Lake George

Water Quality Awareness Committees

Volunteer Handbook

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Table of Contents

Welcome……………………………………………………Page 2

Mission Statement………………………………………….Page 2

Handbook Purpose………………………………………….Page 2

Orientation/ Training……………………………………....Page 5

WQAC Framework………………………………………....Page 6-7

WQAC Project Framework………………………………...Page 8-9

Forming/ Joining…………………………………………...Page 10

Project Funding………………………………………….…Page 10

Policies……………………………………………………..Page 11-13

~ Equal Opportunity……………………………….Page 11

~ Privacy Protection………………………………..Page 11

~ Conflict Resolution……………………………….Page 11

~ Resignation……………………………………….Page 11

~ Termination………………………………………Page 11

~ Insurance Coverage………………………………Page 11

~ Working with Youth……………………..………Page 11

~ Public Relations…………………………..…….... Page 12

Forms……………………………………………………….Appendix

~ Formation Form

~ Request for Project Finding Form

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Welcome to The Lake George Water Quality Awareness Committees

Dear Volunteer,

Welcome and thank you for participating in a Lake George Water Quality Awareness Committee (WCAC). You are part of a group of dedicated individuals with a passion for Lake George and a commitment to stopping the decline in water quality and achieving sustainable protection. Whether you own property on the Lake, vacation, or have fond memories of visiting, by joining a Water Quality Awareness Committee, you can make a difference!

Under the auspices of the Waterkeeper program of The FUND for Lake George*, Water Quality Awareness Committees are formed from Home Owners Associations, Youth Groups, Interest/ Activity Clubs, or individuals focused on water quality protection. Each WQAC decides what projects and activities are important to their community.

Purpose of this WAQC Handbook: The purpose of this handbook is to provide policies and procedures pertinent to volunteer work with the FUND for Lake George and the Water Quality Awareness Committees. Please discuss any questions with your staff liaison, The Water Quality Outreach Coordinator.

* The FUND for Lake George is a not-for-profit, privately funded organization dedicated to the protection of Lake George and its surrounding communities. Formed in 1980, the FUND implements a science-based approach to the protection of Lake George water quality and the overall health of the Lake George watershed. The FUND seeks to use lake and watershed monitoring and scientific best management practices to continuously benchmark the quality of Lake George. The FUND pursues its mission through support for long-term scientific research on the Lake, launching new initiatives, advocacy for new protections and partnerships with other organizations and local governments. The FUND is the sponsor of the Lake George Waterkeeper, among other programs on Lake George.

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WQAC Offerings

Opportunities

As a member of a Water Quality Awareness Committee you will have the opportunity to:

Participate in environmentally projects and events to protect Lake George;

Learn about the science behind the declining water quality of Lake George;

Participate in Citizen Scientist projects;

Receive funding for projects and materials;

Engage other residents in the protection of the Lake;

Promote a deeper understanding of the issues and challenges facing Lake George;

Identify and address direct threats to water quality;

Advocate for the Lake with town and village review boards, as well as the Lake George Park Commission and other entities and agencies;

Assist and support in documenting the need for adequate enforcement and improvement of protective laws, regulations and best management practices; and

Target and pursue sources of funding to scale the program and projects over time.

There are many projects for you (your group) to choose from and participate in. If you think of a new project idea, you are encouraged to present it to the Water Quality Outreach Coordinator. Current projects include:

Participate and promote “Buffer Lake George” project;

Coordinate and participate in the clean-up event “Keep the Queen Clean”;

Distribute “Adirondack Lawn GROWS HERE” signs;

Plan and participate in the spring Native Plant event;

Participate in Citizen Scientist projects such as algae awareness and Rainbow Smelt monitoring;

Advocate for consistent fertilizer laws within the entire Lake George watershed;

Create and distribute stormwater retrofit brochures;

Create awareness for improved septic systems; and

Participate in and support the Invasive Species prevention program.

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Orientation

If joining an existing WQAC, you will receive orientation from your designated Chairperson. If forming a new WQAC, you and other members will meet with the FUND’s Water Quality Outreach Coordinator.

Workshops

Twice a year, the FUND will offer workshops to all WQAC volunteers and prospects. Topics will range from low-impact development, rain garden construction and scientific reports to raise awareness of the issues with landowners.

The annual WQAC social

Each December, the FUND coordinates an event to thank all the WQAC volunteers and members. You are encouraged to invite friends and family who may be interested in participating and joining a WQAC.

