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                     Welcome to the

 Star Lake Protective Association 

The SLPA has been dedicated to the preservation of Star Lake since 1901. 

The Star Lake Protective Association's mission is "to promote the protection and improvement of Star Lake and the surrounding property and environment".  We are a non-regulatory, non-profit organization which conducts meetings twice a year and sponsors recreational events and activities for lake residents and visitors.  See About the SLPA for more information.

Star Lake, located in northern New York State, is a small, pristine lake situated in the western foothills of the Adirondack Mountains.  Star Lake shares its borders with a hamlet of the same name.  About half of its lake residents live here year-round in winterized homes, enjoying four true "north country" seasons.  Others come to Star Lake on vacations, week-ends or "for the summer" to visit their vacation cottages, some of which are well over 100 years old, built in the true Adirondack camp fashion.  All enjoy the cool, crystal-clear lake water in a great variety of ways.  Fishing, swimming, and all types of water sports and boating are popular.  There is a Star Lake Regatta every year for sailing enthusiasts.  Canoes and kayaks are in abundance.  Many consider their "rafts" the vehicle of choice as they slowly motor around the lake in relative luxury and comfort.  Motor boats and jet skis are also popular for tubing, knee boarding and water skiing.  No matter what your favorite watercraft, you can enter the annual Poker Run.  Star Lake has a sandbar that has been referred to as the "village green," where Star Lakers get together to socialize.  There is something for everyone on this very special little lake. 

This site was developed in March, 2007 and is constantly evolving as new new content is being planned and articles are revised.  You are invited to browse around and come back often for updated or new information.  If you are a member, look for Association news, particularly in the Members' Area (you will need to be a member with a username and password).  If you are not a member, please consider joining us in our endeavor to keep Star Lake beautiful, clean and safe for all to enjoy for generations to come.  Please feel free to use the multi-purpose Feedback form to comment on the site or ask for information.

Two Loon Injuries in One Week!  Read about them in the Members' Area (Username and Password Required) 

8/28/2023  Another Sad Day...Yesterday, it was reported that an adult loon was acting sickly and had beached itself, indicating that it was in distress.  On closer inspection, it was the loon initially rescued and tagged.  Today, it was captured to be treated by Dr. Nina Schock and crew from the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation; but sadly, it did not survive the trip to Saranac Lake.  Necropsy (cause of death) reports can be seen here. (Username and Password Required)

7/18/2023  It's a Very Sad Day on Star Lake.  One of the baby loons was found dead next to our dock.  It was last seen alive yesterday. It is not clear whether the sibling attacked it, another predator killed it, or it got hit by a boat.  Its body will be sent to the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation for examination. 

One Member's Rant Regarding the Loon Injuries...  It goes without saying that all this drama and suffering is the result of human carelessness.  I am spitting nails as I observe the careless, reckless operation of jet skis by mostly young and too-young drivers who apparently lack the mental maturity to watch where they are going and can't think of others because they are so wrapped up in their own fun.  I'm sick to death watching these machines barreling into narrow bays around the lake that clearly are 5 mph/no wake areas where people are swimming.  I'm livid when I see a jet ski going around in circles, jumping its own wake, when there are people nearby in canoes or kayaks, or loons or ducks swimming nearby.  I hate seeing tubers or water skiers with or without spotters when the driver is turned around watching the tuber or skier instead of watching where they are going.  We own a jet ski, but it does none of those things.  It's not the machines' fault.  I'm clearly talking about operator error.  It's the result of human carelessness, disregard for the law and disrespect for the Lake! 

C'mon folks.  Respect the lake and ALL its residents.  Educate yourselves as to the laws and rules of the lake.  Then, supervise and educate your kids.  Show some empathy for those who just want to quietly enjoy the lake.  Read about how to behave around loons here.  And, "if you see something, say something".  --Bo R.

