A coalition of Lake George area partners has come together to protect priority hemlock areas
in the Lake George watershed.

Hemlock trees are one of the most common trees found in the forests and along the shorelines of the Lake George watershed. These trees keep our waters cool and clean, provide habitat for wildlife, form the backdrop of our most stunning scenic vistas, and help fuel our local timber and tourism economies.

Hemlocks across the watershed are now threatened by an invasive insect, hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA). Left unchecked, HWA is likely to kill most of the hemlock trees in this area within a generation. Fortunately, nonprofit organizations, research institutions, and public agencies in the Lake George region are pooling their expertise and resources through the Lake George Hemlock Coalition. The Coalition is using proven strategies to implement an action plan to protect priority hemlock areas.

The action plan includes:

• Identifying conservation priorities
• Using best management practices to control HWA at priority sites
• Providing information about HWA to landowners and the public
• Identifying additional resources needed to expand conservation efforts

This plan builds on the survey, treatment, and biological control rapid response efforts that have been ongoing since the first major infestation of HWA was identified in the Lake George area in 2020. Coalition members each contribute expertise, time, and/or financial resources to ensure the plan’s success.

Thanks to the coordinated action by Lake George Hemlock Coalition partners listed below, reservoirs of healthy hemlocks trees will stand for generations to come.

• Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program of The Nature Conservancy
• East Shore Schroon Lake Association
• Lake Champlain Lake George Regional Planning Board
• Lake George Association
• Lake George Land Conservancy
• Lake George Park Commission
• NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
• NYS Hemlock Initiative of Cornell University
• Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District
• Washington County Soil and Water Conservation District

For more information, click on the following links:

1. Understand the importance of hemlock trees
2. Learn to identify HWA
3. If you are a landowner, learn about management options