Public comment and unanimous resolution back efforts to preserve Martin Dunham Reserve and dam

A public commenter described growing community support for preserving the Dunham reservoir and the Rensselaer County Legislature voted unanimously to urge state action to protect the Martin Dunham Reserve and dam.

During the public comment period Herb Hasbrooke told the legislature that more than 1,200 people had signed a petition to protect the reservoir, pointed listeners to the advocacy website savedom.org and a related Facebook page, and said weekend recreation at the pond had been heavy over the July 4 holiday. He thanked the county legislature for its support.

Following public comment, the legislature adopted resolution P 2 95 25, which “urges the New York State [government] to preserve the historic Martin Dunham Reserve and Dam in Grafton Lake State Park.” The roll call recorded 17 ayes, 0 nays.

Why it matters: The resolution expresses county-level support for preserving a local reservoir and dam that members and members of the public said provide recreational and scenic value. The resolution itself urges state-level action; it does not create a county mandate or allocate county funds.

In his remarks the public commenter said community literature and a short film created by John Blomer document the reservoir’s value and that recreation—canoeing, kayaking and boating—had made the site heavily used on recent holiday weekends. The resolution was introduced by the full legislative body and passed without recorded dissent.

Action taken: P 2 95 25 was approved 17–0. The resolution urges state preservation of the Martin Dunham Reserve and Dam and registers the county’s formal support for local preservation efforts.