Great Sacandaga Lake Steward Hits the Ground Running

By Jennifer Denny, Stewardship Assistant Program Director

AWI Steward Erik Gutowski inspects a watercraft at Great Sacandaga Lake

When Erik Gutowski arrived at work for his first day as an AWI Watercraft Inspection Steward on May 23, he hoped his training was enough to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species. On his very first boat inspection, he intercepted a water chestnut nutlet on a boat headed for Great Sacandaga Lake.

Erik and his supervisor, Rory Fraser, were shocked! The boat had most recently been on the Mohawk River, which is known to have several invasive species infestations, including water chestnuts, Eurasian watermilfoil, and round gobies.

Fortunately, the boater gratefully accepted a hot water decontamination from Erik and Rory. The water, which is 120 to 140 degrees depending on the application, kills aquatic invasive species without the use of chemicals. When the boat launched at Northampton Beach Campground on Great Sacandaga Lake, it was free of invasive species thanks to Erik and Rory’s detailed inspection and decontamination service.

It was a really motivating start to Erik’s season and he continues to perform diligent inspections at the boat launch. When asked to reflect on finding the water chestnut, he shared this advice, “If you truly love something, do what you can to protect and preserve it.”

Rory Fraser is a seasoned supervisor at the Great Sacandaga Lake boat launches, where stewards routinely intercept aquatic invasive species multiple times each season. In response to Erik’s water chestnut catch, she shared, “Great Sacandaga Lake Stewards play a crucial role in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species in the Adirondacks because they encounter boats coming from a variety of waterbodies across New York and other states.”

Thanks to Erik’s sharp eye and Rory’s support, a potential aquatic invasive species never made it into Great Sacandaga Lake. This is a testament to the fact that every inspection matters when it comes to protecting Adirondack waters. And what a way to hit the ground running on day one for both of them!