Boaters May Launch at Second Pond and Use Lower Locks to Access Kiwassa Lake, Oseetah Lake, and Lake Flower

Canoes and Kayaks Can Still Be Launched

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today that the Lake Flower Boat Launch will remain closed to the launching of trailered boats. The parking spaces closest to the water are available to paddlers and rowers to park vehicles and launch “car top” boats such as canoes, kayaks, row boats, and small motorboats. Boaters with trailered boats will need to use the Second Pond Boat Launch and the Lower Lock to access Kiwassa Lake, Oseetah Lake, Lake Flower, and portions of the Saranac River between when the ice is off the water and completion of the project.

DEC installed docks at the Second Pond Boat Launch and navigational buoys have been installed in the channel. The Lower Lock can be manually operated by boaters. The instructions are on a sign across the operational controls. Be sure to follow guidelines for responsible outdoor recreation (www.dec.ny.gov/press/119974.html) during the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis at the boat launch and the lock. In addition, follow these guidelines at the lock:

• Minimize the number of boats in the lock at one time to maintain social distancing by keeping at least six (6) feet of distance between yourself and others;
• Minimize the surfaces you touch while passing through and operating the lock;
• Only one person should operate the controls during boat passage; and
• Sanitize your hands before and after passing through the lock.

Work on the Lake Flower restroom project has been temporarily suspended per New York State on PAUSE guidance. The restroom is being built in the western corner of the boat launch property near the sidewalk along River Street. While equipment and materials could be moved from the parking areas closest to the road, the size of the construction site restricts the maneuvering space and safe passage for vehicles with trailers.