Save the Loons. Protect Loon Lake — in the Adirondacks
A call to preserve one of New York’s most beautiful and fragile mountain lakes and the surrounding forests, rivers, streams and wildlife before it’s too late.

The Story
For generations, families have come to Loon Lake in Vermontville, New York — deep in the heart of the Adirondacks — to experience what’s becoming increasingly rare: the haunting call of the loons echoing across clear, mountain-fed waters surrounded by tranquil forest.

Now, that peace and balance are at risk. Two large tracts of land — including the former Loon Lake Golf Course and undeveloped west shoreline — are being marketed for sale and subdivision by absentee landowners using two shell companies, Elephant Re Inc. and Loon Gulf Inc., for these endeavors.  The lots are being marketed for sale and subdivision without environmental studies, required permits, or verified funding to responsibly develop the land. 

The shell companies have foreign ownership residing outside of the United States.  They are represented by Rich Radice out of Florida and Brian Draper out of Vermontville, NY.   “It is difficult to imagine a non-US based land owner and a Florida based representative seeking to protect a pristine lake and wildlife in New York’s Adirondack Park.,” said a local community member of Loon Lake. “ This feels like a money grab and exploitation of valuable US resources.”

If allowed to proceed unchecked, these projects could forever change the lake’s ecosystem, its water quality, and the iconic wildlife that depend on it — including the loons.

What’s at Stake

At the Former Golf Course (Loon Lake Heights):
- Plans for 50+ septic systems on sloped terrain draining directly toward Loon Lake and/or the North Branch of the Saranac River.
- Risks of fertilizer and pesticide contamination from the land’s prior golf-course use.
- Erosion and runoff from new roads and utility trenches cut into steep terrain.
- Loss of forest cover that currently filters and protects the lake’s watershed.

At the West Side Development:
- A man-made beach proposed in wetlands, disrupting fragile shoreline habitat.
- New roads cut through undisturbed forest, channeling runoff toward the lake.
- Lakeside lots and home construction threatening loon nesting zones and aquatic vegetation.

Across the Entire Lake:
- A surge in boat traffic and noise from 60–70 new homes.
- Runoff and septic pollution feeding directly into this small, high-sensitivity lake.
- Declining water clarity and nutrient buildup harming fish, loons, and recreation.

“Loons are designated as a Species of Special Concern in New York State and are protected under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.,” said a representative from the Loon Lake Community Association (LLCA). “Loons are a bellwether species. When loons disappear, it’s because the ecosystem has already been pushed too far.”

A spokesperson for the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation added, “Loons rely on clean and undisturbed nesting areas. Even small changes to shoreline habitat or boat traffic can disrupt breeding success. Once those habitats are lost, they’re nearly impossible to restore.”

Financial Irresponsibility and Lack of Transparency
Community members have verified that the absentee landowners seeking to execute the development have not paid property taxes since 2020, with the outstanding taxes owed totaling over $326,000 as of 10/1/2025. At the same time, the foreign owners are actively challenging the Town on the land’s assessed value — attempting to pay less in taxes while marketing high-priced lots.

They have shown no evidence of funds set aside for infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and septic systems. This raises serious questions about both financial viability and long-term responsibility to the environment and taxpayers.

“Before a single lot is sold,” said an LLCA representative, “the public deserves proof of tax compliance, financial capacity, and environmental due diligence. Otherwise, this risks becoming another underfunded project that the community and the ecosystem will pay for later.”

What We’re Asking For
- The Adirondack Park Agency (APA) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to pause all development activity until full environmental impact studies of the entire development are completed and made public.
- Elephant Re Inc. and Loon Gulf Inc. to pay all outstanding property taxes and provide proof of infrastructure and environmental planning funds.
- Franklin County and local municipalities to enforce transparency and accountability for any proposed subdivision or lot sale.

Given the pristine water quality, sensitive wildlife habitat, and certain environmental impact of development at Loon Lake, we’re calling for a comprehensive stormwater, septic, and ecological review — none of which have been prepared for these sites.

Our Vision
We believe preservation is the best path forward. But if development must occur, it should set a new standard for excellence — one that honors both the Adirondack environment and the community’s shared heritage.

We want to ensure that future generations will still hear the loons, swim in clear water, and walk through healthy forest around this beloved lake.

“This is about honesty and responsibility,” said an LLCA representative. “We’re not against progress. We’re against cutting corners when what’s at stake is irreplaceable.”

Take Action
Sign the petition. Share it widely. Let’s show the APA, DEC, and the developers that the public cares — and that we are watching.

🎯 Initial Goal: 1,000 signatures (from 300 local households and friends of Loon Lake)
🌍 Stretch Goal: 5,000 signatures (from supporters across the Adirondacks and beyond)
Sign now to help protect Loon Lake, Vermontville NY — a vital part of the Adirondack Park’s natural heritage.

Organized By
Save Loon Lake

A grassroots movement of residents, visitors, and environmental advocates working to preserve the natural beauty and ecological balance of Loon Lake, NY, in the Adirondack Park.

📩 In partnership with the Loon Lake Community Association (LLCA) 

📧 Contact: loonlakecommunity@gmail.com