Paul Smith’s College’s Adirondack Watershed Institute is Seeking Landowners to Help Protect and Improve Local Rivers and Streams

AWI is Participating in the Regional Stream Wise Program

Paul Smiths, NY – The Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute is recruiting landowners with streamside property to participate in Stream Wise, a new voluntary program that promotes and recognizes good stream stewardship (see https://streamwisechamplain.org/about/).

AWI received funding from the Lake Champlain Basin Program to serve as a local Stream Wise host organization for the region. In this role AWI works closely with landowners in the Saranac River watershed providing free stream assessments, resources, and technical assistance for property owners to help protect and restore healthy waterways.

“Healthy rivers and streams provide habitat for fish and wildlife, support clean water, offer protection against floods, and are a source of relaxation and recreation,” 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 planting native vegetation and pollinator species, recommendations for invasive species management, creating buffers, and more.”

AWI will is offering free Stream Wise assessments in the Saranac River watershed which includes portions of the Towns of Santa Clara, Harrietstown, North Elba, St Armand, Brighton, Franklin, Black Brook, Saranac, Beekmantown, Dannamora, and Plattsburgh.

“Participating landowners receive an in-person Stream Wise assessment and report complete with detailed recommendations and access to follow-up resources and a reassessment which can lead to a Stream Wise certification,” said Collins. “Enrollment is simple, email info@adkwatershed.org and our team will contact you with next steps.”

The Stream Wise Assessment Protocol for properties on streams and rivers is based on research conducted on riparian buffer programs, regulations, and guidelines for Vermont, New York, and Quebec under a grant sponsored by the Lake Champlain Basin Program

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Photo caption: Heathy rivers and streams provide important habitat for wildlife like this Great Blue Heron. Credit: Wiltse/PSC AWI.

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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.