Introduction

Hello. My name is Bryan Rudes and I am President of the Piseco Lake Association. I was invited to attend an ALA Board Meeting when the organization was just beginning to form. I discovered that many of the issues and problems that were discussed are identical to those being addressed by our lake association. I agreed with those present that an organization was needed that would address the collective needs of lake and river associations throughout the Adirondack Park. I gladly volunteered to become one of two Regional Directors representing Region D (Fulton and Hamilton Counties). We are pleased that Frank Pine from Long Lake has recently joined with us to become the second Region D Director.

The ALA has already achieved some very important accomplishments in a relatively short period of time. Over 60 lake and river associations have joined to participate in our efforts. The ALA provided leadership in the development of an MOU regarding the necessity to prevent the spread of AIS throughout the Adirondack Park. The ALA took the lead with many other partners to develop a pilot program to expand existing Boat Steward and Boat Decontamination Stations throughout the Adirondack Park. Many of you have seen the Boat Decontamination Stations and Boat Stewards in Piseco, Speculator, Indian Lake, and Long Lake. These accomplishment would not have been possible without the participation of the ALA and many other partners.

We need your help and participation to assist our organization to address issues to protect and preserve our Adirondack waters. Please consider joining the ALA, if you have not already d0ne so. We are available to answer questions and participate in your local discussions. Please send me a note if you have any questions or would like further information.

Bryan F. Rudes(bsrudes@aol.com)