TO: Burden Lake Association May 16, 2000
FROM: Gerald Siesfeld and Thomas Pillsworth
SUBJECT: Five-Year Strategic Plan
We respectfully offer the attached Five Year Strategic Plan for consideration by the Officers and members of the Burden Lake Association.
As we approached this task we were mindful of our responsibility as caretakers of the lake. We have inherited a man made lake. Early pioneers like Henry Burden, then Superintendent of the Troy Iron and
Nail Factory, formed the Wynanskill Association in 1829. Their purpose was to assure a constant flow of water for commercial use. They choose to convert a small body of water, then known as Martin’s pond, into a three mile long lake that we know as Burden Lake. Over the ensuing 170 years that purpose evolved slowly but dramatically from primarily commercial usage to entirely recreational and residential usage.
Generations of families from around the Capital District have been drawn to the beauty and tranquility of the lake. Increasingly there has been a shift from seasonal to permanent residents around the lake. Commercial establishments ranging from Totem Lodge, Hogarty’s and the Maple Grove Inn to smaller stores like Hayner’s and the old trolley car at the second dike have come and gone. Only Kay’s survives to this day.
The purpose of the Burden Lake Association has been to maintain the quality of the lake for swimming, boating, fishing, skating and skiing, as well as other factors that impact the overall quality of life for the residents. Among the latter are preservation of the scenic aspects of the lake, a significant factor in its appeal both to the year-round and the seasonal residents.
The five year plan is being developed to help provide continuity and guidance for the Burden Lake Association’s efforts from year to year. Since the association’s activities are concentrated in seasonal periods, the plan’s long term view will provide the structure to carry projects from beginning to end over their effective lives without the start up delays and regroupings associated with seasonal activities.
Finally we should acknowledge that the report was prepared based on existing information. We did not initiate any separate research projects or surveys of residents concerns. The high level of energy and activity among residents over the past decade has provided invaluable insight into the major concerns prevalent around the lake. If the membership identify additional problems or different approaches to identified problems we will energetically pursue those initiatives.