Foster Lake, Inc. Access Pass Rules and Regulations

Permitted activities include fishing, non-motorized boating, hiking, jogging, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, picnicking, swimming under lifeguard supervision, educational use/nature study, bird watching, and photography. Activities other than pass holder permitted activities (i.e. reunions, education or community related activities), will require a Foster Lake Usage Request Form to be completed and submitted to Foster Lake, Inc. for prior approval.

Email the request form directly to us or postal mail it to:

Foster Lake
230 Maker Way, Physical Plant
Alfred, NY 14802

Hours of Operation

The property gate will be open from dawn until an hour past sundown. Only persons participating in an approved event may be on the property after closing.

 

Access Pass Availability

You must have your Alfred University or Foster Lake parking pass at all times and show it upon request of caretaker, management, or public safety authorities.

Other Policies


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 10 AM - 7 PM, mid-June through mid-August. 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. Boats must be clean and free of zebra mussels, etc. Life jackets must be worn at all times when on the water. No other power boats of any kind may be used or stored on the property. Each pass holder may store one permitted boat until November 1 by requesting permission from the Foster Lake administrator. Any storage of boats is at the owner’s sole risk and boats must be locked when not in use. No bailment is created. Alfred University is not responsible for any theft, vandalism, casualty, or other loss to any stored boat. Permission to store a boat may be revoked for violation of the rules. Private boats must be removed from the property prior to November 1st; if left behind after this date, boats or other water-craft will be considered abandoned 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 quality.

Please use firewood from local distributors, or dead or downed branches on site. 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:

  • It is best to leave all firewood at home - please do not bring it to campgrounds or parks.
  • Get your firewood at the campground or from a local vendor - ask for a receipt or label that has the firewood's local source.
  • 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, 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 the DEC.

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 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 changes to the rules will be communicated.

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.

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.