A line drawn in sand in beach access dispute; Owners of homes near Great Sacandaga Lake form group to oppose permit change.(Capital Region)

Byline: DAN HIGGINS Staff Writer

Property owners around Great Sacandaga Lake worried about losing beach access are mobilizing by the hundreds as spring weather nears and the body that governs the lake considers updating its rules.

A new group calling itself the Back-Lot Owners Committee, or BLOC, already claims 600 members in its quest to keep the current practice on the lake intact. But they are looking for more support.

"Unless access permits stay linked to our homes when we put them up for sale, property values will plummet," said Debbie Parker, a Broadalbin resident who lives near the lake.

The issue concerns property owners whose land …