The Lake George Land Conservancy has launched a new campaign to raise $525,000 to purchase the Pinnacle, the Bolton landmark whose summit is visible from the hamlet, the Sagamore, Lake George and the east side.

A development that would have consisted of three houses on or near the ridge line, reached by a one mile long road, received approvals from the Bolton Planning Board in 2009 and, in all likelihood, would have proceeded had the Conservancy not reached an agreement with the landowners.

According to Jordyn Conway, who is coordinating the Conservancy’s campaign, more than 65% of the acquisition price has been pledged; the full amount must be raised before May 8, when the Conservancy’s option to purchase the 75-acre site expires.

Jamie Brown, who was named the Lake George Land Conservancy’s executive director last month, said,  “Once we’ve exercised the option, the Pinnacle will be available to the Town of Bolton to use and enjoy.”

LGLC Director Jamie Brown, Bolton Supervisor Ron Conover and Pinnacle fundraising coordinator Jordyn Conway.

Anticipating the Pinnacle’s use as a public recreational preserve, the Conservancy kicked off its campaign on February 7 with “A first ‘Peak’ of the Pinnacle,” a snowshoe hike from the Bolton Conservation Park to the summit, led by Town Historian Ted Caldwell.

The hike was also Brown’s first opportunity to visit the property; its acquisition has absorbed much of his time since becoming executive director.

“When I reached the top, my eyes bulged,” said Brown. “It became immediately clear to me why this is an important project and worth the effort we’re investing in it.”

The roughly twenty people who made the hike were joined later in the afternoon at the Conservation Club by a dozen others for a reception, silent auction and a presentation of a proposed trail system that would link the Conservation Park, the Pinnacle, the Cat and Thomas Mountain Preserve, Edgecomb Pond and other areas with, ultimately, the hamlet of Bolton Landing.

“By connecting this trail system to the hamlet, we have an opportunity to make Bolton Landing a special destination for people who want to enjoy our community as we do,” said Bolton Supervisor Ron Conover, who attended the reception.

Snowshoe hike to the Pinnacle

Conover said that, subject to the Town Board’s approval, he will sign a contract to purchase the Pinnacle from the Lake George Land Conservancy for approximately $150,000 once a conservation easement is in place and the property is protected permanently from development.

Protecting the Pinnacle and “making Bolton a hub of hiking activities” was a partnership not only of the Conservancy and the Town, but also with the private land owners who have agreed to permit hiking trails to cross their properties, said Conover.

“Many hands make light work,” said Conover.

Chuck Cummings, a member of the Lake George Land Conservancy’s board of directors, said the protection of the Pinnacle was important not only for the Town of Bolton but for the entire lake.

“As we look at the ridge line, we see a lot of open, wild terrain,” said Cummings. “If we don’t protect this, houses will someday be visible from the lake.”

The fundraising campaign was scheduled to continue with a presentation by Jordyn Conway at the Bolton Landing Chamber of Commerce’s monthly dinner meeting on February 10.

“If you receive a letter soliciting support, please share it,” said Conway. “If you want to volunteer in some capacity, or host a social event, please contact me.”

“We’re grateful for everyone’s help thus far, but we’re not finished. Let’s get it done,” said Jamie Brown.