Paul Smith’s College Collaborates with Landowners to Safeguard Local Waterways

Paul Smiths, NY (August 17, 2023) - The Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute is inviting landowners to join a voluntary program aimed at promoting responsible stream stewardship and recognizing efforts to protect clean water.

Supported by funding from the Lake Champlain Basin Program, AWI serves as a Stream Wise host organization within the region. Focused on the Saranac River and Chazy Basin watersheds, AWI is seeking landowners interested in free streamside assessments, resources, and technical assistance, all geared towards safeguarding and revitalizing our local waterways.

“A tapestry of diverse and densely planted streamsides protects homes and property against flooding, enhances wildlife habitats for birds and fish, and can help prevent pollution runoff”, said Tom Collins, AWI’s education and outreach manager and Stream Wise coordinator. Landowners who participate in Stream Wise get access to a variety of useful practices related to stream health including how to minimize streamside erosion, planting native vegetation and pollinator species, recommendations for invasive species management, and more.” 

The opportunity for free Stream Wise assessments are available for landowners in the Saranac River watershed, encompassing the Towns of Santa Clara, Harrietstown, North Elba, St Armand, Brighton, Franklin, Black Brook, Saranac, Beekmantown, Dannamora, and Plattsburgh. The program has been extended within the Chazy Basin watershed, which includes the Towns of Clinton, Ellenburg, Dannemora, Altona, Mooers, Champlain, and Chazy.

“Participating landowners receive an in-person, Stream Wise assessment and report containing detailed recommendations, access to supplementary resources, and an opportunity for a Stream Wise certification,” said Collins. “Getting involved is as easy as dropping us an email at info@adkwatershed.org and our dedicated team will promptly guide you through next steps.”

The Stream Wise Assessment Protocol is developed for properties on streams and rivers using research aligned with riparian buffer programs, regulations, and guidelines from Vermont, New York, and Quebec. This research was sponsored by the Lake Champlain Basin Program.

The mission of the Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute is to protect clean water, conserve habitat and support the health and well-being of the people in the Adirondacks through science, collaboration, and real-world experiences for students. adkwatershed.org.

At Paul Smith’s College, it’s about the experience. As the only four-year institution of higher education located in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York, Paul Smith’s provides real-world, hands-on learning in fields such as business and hospitality, culinary management, forestry, environmental sciences and natural resources. We pride ourselves on research and advocacy on issues that improve our planet and the lives of the people who inhabit it. Learn more at paulsmiths.edu

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