In a collaborative effort, the Upper Saranac Foundation (USF) and Adirondack Watershed Institute (AWI) have released the Upper Saranac Watershed Management Plan. USF and AWI worked with dozens of residents, visitors, agency partners, and elected officials to create a vision, goals, and an action plan for the watershed to serve as a blueprint to guide sustainable recreation and development while protecting the watershed from threats like invasive species and road salt.
The Upper Saranac Watershed Management Plan can be found here.
The management plan contains a comprehensive review of the state of Upper Saranac Lake and its watershed, drawn from decades of monitoring and management activities of the watershed. Through a stakeholder survey, targeted interviews, and public comments, the plan defines the community’s priorities and associated actions, and presents recommendations for implementation. Building on a 1998 management plan, the updated plan will establish the framework for future state funding grant proposals.
The plan is a vision of a watershed that sustains exceptional water quality and healthy ecosystems that are managed and protected through science-based decisions, advocacy, and collaboration. The plan includes actions related to water quality protection, invasive species management and prevention, protecting native plant and animal habitat, promoting safe and responsible recreational activities, preserving lake character, coordination among municipalities and lake groups, and strengthening education and outreach to lake residents and the public.
USF was awarded a $68,000 grant from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to develop a management plan for the USL watershed; USF contracted with the AWI to assist in the effort.