Lake Placid Lake Management Plan
Adirondack Watershed Institute
Brendan Wiltse, Kelley Tucker, Liz Metzger, & Georgia Jones
Lake Placid is the largest lake in Essex County and is known for its exceptional water quality and scenic vistas. The lake has a surface area of 1,992 acres with 21.9 miles of shoreline. The waters of Lake Placid reach a depth of 151 feet, providing ideal habitat for lake trout, a native cold-water fish. Whiteface Mountain towers above the lake at 4,865 feet in elevation and sits at the top of the watershed boundary.
Lake Placid and its watershed are rich in biodiversity and human history. The SOA have been stewards of the ecological and human history for over 125 years. The organization was established out of concerns over fluctuating water levels in the lake and it’s first act was to purchase the dam at the lake’s outlet. SOA remain owners of the dam today.
Lake Placid’s water quality has benefited from a mostly undisturbed watershed, much of which belongs to the New York State Forest Preserve. A large portion of the shoreline is also protected through the Forest Preserve. Though the development that does exist in the watershed is concentrated along the lakeshore.
Lake Placid has excellent water quality and serves as the source of drinking water for the Village of Lake Placid. An analysis of the available water quality data indicates a long-term decline in transparency. This decline is likely driven by regional recovery in acid rain, as well as climate change. There have also been long-term changes in pH, most recently a significant decline. The cause of the decline is unknown and warrants further investigation.
Lake Placid contains one aquatic invasive species. Variable-leaf milfoil was detected in the lake in 2009 and remains present today. Stewardship efforts at both the village and state boat launches are critical to the prevention of new introductions of invasive species. The management of variable-leaf milfoil in Paradox Bay has varied over the years, recent shifts in harvesting efforts are proving successful and with continued effort it may be possible to eradicate it from the lake.
Lake Placid is a popular destination for recreational boaters, and is one of the most heavily visited lakes in the region. Long-term data from the Adirondack
Watershed Institute Stewardship Program indicates a significant increase in boaters visiting the lake. Stakeholders have indicated concerns related to boater safety, crowding, and shoreline erosion from boat wakes. Managing the recreational use of Lake Placid is complex and challenging. A lake carry capacity model developed for Lake Placid would help inform stakeholders and guide decision makers.
The land use and development in the Lake Placid watershed has the potential to significantly impact the health of the lake. Strong local laws for septic system siting, inspection, and maintenance are critical to the protection of this important resource. Though, more work needs to be done to fully understand the impact of septic systems on the lake’s water quality. Increased adoption of lake-friendly practices, such as planting shoreline buffers, reducing the use of pesticides and fertilizers, and improving stormwater management are all important to the long-term protection of the lake.
Throughout its history the protection of Lake Placid has fallen on volunteers and local government. In order to address the challenges of invasive species, climate change, managing recreational use, and promoting the adoption of lake-friendly practices a staffed lake manager position is needed. A qualified lake manager would provide the professional expertise necessary to effectively manage and protect this important resource.
Those that love and care for Lake Placid recognize that a healthy lake is essential to maintaining its ecological integrity and economic values. To ensure the health of Lake Placid this plan lays out key recommendations, which serve to guide lake management and planning for years to come.
