Upper Saranac Watershed Stewards have been activated for the 2019 summer season.
With support from a $15,000 Lake Champlain Basin Program grant, the Upper Saranac Foundation (USF) will continue aquatic invasive species (AIS) prevention efforts on Upper Saranac Lake this summer. Stewards work under the guidance of the Adirondack Watershed Institute (AWI) and greet boaters entering the watershed from two stations: Back Bay on Upper Saranac Lake and the Fish Creek Campground. Watercraft inspection will continue into late September.
In 2018, Upper Saranac Watershed Stewards inspected 3,603 watercraft for AIS, educated 6,225 visitors about AIS, and intercepted 32 watercraft carrying AIS.
Stewards are responsible for performing thorough inspections of watercraft that enter and exit the watershed as well as decontaminating vessels and equipment that have the potential to spread AIS. They are also charged with increasing the awareness of the environmental damage of invasives and what can be done to prevent their spread.
In addition to the Upper Saranac Lake Decontamination Station at Back Bay, there are 28 additional units located around the Adirondack Park. The newest, at the Adirondack Welcome Center on Interstate 87 in Queensbury, is the first station positioned at a highway rest area in New York State. The Northway (I-87) is a critical gateway to the Adirondack Park.
All boaters, including those visiting the Adirondacks over the summer, are encouraged to utilize this free service. You can find the locations and hours of operation of all Boat Wash Stations located in the Adirondacks at www.adkcleanboats.com.
In addition to the grant the USF received, support comes from our donors and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Adirondack Park-wide Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program. The Watershed Stewardship Program is managed by AWI. Visit our website at www.usfoundation.net to learn more.
