The Upper Saranac Foundation (USF) has been awarded a $14,6733 grant from the Lake Champlain Basin Program to help underwrite the cost of expanding successful efforts to control and prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) in the Upper Saranac Lake (USL) watershed.
This is the third and potentially final year of this grant. It will conclude the initial intensive harvesting portion of AIS removal in Follensby Clear Pond, prior to the Upper Saranac Foundation’s (USF) commitment to support ongoing management efforts, ensuring the long-term sustainability of this project.
Over the first two years of the grant, USF has dedicated 540 dive hours and has removed 13,638 pounds of Eurasian watermilfoil from Follensby Clear Pond. While the ultimate objective is to eradicate the Eurasian Watermilfoil from the 495-acre pond, USF has established a clear track record of long-term management of AIS.
The Follensby Clear Pond AIS Removal project enhances USF’s larger watershed protection program, which uses a combination of AIS prevention, detection, monitoring, control activities, outreach, and education. Invasive management of upstream tributaries such as Follensby Clear Pond prevents AIS export downstream toward USL, protecting shore owners’ investments from infestation.
Funding for the grant is provided by the Lake Champlain Basin Program and the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission. For more information on the Upper Saranac Foundation and AIS control please visit our website.