Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Management

What is Milfoil:

Milfoil is an aquatic invasive plant that is not native to the ecosystem whose establishment causes economic and environmental harm. Milfoil impairs recreational use of waterways including boating and, swimming while degrading the native habitat of fish and other wildlife. Like all invasive, there are no natural predators to keep the population in check, thus Milfoil grows uncontrollably. Once established, Milfoil is extremely difficult if not impossible to eradicate.

There are two types of invasive Milfoil in Upper Saranac Lake

Rapid Response

The Upper Saranac Foundation has taken great steps to battle the growth of Milfoil and prevent the introduction of other aquatic invasive species into our watershed. The Milfoil Control Project began in 2004 when it was discovered that Upper Saranac Lake was significantly infested with Eurasian Water Milfoil. A three-year, intensive hand-harvesting program succeeded in reducing the infestation level to manageable levels at a cost of $1,500,000. Because Milfoil cannot be eradicated, each year since then, dive teams have continued to hand harvest Milfoil to limit re-infestation.

You can help in our efforts:

Clean, Drain and Dry any watercraft or trailers entering the lake to prevent further invasive introductions. If you see or suspect any invasive species in our watershed please contact our Lake Manager, Guy Middleton. Your continued support and concerns for lake preservation are appreciated.

If you suspect Invasive Species, please do the following:

Mark the location

• Contact Guy Middleton 518 796-1052

Email

• Leave your name, camp address, and your phone number

Guy will call you as soon as possible

Upper Saranac Lake Aquatic Invasive Species Reports