The 2024 Upper Saranac Lake Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Management Report is now available to the public. The Upper Saranac Foundation (USF) is proud to share another successful season of AIS management efforts.
Aquatic invasive species pose a significant threat to the Adirondack region’s environment and economy. For over a decade, USF has been dedicated to combating AIS on Upper Saranac Lake (USL), achieving remarkable results that position the organization as a leader in AIS management techniques.
In 2004, USF launched an ambitious three-year project to tackle AIS on USL, beginning with the removal of 20 tons of Eurasian watermilfoil from the 5,200-acre lake in its first year. Since then, ongoing annual maintenance has transformed milfoil from a dominant presence to a rare occurrence.
This sustained AIS management effort has not only preserved the ecological health of USL but also safeguarded its economic value by supporting recreation, tourism, sportsmanship, and property ownership. USL’s initiative marked the first whole-lake AIS control program in the Adirondacks, serving as a model and setting a standard for other water bodies in the region.
In recent years, USF has reduced management costs while enhancing efficiency. In 2022, the foundation transitioned to employing and overseeing its own team of divers, ensuring greater control over AIS management operations while cutting expenses.
The 2024 report provides detailed insights into project activities, including key management locations, the volume of invasive species removed, and historical data that highlights the program’s ongoing success.
AIS Management is a cornerstone of USF’s comprehensive watershed protection strategy, which integrates prevention, monitoring, control, and education to curb the spread of invasive species. USF remains committed to maintaining the long-term health and water quality of the Upper Saranac Lake watershed.
To access the full Upper Saranac Lake AIS Management Project Report, click here.
