After more than a decade of planning and negotiation, the Schumann Preserve at Pilot Knob was added to the list of protected lands within the Lake George basin in August 2000. Originally, this parcel was illegally cleared, and a house and mile-long driveway were constructed. The five-acre house lot became a focal point throughout the south basin and around the lake because it disrupted the unbroken wilderness of the Pilot Knob range. Further proposed development would have greatly changed the quality and character of the entire basin. Clearly visible from nearly any point in the southern half of Lake George, the house and its outlying buildings scarred the once-pristine ridgeline and galvanized support for conservation. The property was subsequently confiscated by authorities and resold to the Zug family who stewarded the land for over ten years. "After spending time on the mountain, it became clear that there was really no other choice but to do what was necessary to preserve this amazing place," say Steve Szymanski and Carli Zug, referring to their decision to sell this wonderful area to the LGLC. With the help of hundreds of donors, the LGLC was able to purchase the property at below market value. This property, first named the Pilot Knob Ridge Preserve, was renamed on August 9, 2010 at a dedication ceremony in honor of LGLC's past executive director, Lynn LaMontagne Schumann, who was instrumental in its preservation. Lynn passed away from breast cancer in March, 2010.
