KMP Homes has launched a new program that will direct part of its lakefront real estate commissions to organizations working to protect Cayuga Lake.
The Lake Legacy Initiative will donate 5% of the company's commission from every lakefront home sale it represents to the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network and the Community Science Institute, according to KMP Homes.
Kristian Piscitelli, broker and owner of KMP Homes, said the program is intended to connect lakefront real estate activity with long-term lake stewardship. He said water quality, natural beauty and recreation are among the reasons people choose to live on Cayuga Lake.
"If we're helping people buy and sell waterfront homes, we should also be helping protect the asset that creates that value," Piscitelli said in the announcement.
The Cayuga Lake Watershed Network focuses on watershed education, outreach and community stewardship initiatives. The Community Science Institute provides scientific monitoring, water testing and environmental data to help communities understand and respond to changes in lake health.
Piscitelli said the initiative is designed to create an ongoing funding source tied to the lakefront housing market. He also encouraged lakefront residents to learn about the Lake Friendly Living program, which offers guidance on landscaping, fertilizer use, septic maintenance, stormwater management, shoreline practices and household chemicals.
KMP Homes said the program was created to support environmental education, scientific monitoring and conservation efforts that benefit current and future lake residents.