 

A Record Early Ice-Out March 16, 2024! A New 2024 Membership Form is Available.
A mild, breezy early spring is upon us and the ice is finally out. 3/15/2024  An unusually mild winter has all but promised an early spring.  March was "in like a lamb" this year, cutting short winter activities on the lake.  Most of the lake still has a thin layer of ice; but there will be no more snowmobiles or ice fishing this year.  Ice has retreated from around most of the shoreline and it has become darker in the middle.  Hopefully, March will not be "out like a lion".  We think it will be a record-early ice-out, fully a month earlier than last year's ice-out which was April 13th.  Normally, ice-out occurs in the third week of April and is called when a watercraft, usually a raft, can successfully navigate from third lake, through the cut to second lake, or vice-versa.
3/16/2024  After a night of just 32 degrees, the ice continued to recede the next morning.  The chilly trip to the cut was on again as team Sovay/Ritchings bundled up and headed for the cut for another attempt.  This time, due to a wind shift, we were able to break the 1 to 2 inches of ice holding us back yesterday.  We cruised through the cut to 2nd lake, around the island and back to Swiss Point.  We had some cold weather ahead; but we were able to navigate the cut.  So, a very early "official" ice-out was declared. Let the 2024 lake season begin! Click here for more (A username and password is required)
Star Lake has about 170 lake property owners; yet the SLPA  averages only 60 to 80 members.

7/23/2024  The recently-formed SLPA Membership Committee is currently focusing on increasing “continuous” year-to-year membership.  The committee has developed a Membership Form, the purposes of which include communicating the goals of the organization (via listing of current committees and opportunity to donate to invasive species fund) and range of participation opportunities, ensuring the organization has updated contact information for members, and providing a more tangible reminder of the need for continuous SLPA membership.  The committee recommends the following action steps: 1) current members complete the form, 2) members share the form with other community members who are potential members, 3) post the form on the website, and 4) examine 2024 membership data in August. 

If you own property on Star Lake, please download the form, print it, fill it out and send it to us, per instructions on the form.  "Thank you".

Visit Us Through the Star Lake Handbook

Postcard Gallery--Take a Historical Tour

The Star Lake Handbook is a 20-page color booklet describing scenic Star Lake and the Star Lake Protective Association.  Contents include historical  facts about the lake, pictures, a map and fishing and boating information.  The Handbook is a compilation of many people's efforts and is provided to inform and entertain.

Click here to access and read the most recent edition of the Handbook.  Use the feedback link to order printed copies, if you like.  Past editions are available for viewing in PDF format.

2/5/2017  The Postcard Gallery has been recently updated with 36 new (old) postcards in the Members' Area.  Take a tour of Star Lake as our great-grandparents knew it.  Many of the postcards date back to the early 1900's, when Star Lake was a thriving recreational summer retreat.  Visit "Post Cards" to see Star Lake in a totally different way. (A username and password is required)
 

2025 SLPA Meetings and Events  

Date

Event

Place Time
Sat, June 28 Regular Meeting, socializing/meeting to follow SOS Adirondack Exhibit Center 10:00 am
Weds. July 9 First Lake Road Clean-up Meet at CFCS (school) parking lot 9:00 am
Sat, July 26 19th Annual Poker-Run Meet at the sandbar to register 12:00 noon
Weds. Aug 13 Lake Shoreline Clean-up Meet at the Sandbar 10:00 am
Sat. Aug 30 Annual Meeting, socializing/meeting to follow SOS Adirondack Exhibit Center 10:00 am
Sat. Aug 30 Potluck Picnic ? To be determined To be determined      ?
Weds, Sept 10 Second Lake Road Clean-up Meet at CFCS (school) parking lot 9:00 am

 

Boating Safety Class Now On-line

Please Use the New DEC Boat Washing Station

The NYS Parks and Recreation people have announced that anyone can now receive a boating safety certificate by taking the course on-line.  This course is equivalent to the 8-hour classroom course offered locally in the past.  Once the course has been successfully completed, a written certificate is issued and boaters can, at their option, have the certification stated on their driver's license, learning permit or non-driver ID, much like motorcycle certification is indicated on the license.

For more information about fees and how to enroll, follow this link.  If you are local and would like to know more about enrolling in a classroom Boating Safety course this summer, use our feedback form and we will provide local instructor contact information. 

Currently, it is a legal requirement for all jet ski (pwc) operators and for all boat operators born after May 1, 1996 to successfully complete the boaters' safety course.  For jet ski operation, only children 14 and up can take the course and operate a PWC legally.  Children from 10 to 19 cannot operate a boat alone unless they take and pass the course.

The SLPA supports any effort to keep our lake and the people who use it safe and we encourage anyone who operates a motorized boat or jet ski to take this course.  Hopefully this will lead to the safe, responsible operation of watercraft.

