LOCALadk Magazine
Issue link: https://localadkmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1063241
Winter 2018 LOCALadk Magazine 25 LOCALadk pensive and difficult to maintain water treatment technolo- gy, replacing appliances, and decreases in property values. Finding a better balance between safe winter roads, the environment, and human health is possible. In the Lake George watershed, significant progress has been made at the local level to assess and fine-tune road salt application rates. Over the past two years, the Town of Lake George has achieved a 30% reduction in salt use. They've done this by carefully tracking the amount of salt they apply, investing in new equipment, and training their staff on best practices. The Village of Lake Placid and Town of North Elba are making similar investments to reduce their salt use. And NYS DOT is also headed in the right direction, recently announcing pilot salt reduction areas around Mirror Lake and Lake George. The onus is also on you and me. In an increasingly on-de- mand society, and after decades of heavy salt use, we've come to expect to be able to travel 55 mph down a state road in the middle of a snowstorm, or that clearing our sidewalks is as easy as throwing down liberal amounts of salt. Instead, we can all do our part by clearing our sidewalk and driveway proactively, using sand to aid traction, and applying salt only if necessar y, and then, sparingly. We also play a role in how our roads are maintained. If more drivers invest in snow tires, keep their vehicles maintained, slow down, and plan ahead, highway crews can put down a little less salt during storms and we can all remain safe. Finally, consider getting involved with a local watershed or lake association, or discussing salt use with your local gov- ernment. This is a challenging problem to solve, but one that we must if we wish to protect the incredible lakes, rivers, and streams found in the Adirondacks. This isn't a problem origi- nating from a faraway place or completely out of our control. It's one we created in our own backyards. By working togeth- er and applying American ingenuity we can and will protect Adirondack waters for generations to come.