Finger Lakes Land Trust Acquires 850 Feet of Shoreline at South Eastern End of Skaneateles Lake

The Finger Lakes Lake Trust (FLLT) has announced they have acquired 850 feet of shoreline along Skaneateles lake and 15 acres of forested land. The land the organization has acquired is located on the south eastern portion of the lake in the Town of Spafford. In addition to the shoreline and forested lane acquired, the property also includes 1,120 feet of streambank on Barber Gulf and a portion of the Staghorn Cliffs. The cliffs are the site of an ancient fossilized coral reef, the FLLT says.

“Due to the hazardous nature of the steep hillsides above the cliffs, the property will be owned and managed by the FLLT as a nature preserve accessible by canoe or kayak. Protection of this property will safeguard wildlife habitat and the water quality of Skaneateles Lake by preventing development on its forested hillsides.”

The FLLT said in a release.

This property has been a priority of protection by the organization and their effort to create a greenbelt around the southern end of Skaneateles Lake. Nearby conservation areas include High Vista and the Hinchcliff Family preserves. Skaneateles Lake provides unfiltered drinking water to 220,000 people, including the City of Syracuse.

“The quality of our lakes depends on the condition of the landscapes that surround them,” said FLLT President Andrew Zepp. “This acquisition will secure steep slopes and sensitive shoreline areas that would lead to increased erosion and runoff if they were developed.”

The Finger Lakes Land Trust says the acquisition was made possible through an internal loan from the FLLT Opportunity Fund. The FLLT is now working to raise $1.1 million to cover the cost of the purchase and also provide long-term management of the site. You can make a contribution by calling (607) 275-9487 or emailing Info@FLLT.org.