Other training

WQAC members are encouraged to attend additional training on their own or suggest ideas to the FUND staff to be included in WQAC volunteer workshops.

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WQAC Mission and Charter Mission Under the “guidance” of the FUND for Lake George and the Lake George Waterkeeper Program, and formed of residents of geographical communities and Associations around the Lake, the Water Quality Awareness Committees (WQACs) will individually and collaboratively create a ring of protection around Lake George, and become community educators and powerful advocates for the protection and sustainability of the Lake's water quality. Vision The WQACs will become a model for lake stewardship by citizens, acting as an engaged and committed “Ring of Protection” for Lake George. Charter

Function Under the auspices of the Waterkeeper program of The FUND for Lake George, WQACs are working in their own communities to identify and resolve direct threats to the water quality of Lake George, including but not limited to: onsite wastewater treatment systems, fertilizer and pesticide applications within the watershed, invasive species and land use practices and protocols that contribute to damaging stormwater runoff.

WQAC (Committee) Composition, Meetings and Responsibilities

Each Committee has a chairperson who acts as the catalyst for the community in which he or she resides and is the liaison with the FUND’s Water Quality Outreach Coordinator.

Each Committee should be comprised of no less than six members of the community, with one member recognized as the Committee’s Chairperson.

WQAC members are responsible for recruiting additional members from their neighborhoods. Recruitment will focus on local concerns of the neighborhood.

The Committee will meet as often as it determines appropriate by members to plan and accomplish project objectives, but at least once a quarter.

Meeting agendas should be developed and minutes should be taken at each official Committee

meeting. The progress of the WQACs will be documented every two months at the Waterkeeper Steering

Committee.

The WQAC Work Plan, project criteria and budgets will be approved by FUND management and the Waterkeeper Steering Committee.

The WQACs will ensure consistency with the Waterkeeper Program regarding up-to-date science and engineering expertise for project planning.

Any new WQACs formed will abide by the WQAC mission, vision and charter and be recognized by the FUND.

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WQAC Roles

The primary roles of the individual WQACs, working in conjunction with The FUND and the Lake George Waterkeeper, are to:

- Promote a deeper understanding of the issues and challenges facing the Lake;

- Identify and address direct threats to water quality within WQAC communities;

- Engage other area residents in the protection of the Lake through WQACs;

- Advocate for the Lake with town and village planning and zoning boards, as well as the Lake George Park Commission and other entities and agencies;

- Assist and support in documenting the need for adequate enforcement and improvement of protective laws, regulations and best management practices; and

- Target and pursue sources of funding with which to scale the program and projects over time.

The WQACs will fulfill these roles through the adoption of project goals and objectives, aligned and coherent with the strategies, programs and goals of the FUND for Lake George and the Lake George Waterkeeper.

WQAC Success Criteria

Success criteria for the WQAC initiative include:

- Increase in the number of WQACs;

- Increase in WQAC membership;

- Development and distribution of educational materials;

- Implementation of approved projects;

- Procurement of additional funding dedicated to the WQAC initiative; and

- Publicized success of projects.

WQAC Review and Evaluation

An evaluation of the WQAC initiative and its success criteria will be conducted annually by FUND management.

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WQAC Project Framework

Based on their community needs, interests and abilities, the Water Quality Awareness Committees are working towards the following goals.

*Objectives and Goals will be updated as new ideas and project areas are identified by the WQACs and scientific findings.

PROJECT GOAL OBJECTIVES

Lake George Fertilizer Restriction Law

A restrictive fertilizer law consistent throughout the Lake George watershed

o Create a consistent fertilizer law within the entire watershed.

o Educate community residents regarding the impact of fertilizers and pesticides on water quality.

- Distribute Do-It-Yourself Water Quality publication to residents

- Conduct presentation of fertilizer impacts on water quality

o Design / distribute Adirondack Lawn GROWS HERE signs. Each sign demonstrates the property owner’s agreement to avoid using pesticides and fertilizers

Buffer Lake George

Natural vegetative buffer strips installed along shorelines

o Participate and promote Buffer Lake George project

o Educate and promote buffer installation

o Identify potential funding to maintain Buffer project.

Stormwater Management Retrofits

Infiltration and treatment of stormwater runoff through the use of rain gardens and permeable surfaces where possible

o Create / distribute stormwater retrofit brochure

o Showcase stormwater management retrofits through a model demonstration project on a residential property.

Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS)

OWTS survey, maintenance and upgrading if needed by property owners

o Create awareness of the need for improved septic systems

o Promote inspection/certification and compliance of OWTS (as a minimum) for real property transfer

o Propose wastewater initiatives

Invasive Species Prevention: CLEAN / DRAIN / DRY

All boats trailered from other water bodies will be inspected and, if necessary, decontaminated before launch.

o Support and promote the Lake George Park Commission AIS prevention program

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Keep the Queen Clean

Public awareness and action to reduce trash pollution and debris in Lake George.

o Coordinate snorkeling and clean-up crews to remove trash and debris from Lake George, its streams and shorelines on the annual Keep the Queen Clean day

o Identify potential funding sources and sponsorship opportunities

WQAC

Outreach, Education and Communication

Public promotion of WQAC projects and activities and related FUND and Waterkeeper activities.

o Document entire shoreline underwater; share results (photos of algae)

o Discuss water quality issues with residents

o Write a monthly article/ news release to showcase the projects and activities of the WQACs

o Develop website to inform about WQAC and provide news and updates

o Spring “Let’s go Native” event

o WQAC annual meeting/ social

o Participation in outreach events

o Creation of bulletin boards to promote local projects and initiatives

Public Forum Involvement

Advocate for preventive regulations / enforcement; discourage land use activities that may negatively impact Lake George water quality

o Provide verbal and written public comments at Zoning Board of Appeals, Planning Board and Town Board meetings in towns around the Lake

o Communicate with local officials to urge their support for regulations that protect water quality

Household Hazardous Waste Collection

Advocate for a yearly Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program within each municipality around the lake.

o Educate community residents regarding the impact of fertilizers and pesticides and other chemicals not disposed of properly on water quality and the environment.

o Communicate with local officials to urge their support for a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program.

Citizen Scientist

Data collection of scientific data and samples to be used in monitoring projects

o Algae monitoring project

o Annual rainbow smelt monitoring project

Funding

Revenue sources for sustainability of the WQACs

o Identify potential funding sources for WQACs

o Identify potential targeted project funding sources

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WQAC Engagement

Joining an existing WQAC

To join an existing Water Quality Awareness Committee, contact a member or the Chair of the committee to attend the next scheduled meeting or activity. For a list of existing WQACs and Chairs, contact the FUND’s Water Quality Outreach Coordinator.

To form a new WQAC

To form a new Water Quality Awareness Committee, contact the FUND’s Water Quality Outreach Coordinator.

Requirements for forming a new WQAC:

You should engage at least six individuals as members.

One person will be designated as the Chairperson.

Commitment to meet at least four times a year to plan and work on projects and activities.

Agendas will be prepared and meeting minutes will be taken for all official meetings.

Members will work on projects that are important to their community and the Lake and consistent with the Project Framework.

Each WQAC is responsible for recruiting new members.

Adhere to the policies outlined in this WQAC volunteer handbook.

Select a name: (based, for instance, on geographical location, school name, or other)

Example: Hague Water Quality Awareness Committee.

Project Funding

Funding for project material, printing and contract work may be available through the FUND for Lake George. WQACs should submit a proposal to the Water Quality Outreach Coordinator outlining their project and proposed budget. The Water Quality Outreach Coordinator will review and provide recommendations to the Waterkeeper Steering Committee for approval. Project invoices are to be submitted to the FUND for Lake George for payment in a timely manner. WQACs are covered under the FUND for Lake George’s 501C3 status and all expenses are thus exempt from sales tax collection. A tax exempt letter is available upon request. (Please use Project Funding Request form in the Forms section of this handbook.)

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Policies

Equal Volunteering Opportunity

The FUND is committed to maintaining a workplace and work environment free of discrimination based on race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, affectional preference, sexual orientation, age, gender or any other basis forbidden by law.

Privacy Protection

Your contact information will not be given out without your permission.

Conflict Resolution

If a situation develops that is not resolved, discuss it with the Water Quality Outreach Coordinator. If you continue to have difficulties with another volunteer, policies or decisions, you can make an appointment with the Lake George Waterkeeper to discuss the issue. All complaints and questions will receive proper consideration.

Resignations

If a volunteer decides to leave their volunteer position or a WQAC decides to disband, we ask you please notify the Water Quality Outreach Coordinator.

Terminations

Volunteers who do not adhere to the FUND’s policies and procedures may be asked to no longer participate. Grounds for immediate dismissal may include, but are not limited to:

Gross misconduct or insubordination;

Theft of property or misuse of funds, equipment or materials; and

Unwillingness or inability to support and further the mission of the FUND/ WQACs and or the objectives of the program.

