The Upper Saranac Foundation (USF) is proud to announce the release of its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting continued efforts to preserve and protect the Upper Saranac watershed.
This year’s report emphasizes a central reality: Upper Saranac Lake does not exist in isolation. Protecting the lake means protecting the entire watershed. Spanning nearly 50,000 acres of forests, wetlands, streams, ponds, and communities, the watershed is an interconnected system where everything that happens on the land ultimately flows into the lake.
Guided by this understanding, USF continues to implement a science-based, whole-watershed approach to conservation. The report outlines how the Upper Saranac Watershed Management Plan serves as a roadmap for proactive stewardship—prioritizing prevention, monitoring, and adaptive management to address threats such as aquatic invasive species, harmful algal blooms, road salt impacts, and climate change before they cause lasting harm.
Among the year’s notable accomplishments is the completion of the construction phase of a $2 million improvement project at Bartlett Carry Dam—an investment that will help maintain consistent water levels, protect water quality, and preserve the ecological and recreational value of the lake for generations to come.
The 2025 Annual Report also showcases USF’s continued commitment to science-driven solutions, education, and collaboration. From watershed-wide monitoring and aquatic invasive species management to community outreach and shoreline stewardship, each initiative reflects a long-term vision of resilience and sustainability.
Equally important, the report recognizes the generosity and engagement of USF’s donors, volunteers, and partners. Their support makes it possible to take a proactive, watershed-wide approach—ensuring resources are directed where they will have the greatest impact.
The 2025 Annual Report is now available here on USF’s website. Readers are encouraged to explore the full report to learn more about ongoing conservation efforts and the shared commitment to protecting the Upper Saranac watershed.