Shore Lines

Update from Joanne Yepsen, County
Supervisor for Saratoga Springs
The Saratoga Springs Kayaderosseras
Blueway Trailhead and Preserve
July 2013
Serving on the Board of the Saratoga Springs Open
Project and then as a founding member of Saratoga
P.L.A.N. gave me a great foundation of experience and
education to tackle some of the many initiatives on the
County Board of Supervisors. Over the past eight years,
together we have brought to fruition many projects. I am
proud to be able to report to you some of our many accomplishments.
I am pleased that Bruce Goodale, Saratoga Lake Association
President, recently brought up a concern about the
use of the Lake as a public water supply source. Not only
do I share that concern but, have taken great measures to
advocate, protect and improve Saratoga Lake as a great
natural resource and recreation waterway.
First, you’ll recall in 2006 we worked to rid the 50-foot
logjam from Lake Lonely to prevent further flooding of
private properties and open access both on the water and
land. This was a huge accomplishment that had caused
major problems for decades. The access on the land was
critical to respond to emergency calls and the access on
the waterway opened up recreation connectivity between
Lake Lonely, Saratoga Lake and the Kayaderosseras Creek.
Another “first task” I encountered with the County
Board of Supervisors included the creation and passage of
a full comprehensive County Green Infrastructure Plan.
Within that plan included the linkage of a trail along the
Kayaderosseras. Today, I am happy to report that The Saratoga
Springs Kayaderosseras Blueway Trailhead and
Preserve is finally becoming a reality.
Over four years ago, on June 15, 2009, I assembled a
small group to consider potential Saratoga Springs’ 2009
County Farmland and Open Space Preservation projects.
Out of those meetings, came the recommendation to seek
a County grant to acquire a portion of the Blodgett family
property for purposes of establishing public access to the
Kayaderosseras Creek and related improvements.
From 2003 – 2011, the Board of Supervisors approved
approximately $4.5 million in funds to municipalities and
non-profits to further implement the Green Infrastructure
Plan. Many applications for the Saratoga County Farmland
and Open Space Preservation Program were submitted
and the distribution of funds became increasingly
competitive each year.
On July 30, 2009, following approval by resolution of
the City Council, the application was completed and filed
The trailhead proposal was to establish on a 5 acre
site (a portion of the so-called “Blodgett” property appearing
as Tax Map Parcel 192. -1-3) astride the Kayaderossers
Creek and adjacent to Kaydeross Avenue East
and is designed and intended to advance the County’s
Green Infrastructure Plan and provide easy, safe public
access to the County Blueway Trail.
The County Planning Staff and Board of Supervisors
believed that this piece in the overall trail project was critical
for its success and, for establishing the only public
access to the waterway for recreational boating. With a
little help from my Friends of the Kayaderosseras, Saratoga
P.L.A.N, Sustainable Saratoga, as well as the County
Planning office, finally last year – facing the possible loss
of the grant from the County, (the program was being
phased out due to financial constraints), we convinced
the City Council to resurrect the project and finally commit
the funds out of the City’s designated recreation account
as Commissioner Madigan proposed.
The establishment of the The Saratoga Springs Kayaderosseras
Blueway Trailhead and Preserve will provide
free public access and a canoe and kayak launch – just as
Randy and his family always had.
The Saratoga Springs Planning Board has approved
the division of the Blodgett land and the closing between
the City of Saratoga Springs and the Blodgett family is
expected to occur in the near future. The City will then
seek reimbursement from the County Open Space and
Farmland Protection fund closing the long-awaited circle.
Let the kayaking begin! Thank you all for partnering
with us on such important initiatives. I look forward to
continuing our good preservation work together.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me at
www.saratogacountyny.gov Board of Supervisors, and
then click directly to email me with your thoughts and
concerns. Thank you.
Friends of the Kayaderosseras — “Meet the Creek”
Saturday, July 20, from 4—7 p.m., at Kelly Park in
Ballston Spa
Event includes guided nature walks, live animals, games
and activities, including a scavenger hunt with prizes.
This year’s event will feature Dee Strinsa and her creekdwelling
animals. Those interested in helping the
Friends can lean more/sign-up at the event. Rain date
will be Saturday, July 27.