In an effort to further protect the water resources of the Upper Saranac Watershed, the Upper Saranac Foundation (USF) has initiated an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Partnership Program. This program addresses the ongoing threat of invasive species entering the Upper Saranac watershed via private boat launches.
Supported by shore owner donations, the USF has made a tremendous investment in a successful AIS managing program. Management and prevention of AIS is the single greatest expense of the USF. Our shore owners have devoted over $125,000 per year and over $3 million since the inception of the program. Because there are several private launches in the watershed, the Foundation has partnered with launch owners to better assure that these investments and efforts are neither wasted nor all the hard work compromised.
As a participating partner, private entities will support the implementation of a watershed-wide policy of “Clean, Drained, and Dry (or decontaminated)” standard. Partnering launches will now require all watercraft arriving from a different waterbody to be assessed by a Watershed Steward Inspector prior to launching. Participating private boat launch owners now have a better understanding of the threats of AIS and their launches are signed with AIS educational and outreach messages. Launch owners will also provide informational publications supplied by USF to users of their launches.
This partnership supports the Environmental Conservation Law. With nearly 40 Adirondack Watershed Steward Decontamination stations located throughout the Adirondacks, we are encouraging visitors to take advantage of any of the Boat Wash and Decontamination locations prior to arriving at the Upper Saranac Watershed. All inspections and decontaminations are conducted free of charge. Trained Adirondack Watershed Stewards are available to provide a courtesy inspection and decontamination of watercraft. Locations and hours can be found at: https://www.adkwatershed.org/invasive-species/boat-wash-stations#.
Invasive species are plants, animals, and other organisms either accidentally or intentionally introduced from other places that cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health. Once established, invasive species negatively impact agriculture, industry, recreation, forestry, fisheries, human health, and the environment. Due to the lack of natural controls and high reproductive ability, invasives can quickly become widespread.
The Upper Saranac Foundation thanks our participating partners:
- Eagle Island
- Sekon Association
- Saranac Shores
- Donaldson’s Campground
- Hickok’s Boat Livery
- Fish Creek Park Association
For more information about USF, visit www.usfoundation.net.
Boat Wash Stations in the Adirondack Park
Feature image photo credit: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation