Mission
To protect the unique resources of the Indian River Watershed for the benefit and enrichment of present and future generations.
VISION
A community united around water, land, and biological resources as essential elements to our region’s identity, economy and quality of life.
Core Values
Integrity — We are transparent in our transactions and are accountable to ourselves and the people and wildlife we represent.
Access for All — We believe that access to the outdoors is a basic human right. We work to make conserved land accessible and welcoming to everyone in our community.
Community — We strive to bring people together to elevate the importance of land and water as part of our regional identify, and land and water conservation as a priority.
Collaboration — We cooperate and partner with our lake associations, and other organizations and individuals to accomplish shared goals.
Commitment — We work toward strong resource conservation and stewardship, in perpetuity.
Collaboration — We cooperate and partner with our lake associations, and other organizations and individuals to accomplish shared goals.
Organizational Excellence — We support a professional staff and well-rounded Board of Directors committed to excellence and accountability.
Fiscal Responsibility — We strive for fiscal stability and sustainability.
Respect — We remember our past and honor the Haudenosaunee people who were the first stewards of these beautiful lakes and lands.
Every Opinion — We further our mission as an apolitical organization.
“The human drumbeat of progress continues, and we often don’t notice the pressure caused by development on our landscapes until the consequences are irreversible. Therefore, it is essential to continue to expand the scale and pace of land conservation. We must do everything we can to protect the land so that future generations of North Country people can experience the same wonders we have each time we hike through one of our preserves.”
— James Wylie Huffman, IRLC Executive Director
The Indian River Lakes Conservancy maintains 28 miles of trails open to the public across 5 different land preserves, and we are consistently working to expand our trail system. With trails in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties, there are lots of places for you to explore and enjoy!