The New York State Environmental Protection Fund’s Park and Trail Partnership Grants program has awarded the Upper Saranac Foundation (USF) a $19,000 matching grant in order to allow for the expansion of successful efforts in controlling and preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) in the USL watershed at Fish Creek Campground.

The Fish Creek AIS Spread Prevention and Containment Project protects the economic value of the area via recreation, tourism, sportsmanship and vacation home ownership, and provides clear waterways to these ends by combating invasive species. in order to maintain native species in their natural habitats, and to improve the water quality, ensuring sustainability of our natural resources for future generations. The USF will support this project by matching funding and services for a total budget of $26,000 dollars.

The grant is one of 29 awards totaling $900,000 for organizations dedicated to the integrity and stewardship of our state parks, historic sites, trails and public lands. These grants are matched by over $300,000 and will go towards supporting projects which support sustainable outdoor recreation.

“It’s inspiring to see the transformational effect of the Park and Trail Partnership Grants and how they are enhancing the ability of friends groups to make an even greater contribution to the stewardship of New York’s great outdoor spaces. These grant funds will enable groups to leverage more private and federal funding, marshal more volunteer power, and augment the state’s historic investment in parks, trails and other public outdoor places.” said Parks & Trails New York Executive Director Robin Dropkin.

The Park and Trail Partnership Grants are administrated by Parks & Trail New York, a statewide nonprofit organization in partnership with the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

Photo: Eurasian milfoil/Almanack archive