Insurance Coverage

WQAC volunteers are covered under the FUND’s insurance only while performing duties related to the conduct of official WQAC/ FUND projects and events. If you have questions, contact the FUND staff.

WQACs working with youth

There are additional policies for groups with youth membership:

Keep copies of parental permission forms and any required health forms at all events, activities and meetings following your school or youth group’s policies and procedures.

Youth can only participate in a WQAC through their school, youth group or with a custodial guardian present.

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Public Relations

As a volunteer, you are expected to act in a manner that creates a positive image of you, the WQAC program and the FUND for Lake George in your interaction with the public while conducting projects for the WQAC program.

Tips for creating a positive impression; be visible; be friendly and courteous; be an educator and advocate; and refer the individual to the FUND/ Waterkeeper staff.

Public Interaction; you are encouraged to share your knowledge with the public through a variety of approaches. This could range from answering questions and providing information to developing brochures, signs and other educational material.

Public Advocacy; We encourage you to provide verbal and written public comments at Zoning Board of Appeals, Planning Board and Town Board meetings. When drafting a letter or preparing comments, we encourage you to contact the Lake George Waterkeeper for talking points and ideas. Staff are more than willing to assist.

Media Relations; Handling media inquiries requires care and consideration. To insure a consistent message, we recommend you coordinate media relations with the FUND for Lake George, Development and Marketing Director and your staff liaison, the Water Quality Outreach Coordinator.

Communications

Good communication is essential for a successful volunteer experience. Volunteers and staff share this responsibility. We encourage you to communicate on a regular basis with the Water Quality Outreach Coordinator. In addition, we ask that you participate in our social media communications.

The websites: Familiarize yourself with both the FUND website and the associated websites of the WQACs. Submit information, updates, pictures and relevant news for these sites to the Water Quality Outreach Coordinator.

Submit your email address to receive email updates from the Water Quality Outreach Coordinator and the FUND for Lake George.

Keep staff informed of your meetings and activities so they may participate and assist as needed.

Recognition

Volunteers play an essential role in citizen lake stewardship. Many benefits of volunteering are intangible: gaining knowledge about conservation efforts, learning new skills, meeting new people and being involved in the protection of Lake George.

WQAC volunteers will receive incentives and opportunities, including

Volunteer e-news;

Invitations to volunteer social events;

Training and workshops to increase skill sets; and

Volunteer gifts.

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Lake George

Water Quality Awareness Committees

Water Quality Awareness Committee

Formation Form

Group Name:_______________________________________________________________WQAC

Chairperson:

Name:____________________________________________________________________________

Phone #:________________________________ Email:_____________________________________

Address:___________________________________________________________________________

Members:

Name:______________________________________________________________________________

Phone #:________________________________ Email:_______________________________________

Address:_____________________________________________________________________________

Name:______________________________________________________________________________

Phone #:________________________________ Email:_______________________________________

Address:_____________________________________________________________________________

Name:______________________________________________________________________________

Phone #:________________________________ Email:_______________________________________

Address:_____________________________________________________________________________

Name:______________________________________________________________________________

Phone #:________________________________ Email:_______________________________________

Address:_____________________________________________________________________________

Name:______________________________________________________________________________

Phone #:________________________________ Email:_______________________________________

Address:_____________________________________________________________________________

Name:______________________________________________________________________________

Phone #:________________________________ Email:_______________________________________

Address:____________________________________________________________________________

Projects:

(Please check the project (s) that your WQAC will participate in)

___ Lake George Fertilizer Restriction Law

___ Buffer Lake George

___ Stormwater Management Retrofits

___ Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems

___ Keep the Queen Clean

___ Outreach, Education and Communication

___ Citizen Scientist

___ Funding

___ Other: (Please describe)

Thank you

Please return to: The FUND for Lake George, Water Quality Outreach Coordinator, PO Box 352, Lake George, NY 12845

Lake George

Water Quality Awareness Committees

Water Quality Awareness Committee

Project Funding Request

Group Name:__________________________________________________________________WQAC

Chairperson:

Name:____________________________________________________________________________

Phone #:________________________________ Email:_____________________________________

Address:___________________________________________________________________________

Project Name:______________________________________________________________________

Requested amount of funding:_________________________________________________________

Project Start date:____________________________ Project End date:________________________

Briefly describe project: Including a material list (if necessary) and contract estimate (if necessary).

Thank you

Please return to: The FUND for Lake George, Water Quality Outreach Coordinator, PO Box 352, Lake George, NY 12845

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