The three options for Saratoga Lake's Snake Hill

STILLWATER, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Snake Hill, a 30-acre forested dome off of Saratoga Lake in Stillwater, was bought by Saratoga Preserving Land and Nature (PLAN) at the beginning of 2024 for $1 million. The non-profit community-based conservation organization is now deciding what to do with the land.

Saratoga PLAN bought Snake Hill from Stewart's Shops. Stewart's had originally planned to build four homes on the land, but abandoned the plan due to some town regulations and construction costs caused by Snake Hill's shape and steep sides.

Since acquiring Snake Hill, Saratoga PLAN said they have learned about its native plants, wildlife, soil and geology, identified invasive plant species and started treatment, visited the site with environmental specialists, begun talking with neighbors and community leaders, and identified the three options for managing the land. While they are figuring out what to do with the land, Snake Hill is closed to the public.

Saratoga PLAN held an open house on August 13 to present to the public the three alternative site projects for Snake Hill. Saratoga PLAN said over 120 people attended the meeting.

You can share your feedback about the site options on the Saratoga PLAN website until September 13. The organization will be sharing that feedback in October and will later hold a public Zoom meeting on Snake Hill's future.

"While public support is an important factor in how Snake Hill will be managed, the final decision will also consider other key aspects, such as environmental impact, feasibility, and long-term sustainability," Saratoga PLAN told NEWS10. "All feedback will be carefully reviewed to ensure the best outcome for both the community and the site."

Option A

This site option would focus on resource protection of the preserve, meaning public access would not be allowed. Saratoga PLAN staff would be allowed to access the preserve for resource management.

While the public would not be allowed, they can still view Snake Hill from Saratoga Lake and this could open the door for off-site education of Snake Hill and resource management. With this option, there would be very minimal impacts on the forest environment and staff could fully focus on management.

Option B (Saratoga PLAN's preferred option)

This option would allow for education and resource protection. Public access to Snake Hill would be limited to small groups for Saratoga PLAN programs and volunteer events. Trails would be limited to foot traffic.

The small group programs would focus on environmental education, cultural resources and history, and environmental protection. Saratoga PLAN may also partner with other organizations to lead and plan these programs.

For this plan, Saratoga PLAN would build a small parking lot off Route 9P, picnic tables or benches, a simple loop trail and signage. No restrooms would be available. This option may have minor impact on the land but the loop trail should limit soil erosion, said Saratoga PLAN.

Option C

This options calls for the passive recreation of Snake Hill. This means the public would have access to the trails during the daylight hours. Bikes and motorized vehicle would still not be allowed.

For this plan, Saratoga PLAN would build a small parking lot off Route 9P, picnic tables or benches, a simple loop trail and signage. No restrooms would be available. Dogs would be allowed on a leash.

With this plan, Saratoga PLAN staff would be focusing on visitor use instead of education or resource management. There would be no on-site education programs, but rather passive educational signage. There may also be an increased likelihood of negative impacts on the land.