To further protect the water resources of the Upper Saranac Watershed, the Upper Saranac Foundation has initiated an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Partnership Program. This program addresses the ongoing threat of invasive species entering the Upper Saranac watershed via private boat launches.
Participating partners have pledged to implement Watercraft Launching Guidelines supporting a “Clean, Drained, and Dry (or decontaminated)” standard. Partnering launches now require all watercraft arriving from a different waterbody to be assessed by a Watershed Steward Inspector prior to launching.
Boat Launch Signage:
Participating Partners
- DONALDSON’S CAMPGROUND
- EAGLE ISLAND
- FISH CREEK PARK ASSOCIATION
- UPPER SARANAC LAKE MARINA
- SARANAC SHORES ASSOCIATION
- SEKON ASSOCIATION
The Upper Saranac Foundation and our partners are encouraging visitors to take advantage of any of the Boat Wash and Decontamination locations prior to arriving to the Upper Saranac Watershed. Locations and hours can be found at: www.adkcleanboats.com . Trained Stewards are available to provide a courtesy inspection and decontamination of watercraft.
TIPS ON WAYS TO MEET THE CLEANED, DRAINED, DRY STANDARD OF PROTECTION
CLEAN
Remove all visible plants, animals, fish, and mud from your boat, trailer, or other equipment before transporting equipment.
DRAIN
Eliminate water from equipment. Drain water from bilge, live wells, ballast tanks, and any other components containing water.
DRY
Before you arrive at the launch dry your boat, trailer, and all equipment completely. Drying times vary depending on the weather and the type of material. At least five days of drying time is generally recommended during the summer.
DECONTAMINATION
If your watercraft was previously used in a different waterbody and you want to use your boat sooner than in five days, decontamination is needed.
Invasive Species are plants and animals introduced from other places that cause harm. They can negatively impact boating, fishing, and swimming. In recent years, the rate and risks of invasive species introductions have increased. Due to the lack of natural controls and high reproductive rates, invasives can quickly become widespread. Once infestations are introduced, control efforts are difficult and costly.
What You Can Do to Help Prevent Introductions?
The most prominent way aquatic invasive species enter our watershed is through the transport of watercraft. Simple changes to behavior are all that’s needed to prevent their spread. Together, the Upper Saranac Foundation and private boat launch owners, in compliance with Environmental Conservation Law, are requesting launch users to take precautions to prevent the spread of invasive species. Watercraft coming from other waterbodies must be assessed by an Adirondack Watershed Steward Inspector to determine compliance with the “Clean, Drained, and Dry
