named programs · 3 · from sources
What they call their work
Exclusive Use Advocacy
Legal and lobbying campaign to restore and protect exclusive shoreline access rights for permit holders on Great Sacandaga Lake
HRBRRD Funding Stability Initiative
Advocacy effort to secure sustainable funding for the Hudson River-Black River Regulating District and prevent legislative dissolution
Public Education and Awareness
Monthly reflections and historical storytelling to promote responsible lake use and community engagement
activities · 4 groups
What they do
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Lake and River Advocacy 3 activities
- Advocacy for fair funding and accountability of hydroelectric resource useMonitors and advocates for legal action to compel Brookfield Renewable to pay overdue fees for use of Conklingville Dam and Great Sacandaga Lake water for hydroelectric generation, including organizing public outreach to state legislators.
- Advocacy to preserve the Great Sacandaga Lake permit systemDevelops and promotes strategies to protect the existing permit system for Great Sacandaga Lake, established in 1931, by opposing proposed rule changes, legislative threats, and legal challenges. Successfully restored exclusive use language on permits and prevented the abolition of the permit system through advocacy with state agencies and the Governor.
- Opposition to regulatory and legislative changes affecting lake access and managementOrganizes community opposition and conducts advocacy to block proposed changes to shoreline regulations, HRBRRD governance, and classification of lake-adjacent lands as forest preserve. Successfully delayed or prevented implementation of multiple proposals by HRBRRD, NYSDEC, and other entities.
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Charity Golf Tournament Fundraiser 1 activity
- Fundraising to support lake protection effortsHosts annual fundraising events, including a Golf Outing, and has organized multiple events to support the Sacandaga Protection Committee, with all donated funds directed toward legal, administrative, and operational expenses.
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Private Lake and Beach Access Management 1 activity
- Support for public access and recreational use of Great Sacandaga LakeSupports recreational access to the lake through public and private beaches, boat launches, and access points. Provides communication to permit holders and lake users about issues affecting access and use.
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Uncategorized 1 activity
- Board candidate review and recommendation for HRBRRDIdentifies, reviews, and recommends qualified candidates for representation on the Hudson River-Black River Regulating District board to ensure local interests are represented.
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financials · form 990EZ · fy2025
revenue
Total revenue$93K
Contributions & grants$85K92%
Program service revenue——
Investment income$8K8%
Other revenue—
expenses
Total expenses$66K
Program expenses—
Admin / overhead—
Fundraising—
Salaries & benefits—
Grants paid out—
balance sheet
Total assets$296K
Cash—
Investments—
Liabilities—
Net assets$293K
6 years on record · 2020–2025 · YoY revenue -7.5%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2025
Who runs it
board members · 10
- AL MENDELSOHN — DIRECTOR
- BRADLEY BROWNELL — DIRECTOR
- CHRISTINA PETERS — DIRECTOR
- GILBERT VANGUILDER — DIRECTOR
- KEELY FERGUSON — DIRECTOR
- LISA SMITH — DIRECTOR
- LOUIS STUTZKE — DIRECTOR
- NANCY JONES — DIRECTOR
- ROBERT SMITH — DIRECTOR
- TRACEY MCCLOSKEY — DIRECTOR
relationships · 19
Who they work with
- Fulton County Chamber of Commerce Partner — Partner organization that endorses SPC's efforts to protect local economic interests tied to the lake.
- GSLA Partner — Collaborated with SPC to oppose proposed rule changes to the lake permit system.
- Governor’s office Government — Works with the Governor's office on apportionment studies and funding transitions.
- HRBRRD Government — Federal board responsible for managing the Sacandaga Lake region; SPC engages in advocacy and candidate recommendation to maintain local influence.
- HRBRRD Partner — Collaborates with HRBRRD on apportionment studies and tax payment protections.
- Hales Mills Country Club Partner — Hosts the Sacandaga Protection Committee's annual Golf Outing Fundraiser.
- Hudson River Black River Regulating District Government — Manages buffer lands surrounding the Great Sacandaga Lake where the permit system is maintained.
- Hudson River Black River Regulating District Government — Monitors and responds to regulatory proposals and actions by HRBRRD related to permit systems and lake access.
- Hudson River Black River Regulating District Partner — Collaborative governance and regulatory body related to regional water management in which a board member previously served.
- Hudson River – Black River Regulating District Partner — Monitors and collaborates on reports regarding Brookfield Renewable's non-payment for use of dam and reservoir.
- Hudson River-Black River Regulating District Government — Government agency whose proposed regulatory changes the organization opposed.
- Hudson River-Black River Regulating District Partner — Collaborates with the Regulating District on permit policy and funding issues affecting Great Sacandaga Lake.
- New York State Attorney General Government — Supports legal action by the Attorney General to compel Brookfield Renewable to pay overdue fees for use of state water resources.
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Government — Engages with the DEC regarding land classification and regulatory proposals affecting Great Sacandaga Lake.
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Government — Government agency whose proposed regulatory changes the organization opposed.
- New York State Legislature Government — Engaged in lobbying efforts targeting state legislative action on funding and regulatory issues.
- Niagara Mohawk (National Grid) Partner — Utility company whose attempt to challenge the permit system was opposed by SPC.
- U.S. Congressmen Chris Gibson, Paul Tonko, and Bill Owens Government — Lobbied to sponsor federal legislation restoring funding for the Hudson River-Black River Regulating District.
- U.S. Senators Gillibrand and Schumer Government — Lobbied to sponsor federal legislation restoring funding for the Hudson River-Black River Regulating District.
strategies · 3
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Community-Led Advocacy for Local Rights and Governancemethodology: community-led coalitionBy organizing as a community-led coalition, the organization strengthens advocacy efforts to protect environmental, economic, and legal interests, because local ownership and participation increase legitimacy, resilience, and policy influence in defending community rights and governance structures.
- Corporate and Government Accountability through Public Pressuremethodology: public-advocacy-for-corporate-accountabilityBy mobilizing public advocacy and emphasizing fiscal and legal obligations, the organization compels corporate and governmental compliance with payment and regulatory standards, because sustained public pressure increases political accountability and enforcement of public resource use.
- Legal and Policy Advocacy to Protect Property and Use Rightsmethodology: legal-rights-advocacyBy leveraging legal advocacy, collective legal action, and policy arguments grounded in legal feasibility and cost-effectiveness, the organization protects existing permit systems and use rights, because constitutional and contractual enforcement ensures long-term access and deters external encroachment on community-held privileges.