Adirondack Watershed Institute of Paul Smith’s College Completes Successful Season Protecting Region’s Waters
Paul Smiths, NY – This month, the Adirondack Watershed Institute (AWI) of Paul Smith’s College ended another successful season protecting the region’s lakes, ponds, and waterways from harmful aquatic invasive species (AIS). The 2025 season, which ran from May through October, marked one of AWI’s most effective years to date, with 10% more boats inspected than last year.
The program, a long-standing partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), stations trained watercraft inspection stewards at more than 60 key locations across the Adirondacks. Stewards inspect and, when necessary, decontaminate boats that could be carrying invasive species between waterbodies. They also collect valuable data to guide future prevention efforts and educate boaters on the “Clean, Drain, Dry” best practices to keep Adirondack waters healthy.
In total, 83,300 boats were inspected this season, with a total of 160,374 visitors engaged and 3,820 decontaminations performed. AWI stewards identified invasive species on nearly 1% of inspected boats. The most intercepted species included Eurasian watermilfoil, variable-leaf milfoil, and zebra mussels. The busiest stations this year were at Second Pond Boat Launch outside of Saranac Lake, Great Sacandaga Lake, and the Adirondack Welcome Center on I-87 North.
“Invasive species can wreak havoc on Adirondack lakes and watersheds,” said Brett Wimsatt, AWI’s AIS Director. “By inspecting and decontaminating boats before they enter the park, we’re stopping harmful invasive species at the gate. This program shows what’s possible when the state, local communities, and the public work together – and every clean boat helps protect the health of our lakes and the future of Adirondack waters.”
“Invasive species can alter aquatic habitats, reduce native biodiversity and impact local economies and recreational activities,” said Scott Jamieson, DEC State Watercraft Inspection Steward Program Coordinator. “The AWI of Paul Smith’s College, contracted by DEC, is one of the front lines of defense against AIS. AWI stewards engage directly with boaters on the importance of AIS spread prevention and following “Clean, Drain, Dry” protocols. We look forward to continuing our partnership with AWI and are encouraged by this year’s effort and public support.”
About Paul Smith’s College:
At Paul Smith’s College, it’s about the experience. As the only four-year college 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 are able to draw on industries and resources available in our own backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. Our community of resourceful, enterprising, supportive and adventurous individuals collectively provide experiential education, student support in the classroom and beyond, and meaningful opportunities for our alumni. 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.
About the Adirondack Watershed Institute of Paul Smith’s College:
The Adirondack Watershed Institute (AWI) is a program of Paul Smith’s College whose mission is to protect clean water, conserve habitat, and support the health and well-being of people in the Adirondacks through scientific inquiry, stewardship, and real-world experiences for students. More on AWI’s stewardship program to protect Adirondack waters from aquatic invasive species can be found here.
Media Contact:
Kathy Bonavist