The Upper Saranac Foundation (USF) Dive Team has concluded another successful season of aquatic invasive species (AIS) hand-harvesting management — the second year operating our own crew. In the past, the USF contracted for this service. Running our own operation reduces expenses and provides a direct management approach, further increasing efficiency.
Since 2004, there has been a steady and significant reduction in the amount of AIS in Upper Saranac Lake (USL). The last two years have marked the lowest amount of milfoil retrieved to date, with under 100 pounds found in USL and Lower Fish Creek Pond combined. Despite the drop off in USL, we continue to stay vigilant — without annual management, the reduced population would quickly rebound to problematic levels. The dive team’s season runs from May to October.
Monitoring AIS in upstream tributaries like Follensby Clear Pond and Fish Creek Campground is vital to protecting from infestations throughout the watershed. Our Dive Team has expanded its AIS management into these water bodies thanks to financial support from the Lake Champlain Basin Program. In just four years, we’ve removed over eight tons of milfoil in Follensby Clear and over 25 tons from Fish Creek since 2016.
The USF also provides AIS services to water bodies in Lake Placid and Moody Pond. Revenue from these services offsets the USF’s costs while also sharing our knowledge with other communities.
