The Upper Saranac Foundation (USF) and its Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) dive team have recently been recognized in the media for their work controlling invasive plants in one of the region’s most visited campsites—Fish Creek Campground. Their efforts were highlighted on NBC Channel 5 and featured in the Adirondack Explorer online magazine, drawing attention to the vital role USF plays in preserving the health of the Upper Saranac watershed.
The early-season dive operations at Fish Creek resulted in the removal of over 1,300 pounds of invasive Eurasian and variable-leaf watermilfoil. This work was funded through a $19,000 grant from the Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP), with support from the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission. While USF has managed AIS at Fish Creek since 2016, this marks the first time the project received dedicated grant funding for the site.
“This grant expands our AIS management to a critical headwater of the Upper Saranac watershed,” said USF Executive Director Guy Middleton. “The additional resources enable more rigorous efforts to address the spread of invasive plants from upstream sources — a key strategy in safeguarding Upper Saranac Lake.”
“Every invasive plant we remove here makes the Upper Saranac watershed healthier,” added Bryce Davison, USF dive team lead. “This grant lets us dive more often and target expanded AIS patches upstream.”
Fish Creek Campground, with over 350 campsites and direct water access, poses a high risk for AIS spread. Thousands of campers visit the site each year, making it a key location for proactive intervention.
“With nearly every campsite offering lake access, this is a hotspot for potential spread into uninvaded waters,” said Middleton. “Early, hands-on management is essential.”
The project is part of USF’s broader watershed protection strategy, which includes prevention, monitoring, direct control, and public education. USF’s success in restoring Upper Saranac Lake—once heavily infested with Eurasian watermilfoil—has become a national model for effective, science-based aquatic plant management. At nearby Follensby Clear Pond, the Foundation has removed more than 8.65 tons of invasive plants over the past six years.
“Thanks to this support, we’re protecting not only biodiversity and water quality, but also the recreational economy and property values tied to clean, healthy lakes,” Middleton said.
The USF dive team will return to Fish Creek in September, following the peak visitor season, to continue removal efforts and ensure long-term protection for the lake.