New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens today announced that a new DEC boat launch facility is now open on Round Lake.  The boat launch located off of Route 9 in the Village of Round Lake, Saratoga County, officially opened on May 24.

“Fishing and boating are popular recreation activities that offer an escape from the everyday rigors of life, and these projects will provide additional access for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy a great outdoor experience,” said Commissioner Martens. “This site was completed with $450,000 of New York Works funding and is an example of the commitment that Governor Cuomo has made to improving fishing access as part of his NY’s Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative.”

The Round Lake boat launch includes parking for nine trailers with vehicles and eleven additional vehicles, a concrete launch ramp, boarding dock and informational kiosk. A separate launch area for kayaks and canoes is also provided at the site.

“Round Lake provides outstanding fishing and boating opportunities for Capital District residents and we are extremely pleased to have had the ability to work with the Village of Round Lake and the Town of Malta on this collaborative effort to establish safe public access to the lake on Village-owned land,” Commissioner Martens added.

“I am pleased to join in celebrating the opening of this new boat launch on Round Lake,” said Senator Hugh T. Farley.  “This is a wonderful new asset to the Village and the region.  Through the creation and support of boat launches, the Department of Environmental Conservation partners with local communities to provide citizens with access to our wonderful water resources.  I congratulate all those who were involved in making this new facility a reality.”

Village of Round Lake Mayor, Dixie Lee Sacks said, “This is a terrific improvement to the Village of Round Lake and the surrounding area. I know that the fishermen are anxiously awaiting the opening and I hope the launch is enjoyed by all.”

Saratoga County Board Chairman and Malta Supervisor Paul Sausville said, “DEC's new Round Lake boat launch provides access to an amazing and biologically rich connection of ponds, wetlands and waterways. The solitude of these waters will be enjoyed by thousands of local residents for decades to come.” 

Round Lake provides excellent fishing for largemouth bass, northern pike and sunfish and was very popular with anglers until the informal access to the lake was cut-off due to safety concerns.  The new boat launch now provides safe access to the lake for both cartop and trailered boats.

For more information on New York State Boat Launching Sites by county, visit DEC’s website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7832.html.