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.

The opportunity for free Stream Wise assessments are available for landowners in the Saranac River watershed, encompassing the towns of Beekmantown, Black Brook, Brighton, Dannamora, Franklin, Harrietstown, North Elba, Plattsburgh, Santa Clara, Saranac and St. Armand.

The program has been extended within the Chazy Basin watershed, which includes the towns of Altona, Chazy, Champlain, Clinton, Dannemora, Ellenburg, and Mooers.

“A tapestry of diverse and densely planted stream sides 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.”

“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 sending an email to 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.