Watershed Stewards commenced their day early, greeting bass tournament participants who began arriving at Upper Saranac Lake by 5:00 a.m. at Back Bay. The stewards conducted thorough inspections and high-pressure, hot water decontaminations of boats and trailers before they entered the lake. This annual event, often drawing over 20 teams competing for a cash prize and the title of Upper Saranac Lake Bass Tournament Champion, highlights the importance of the Watershed Stewardship Program and its role in environmental protection.
Many boats arriving at the lake had recently been on Lake Champlain, which is known for its numerous aquatic invasive species (AIS). During inspections, the stewards identified and removed unidentifiable vegetation from one of the boats, preventing potential contamination of Upper Saranac Lake.
Beyond inspections, the stewards play a crucial role in raising awareness about the environmental hazards of AIS and methods to prevent their spread. The Upper Saranac Foundation (USF) is proud to collaborate with the Adirondack Watershed Institute at Paul Smith’s College, the Town of Santa Clara, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (NYSDEC) Adirondack Park-wide Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program, and the North Country Bass Anglers in this vital AIS prevention effort.
At the tournament’s conclusion, stewards also inspected departing boats to ensure they were clean before heading to their next destination. Recently, the NYSDEC implemented additional measures to prevent the spread of AIS in the Adirondacks. Motorized boat users are now required to obtain certification confirming that their boats have been inspected and any potentially harmful AIS removed before launching into Adirondack Park waters.
The Upper Saranac Watershed Stewardship Program provides stewardship coverage at two state DEC public boat launches: Upper Saranac Lake at Back Bay and Fish Creek Public Campground. An AIS decontamination unit is stationed at the Back Bay Launch, ensuring comprehensive protection of the lake’s ecosystem.
