The Adirondacks are known for their breath taking views of Mother Nature as she was meant to be seen. Yet, time and tourism have taken their toll on the populations of the Adirondack lakes, especially Lake George. Large amounts of erosion have taken place near Lake Gerorge. Oddly enough, the erosion has led to an increase in plant growth, not a decrease, as is usually expected. Although net plant growth has increased on the lake, the breakdown shows that there have been increases in the amount of weeds and low oxygen producing plants, while high oxygen producing plants are declining due to poor soil quality.
Weeds are hardy enough that they can grow on the eroded, nutrient-poor soil.
The net result of all these plant growth changes is more weeds, less available oxygen in the lake environment and a decrease in the amount of lake wildlife. These environmentally negative results have drawn the attention of many ecologists. This is not a new phenomenon, however. Ecologists and park rangers have known for decades the damaging effects that humans can have on the environment. Pollution, strip mining, over fishing, and illegal dumping in lakes have all been known to adversely affect the environmental conditions and resources of a community.