A New Boat Washing Station is in operation for the Clifton-Fine area as part of a pilot program by the State to keep invasive species at bay.  The site is located at the corner of Rt. 3 and County Rt. 60, near J&L.  The wash station is manned by volunteers from Paul Smith's College five days a week from 7 am to 4 pm and will eventually be available seven days a week. 

The DEC advises boaters and anglers to check their boats, trailers and other fishing and boating equipment for any plants or animals that may be clinging to it.  It's the law: "Following a thorough inspection, boats should be cleaned, drained and dried."  If you stop in with your boat, you will receive a free careful inspection and a 140-degree power washing to kill free-loading plants and creatures.

Lakes in the Adirondack Park are relatively free of invasive plants and animals so far; but there has been a recent push by New York State to insure that they do not get introduced into our pristine lakes and streams.  Invasive species like milfoil, zebra mussels, clams, and water fleas can be introduced to clean lakes by careless boaters and fishermen.  Invasive species generally come from Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence river or other contaminated bodies of water clinging to boat bottoms, trailors and fishing gear.  Boats, trailers, livewells, and gear need to be properly inspected and cleaned before launch into another body of water.  This new washing station should make it easier for those who move boats from lake to lake. So, if you are heading across the Route 3 corridor, please stop in for this free inspection and washing.  And please, help us to keep our lakes and waterways free of invasives. 

For more info, go here; click graphic to enlarge for viewing; press back to return.

New York State Boater's Guide

SLPA Hosts Cycle Adirondacks to Star Lake

The New York State Boater's Guide, which we have made available to members at meetings in printed form, provides a wealth of boating information.  Included in this guide are useful links to various New York agencies and current legal requirements for boating registration, licensing and operation in New York State. 

"This guide provides basic boating safety information on such topics as registration, operation, equipment and rules of the road, however we strongly encourage every boater to sign up for some formal boating instruction before venturing out on their own." 

If you are new to boating; or if you would like to know more about New York boating regulations, you should read this booklet.  The free guide can be downloaded here in .pdf form to be read or printed.   

On Sunday, August 23, 2015, 150 to 200 cyclists stopped in Star Lake, one of six stops on their 450+ mile journey through the Adirondacks.  While in town, SLPA volunteers took those interested on a raft ride, culminating in a get-together on the sandbar where refreshments were served.  One of Star Lake's distinctive features is the more than 100 motorized rafts that slowly cruise around the lake.  Cyclists got to see what makes this lake so special to all of us as they rode on these unique water crafts.  After being picked up at the Star Lake Haven's shore, they rode over to the sandbar to partake of some true Star Lake hospitality and socializing, sandbar-style.  Many other activities were planned by community leaders including a free concert at the school.  The raft ride was just one of them, but as many said later, it was the most memorable, pleasurable experience--much positive feedback was received by the Cycle Adirondacks participants. 

To read the article about Cycle Adirondacks and Star Lake rafts in Vermont Sports, go here.  An article from Adventure Cycling Magazine can be found here.  To Learn more about Cycle Adirondacks, go to their website here.

Articles about Star Lake Rafts...

2024 Poker Run--Good Times Had by All...

Click the picture on the left to read a June 27, 2010 article about Star Lake rafts in The Plain Dealer of Cleveland, OH, written by Evelyn Theiss, recent visitor to Star Lake.  (press "back" to return to this page).

Read another article in Vermont Sports about Star Lake rafts and Cycle Adirondacks' visit to Star Lake on 8/23/2015.

7/27/2024  On a Perfect Summer's Day, the 18th annual poker run was well under way.  The weather was beautiful this year with no rain in sight.  The theme of this year's poker pun was "Country and Western".  We had plenty of cowgirls and cowboys and we also had several well-decorated rafts.  One raft had singing, dancing and riding toy horses, for entertainment.

"Thank you" to the five stations that made it fun to collect cards for the poker hands.  Some of the stations had pictures taken with signs, some had Jello shots and Roy Rogers appeared at one of the stations!

This year we included a 50/50 Raffle.  It was a great success.  (more)

Vessels of all sizes returned to the sandbar to compare poker hands.

