Paul Smith's College Offers Free Streamside Property Assessments

Paul Smith's College

by Zoe Smith, Executive Director, Paul Smith's College Adirondack Watershed Institute

Paul Smiths, NY (06/24/2024) — Paul Smith's College Adirondack Watershed Institute (AWI) is inviting landowners with streamside property to participate in Stream Wise, a voluntary program that promotes and recognizes good stream stewardship.

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. "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 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 to better protect the Lake Champlain watershed.

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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