Foster Lake Rules and Regulations

Bath Houses

Do not discard paper towels or anything other than toilet paper provided in the toilet; use the waste basket provided. Do not discard food or drink in the bath house waste baskets. Remove those items from the premises when you leave.

Swimming

Lifeguards are on duty (weather permitting) from 11am-7pm daily from mid-May until classes resume in August. Lifeguards will then be on duty Friday afternoons plus Saturday & Sunday 11am-7pm through Columbus Day Weekend when swimming ends for the season. Swimming is also subject to weekly water quality testing. Two lifeguards must be on duty, otherwise no swimming is permitted.

Boating

Canoes, kayaks, rowboats, paddleboats and sailboats are permitted. No gas-powered watercraft allowed, but low-speed electric trolling motors are permitted. Boats must be clean and free of zebra mussels, etc. Life jackets must be worn at all times when out on the water. Personal boats may be stored at the lake during the summer and must be removed before winter. Any storage of boats is at the owner’s sole risk and must be locked when not in use. No bailment is created. Alfred University are not responsible for any theft, vandalism, casualty, or other loss to any stored boat. Alfred University shall not be responsible for the protection and/or safeguarding of any boats stored. Permission to store a boat may be revoked for violation of the rules. All boats must be removed from the property prior to or on November 1st; if left behind after this date, boats or other watercrafts become the property of Alfred University and may be disposed.

Fishing

Fishing is allowed. All NYS Department of Environmental Conservation regulations apply. You must have a valid NYSDEC fishing license on you at all times when fishing in Foster Lake. Ice fishing is not allowed at Foster Lake, nor is walking on the ice at any time. Fishing in the swimming area is prohibited at all times.

Horses and Motorized Vehicles

Only hiking is allowed on the hiking trail encompassing Foster Lake. Horses and motorized vehicles are not allowed due to their impact on trail erosion and degradation, as well as water quality.

Please use firewood from local distributors, or dead or downed branches on site. There is currently a warning regarding the transportation of campfire wood as issued by the NYS DEC. Do not cut down, damage or destroy any living trees.
FIREWOOD ALERT - "DON'T MOVE FIREWOOD"
A new regulation is now in effect that prohibits the import of firewood into New York unless it has been heat treated to kill pests. The regulation also limits the transportation of untreated firewood to less than 50 miles from its source.
By transporting firewood, you could be spreading diseases and invasive insects that can quickly kill large numbers of trees. Help STOP THE SPREAD and obey the Firewood Regulation:
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It is best to leave all firewood at home - please do not bring it to campgrounds or parks.
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Get your firewood at the campground or from a local vendor - ask for a receipt or label that has the firewood's local source.
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If you choose to transport firewood within New York State:
*It must have a receipt or label that has the firewood's source and it must remain within 50 miles of that source.
*For firewood not purchased (i.e. cut from your own property) you must have a Self-Issued Certificate of Source (pdf, 100kb), and it must be sourced within 50 miles of your destination.
*Only firewood labeled as meeting New York's heat treatment standards to kill pests (kiln-dried) may be transported into the state and further than 50 miles from the firewood's source.
*For more information, please see the Frequently Asked Questions for Firewood Regulation. For additional questions regarding this regulation, please call this toll-free number: 1-866-640-0652 or e-mail: firewood@gw.dec.state.ny.us.

Appropriate Conduct

If the Foster Lake Manager, Public Safety officer, EH&S personnel, the property caretaker, or a lifeguard deems that conduct of any user violates the rules, is disruptive to others/inappropriate, or presents an undue risk or danger, the safety representative has the authority to ask users to cease such conduct and/or leave the premises immediately. Illegal or inappropriate behavior may result in the local authorities being notified.

Alcohol/Drugs

Absolutely no alcohol or illegal drugs will be permitted on the property.

Loss of Privilege

Any abuse or destruction of property or failure to follow rules, policies and/or requirements may result in loss of privilege and/or referral to the University’s judicial system (for student pass holders). While changes to the rules are not expected, rules are subject to change, and you will be notified of any changes to the rules.

Risk

All activities are undertaken at the user's sole risk.

Pavilion use may be reserved in advance; when not reserved, the pavilion is available on a first come-first served basis. Call 607-871-2154 for more information.

Parking is allowed only in designated areas. The ground is soft, and you may become stuck if you drive off the driveway or parking area. If the parking lot is full, park your vehicle on the Foster Lake side of Lake Road and walk in.

No hunting, weapons or firearms are allowed on the property.

All parties must remove all garbage and leave the area as it was found.

Dogs are permitted but must be leashed and under the control of the owner at all times.