As another summer begins, the Upper Saranac Foundation (USF) is encouraging everyone to enjoy the water responsibly by following simple, science-based practices that help protect the lake’s shoreline, water quality, and wildlife.
Building on last year’s Be Wake Smart campaign, USF worked with wake boat users to identify responsible wake sport zones on Upper Saranac Lake. These recommended areas, shown on a newly released lake map, encourage wake sports to take place in water deeper than 30 feet and at least 500 feet from shore—guidelines based on both practical boating considerations and scientific research.
The campaign expands on last year’s outreach, which included educational signage, direct mailings, social media, and a dedicated webpage promoting responsible lake recreation.
Wake sports are one of the fastest-growing recreational activities, but can contribute to shoreline erosion, disturb wildlife habitat, resuspend lake-bottom sediments, and increase the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species through ballast water.
“Upper Saranac Lake has room for everyone to enjoy the water,” said Guy Middleton, Executive Director of the Upper Saranac Foundation. “The Wake Smart campaign promotes simple practices that protect the lake while allowing everyone to safely enjoy this incredible resource.”
USF encourages wake sport enthusiasts to:
- Operate in water deeper than 30 feet.
- Stay at least 500 feet from shore, docks, swimmers, and other boats.
- Clean, drain, and dry ballast systems and equipment before launching elsewhere.
- Respect other lake users and support lake-friendly practices.
The new Wake Smart Map and additional educational resources are available on the Upper Saranac Foundation website.