Recent Meeting Minutes:

Member Information & Logon

If you're interested in what happened at the last meeting, visit the recent meetings link.  While the archives are for members only, we are providing minutes from the most recent meetings in order to keep everyone in the community informed of SLPA activities and events.  Also, a copy of the latest spring mailing is found here.  If you are on the lake, perhaps you might come to the next meeting? (photo by Rod Miller)

We maintain a members' area that is password-protected to insure the privacy of our members.  If you already have your logon info, feel free to visit the Members' Area.  If you are a member and don't yet have a username and password; or, if you would like to join the SLPA, please use the feedback form to contact us.  Currently, dues are $20 per calendar year. (photo by Leon Zois)

Local Star Lake Weather at a Glance...

Live-view of Weather on Star Lake

The weather station on Swiss Point came on-line August, 2012.  Real-time data is sent out to Weather Underground and Davis WeatherLink (on the left). 

An almost real-time view Star Lake is provided by a webcam on Swiss Point, installed in 2014.  The picture above is updated every five minutes to provide an up-to-the minute view of the weather.

For more weather info, visit the Star Lake Weather Page. (A username and password is required)

 

Weather Underground Station KNYSTARL3 (data from Davis VantageVue station on Swiss Point)

Clifton-Fine Central School Weather Station (data via Weatherbug)
 
(Follow the links above for more detailed information; press "back" to return to this page)
'Tis the Season...  Here are the most recent seasonal pictures of the lake, in chronological order.  Go to the 'Tis the Season page to see more than 15 complete years of seasonal pictures of Star Lake!  To go to the 'Tis the Season page in the Members' Area, a username/password is required.  Members can use the feedback link and fill out the form to request the current username and password.  (click on a picture for a larger view; press "back" to return to this page).
       
10/8/2024  The double-rainbow points to the pot of gold in 3rd lake. 10/8/2024  The sunrise before the rain storm that produced the rainbow. 10/5/2024  Same sunrise, but different view. 10/5/2024  Cool, crisp, foggy sunrise as a little more heat leaves the lake.
9/30/2024  A great day to pull the buoys.  Many thanks to Pat S. 9/30/2024  A timely fall picture with Maple Mountain's leaves turning. 9/30/2024  The visiting mergansers trespassing/basking in the sun. 9/30/2024  The new "5 mph" signs fit right in--suggestive; not too intrusive.
9/30/2024  Fall colors were slow to appear this year. 9/28/2024  'Tis the season for gorgeous colors at sunrise. 9/22/2024  Where's Waldo (the blue heron)? 9/22/2024  Cotton candy reflections on a beautiful Star Lake day.
9/20/2024  A group of common mergansers stopped by for lunch and a visit. 9/19/2024  Sugar maples provide a splash of color; but are still not peak. 9/17/2024  The full harvest moon was a super moon with a partial lunar eclipse. 9/17/2024  Fall colors progress on Swiss Point and Maple Mountain.
9/17/2024  Cherry Hill is beginning to color up for fall. 9/16/2024  Two ducks were sitting on a rock talking to a painted turtle... 9/15/2024  An almost full moon lights up the evening sky. 9/14/2024  A lone loon doesn't seem to be afraid or intimidated by us.
9/13/2024  Colors are getting brighter as a very warm week progresses. 9/11/2024  Another beautiful sunrise starts another beautiful Star Lake day. 9/10/2024  Fall is right around the corner with some trees already turning. 9/1/2024  September starts with four loons hanging out together.
8/27/2024  Two loons hanging out near Swiss Point. 8/24/2024  A gorgeous double-rainbow off Hiawatha Island after a short shower. 8/23/2024  Not fishing with that long lens...who are these guys cruising the shorelines? 8/23/2024  Another shot of Mr. heron surveying his domain.
       

11/6/2010  A wintry panorama of Star Lake, looking east off Swiss Point, kind of makes you shiver as cloudy sky and early snow showers blanketed the lake in shades of gray, devoid of any remnants of recently-departed fall colors. 

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Site last updated 10/10/24   Copyright 2007 by the Star Lake Protective Association. All rights reserved by respective owners.

All photos on this page and elsewhere on this site, unless otherwise noted, were taken by and belong to Bo Ritchings, who maintains all proprietary rights to said photos.  They may not be used legally by anyone for any purpose, unless express permission is granted by the owner.