The Upper Saranac watershed is managed through a collaborative, science-based approach led by the Upper Saranac Foundation (USF) in partnership with the Adirondack Watershed Institute. Together with residents, visitors, local governments, and agency partners, this effort establishes a shared vision for protecting water quality, sustaining healthy ecosystems, and guiding responsible recreation and development.
Developed in 2022 with support from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Upper Saranac Watershed Management Plan builds on decades of monitoring and prior planning efforts. It provides a comprehensive assessment of lake and watershed conditions, informed by scientific data, stakeholder input, and community priorities. The plan outlines long-term strategies to address key challenges, including invasive species, road salt impacts, habitat protection, and maintaining the lake’s natural character.
Complementing this work, the Watershed Management Action Agenda translates the plan’s goals into a focused set of prioritized, implementable actions. It serves as a practical roadmap for advancing projects, securing funding, and coordinating efforts among partners.
Together, these documents guide ongoing stewardship, investment, and adaptive management—ensuring that decisions are grounded in science, aligned with community values, and responsive to emerging environmental challenges.