Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Recreation Study topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission hears 2025 Lake George recreation study: registrations steady, vessel permits up, camping down
Summary
Staff presented the third iteration of the 2025 Lake George recreation study: 11,350 annual registrations sold, public-vessel permits up sharply in recent years, camping declined and day-use rose; survey respondents flagged unsafe operation, wakes, noise and congestion as top concerns.
The Lake George Park Commission received a presentation on the 2025 recreation study, which combined data analysis, an online survey and a use census. Presenter Tracy said the study found this year’s annual registrations totaled 11,350, public-vessel permits rose substantially (noted concentration in Paradise Bay), and short-term day-use increased while multi-day camping declined.
Tracy said the survey collected 848 responses and 301 open comments; 89% of respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with their recreational experience. Top cited concerns were unsafe boat operation, wakes and noise, and congestion at locations such as Lake George Village, Sandy Bay, Long Bay and Paradise Bay. "We had 848 survey responses," Tracy said. "The top recreational concerns are unsafe boat operation, boat waves, noise, and congestion." The presentation included maps and photos showing anchoring hotspots and a surface-use comparison that suggested dock build-out could occur in roughly 35–40 years at current rates.
The commission discussed distribution of the final report; staff said the full document will be posted online in approximately 2–3 weeks and about 100 printed copies will be provided to partner municipalities and stakeholders for planning and outreach.
