The Upper Saranac Foundation (USF) has strengthened its efforts to combat aquatic invasive species (AIS) by expanding its successful management program to Follensby Clear Pond, a critical headwater within the Saranac watershed. This initiative, supported by funding from the NYSDEC Invasive Species Management Grant, Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP), and New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC), aims to protect both public and private lands by preventing the downstream spread of invasive Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM).
EWM, first detected in Follensby Clear Pond in 2002, is one of the most aggressive aquatic invasive plants in the Adirondacks. Since 2020, USF has dedicated increasing resources to the manual removal of invasive plants, a method proven effective in restoring Upper Saranac Lake. In 2024 alone, USF divers spent 866 hours harvesting 24.1 bags (602.5 pounds) of milfoil, significantly reducing the infestation. Since the program’s inception, over 17,300 pounds (8.65 tons) of EWM have been removed from Follensby Clear Pond.
Data collected through pre- and post-management surveys by Adirondack Research demonstrate a steady decline in EWM density, with previously dense beds now consisting of scattered plants. This trend indicates that USF’s sustained hand-harvesting efforts are effectively controlling the invasive species.
Click Here to read the 2024 Follensby Clear Pond AIS Removal Project Report.
Follensby Clear Pond is a popular recreational waterbody in the Adirondacks, featuring state-managed boat launches, primitive campsites, and connections to nearby waterbodies that currently remain AIS-free. Preventing further spread of invasive species is crucial to maintaining clean, healthy waterways and ensuring the long-term recreational and economic benefits of the region.
With continued funding and strong partnerships with organizations such as the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APIPP), Adirondack Watershed Institute (AWI), Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation, NYSDEC, and Adirondack Park Agency (APA), USF remains committed to preserving the Adirondack waters for future generations.
