Lake Bonaparte
Lake Bonaparte
Lake Bonaparte is a small glacial lake of slightly less than 1300 acres. Surrounded by homes and cottages on 3 shores, the western shore is part of the Fort Drum Military Preserve leaving it undeveloped.
Fish Species
Lake trout and Brown trout
Invasive Species
On Land: Forest Tent Caterpillar
Aquatic: Eurasian Watermilfoil
Wildlife & Water Quality
The lake is surrounded by forest land with two NY State forest areas touching the North Shore. The western shore is part of the Fort Drum military preserve and is forever wild.
Deer, Black bear, lynx, fishers, beavers, and porcupines are just some of the mammals found in the woods and swamps.
Avian life includes raptors such as eagles and falcons as well as many songbirds. Wild turkeys are abundant.
The lake is limestone based giving the lake a natural pH of 8. Water quality is excellent as there has never been any nearby industry.
History
Joseph Bonaparte (Napoleon’s Brother) purchased the land now known as the Town of Diana using funds that he stole from the Spanish treasury when he abdicated the Spanish throne. He named the lake and surrounding area Diana after the goddess of the hunt.
He had a home in the nearby village of Natural Bridge. The lake began to be settled in the late 1800’s. Hotels once filled with summertime visitors later became areas with camps.
Places to Explore
There are 6 primitive camping sites located off the North Shore Road. One near Green Pond and the second near Mud Lake in the Bonaparte’s Cave State forest.
Supposedly, Joseph Bonaparte hid in a cave located on the southern shore of Green Pond. There is a swimming area on state land in the Sand Bay State Forest.
Membership
The Lake Bonaparte Conservation Club membership is open to anyone who loves Lake Bonaparte.
Membership Contact info: summit638@gmail.com
Places to Expore
Located in Upstate New York near the Thousand Islands Region, this area is a haven for natural beauty, recreation, and wildlife.
Visit the Indian River Lakes region to hike, paddle, and connect with an incredible community.
