Department of Environmental Conservation

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation protects the state's land, water and air and manages a large share of its public outdoor land. Boat launch sites are organized by county, and the Essex County list covers Lake Champlain, Lake George and several smaller lakes and ponds. The department also issues permits and licenses, oversees site cleanups and takes reports of environmental problems.

Launches range from hard surface ramps that handle most trailered boats to unimproved trailer sites and hand launches where boats must be carried to the water. Some Essex County sites charge a day use fee in season, and several are flagged for spiny waterflea. State law requires boaters to clean, drain and dry boats before launching. The Willsboro ramp on Lake Champlain was partly closed after a boat fire damaged a dock, and one dock remains open for launching.