As another season arrives on the Fulton Chain, I’m reminded of just how much this community accomplishes when we work together. Whether you’re here year-round or eagerly anticipating summer on the water, our chain of lakes continues to inspire everyone who visits or calls this region home. On behalf of the Board of Directors, it’s my pleasure to welcome you to the annual newsletter of the Fulton Chain of Lakes Association.

 

Because of your membership dues, volunteer hours, and generous donations, 2025 was a productive year.  Our water-quality sampling efforts continued with vigilant volunteers collecting data at multiple consistent sites throughout the chain and combining this data with decades of record keeping. These records form the foundation of our advocacy, allowing the Association to track long-term changes and speak confidently on behalf of the lakes when policy or development proposals arise.

 

Our Lake Stewardship continued to encourage and support the Adirondack Watershed Institute in their role to defend against aquatic invasive species, inspecting thousands of boats at launches on the Chain. The vigilance of their stewards continues to make a measurable difference.  Each clean boat protects the lakes and waters downstream.

 

Community participation remains one of our greatest strengths. Through the efforts of the Maintain The Chain volunteer event, local residents, seasonal visitors, and businesses came together for shoreline cleanups, educational events, and workshops on sustainable boating and septic and watershed maintenance. It’s always encouraging to see families and newcomers join long-time members in these efforts. The more people experience the lakes’ fragility firsthand, the stronger our collective stewardship becomes.

 

As we look ahead, the FCLA Board will continue to strengthen our partnerships with neighboring lake associations and institutes such as the Adirondack Watershed Institute. Collaboration remains our most powerful tool for safeguarding the entire watershed.

 

There is still much to do:  Stormwater management, invasive species monitoring and response, and the advocacy for education and patrolling for safe respectful boating practices; but the shared dedication of this community gives me confidence that the Fulton Chain will remain one of the finest examples of Adirondack beauty throughout the Park.

 

As we continue to face challenges, to meet them, we need voices, many of them. Robust membership makes for a stronger advocacy voice. When we speak as a united community, decisionmakers listen. Each new member amplifies our ability to secure grants, influence environmental policy, and protect water quality and the ability for all of us to safely enjoy and respect this Fulton Chain of Lakes.

 

Your continued involvement is essential to that vision, so please, if you haven’t already, renew your 2026 membership today, and invite a friend, or neighbor to join. Encourage newcomers to get involved, attend meetings, or simply help keep conversations about lake preservation alive among friends and neighbors. Every action counts. Together, our combined energy can shape the future of the lakes for generations.

 

On behalf of the Board and our volunteers, thank you for your continuing support and stewardship. May this season bring you clear waters, and the simple joy that comes from being part of something bigger than ourselves—Our Mission To Preserve and Protect the Fulton Chain of Lakes. 

 

Mark Steigerwald - President