mandatory inspection and boat washing of all vessels into the lake prior to launching must not contain any loopholes.
Two boat owners, eager to fish in an organized tournament, disregarded the proposed rules and launched prior to the arrival of the inspectors at 5 a.m. Both boats and trailers carried invasive species. Are we naive to think they will be the only ones? Of course not.
Our committee is prepared to partner with the state, public and private entities to ensure that we put in place an effective program to protect our valuable ecological masterpiece and economic engine. We have put our money where our mouth is and have overwhelming support.
We are prepared to purchase the necessary wash stations and expand the hours to cut down on the inconveniences to all users of the lake.
Years ago, before 9/11, did we believe it necessary to have full-body searches to board an airplane or a passport to enter Canada? It is everyone's responsibility to protect our lake.
Lake Tahoe's huge annual budget for invasive species prevention and eradication came too late. The recent incident occurred during an organized event and will happen again without gated launches.
Our SAVE Committee does not mean to diminish access to Lake George; we merely mean to protect it and in turn save it for generations to come.
Robert M. Blais
Mayor, Lake George
chairman, SAVE committee