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A Look Under The Ice

Watershed Stories

Keep up with the work of Ausable Freshwater Center (AFC) staff. These stories share information about our stewardship and monitoring work, natural stream restoration, and culvert replacement techniques by highlighting specific projects in the Ausable and Boquet River watersheds of northern New York. They also give you fun facts about the plants and wildlife that live in these watersheds, as well as tips for enjoying responsible, low-impact recreational opportunities.

Feb
25
2021
Best Places to Ice Skate Near Lake Placid
If you've read any of our recreation blogs, you can tell that there are some great winter activities to pursue in the Ausable watershed, including around Lake Placid. Let's add one more! Here are our picks for the best places to ice skate near Lake Placid.
Recreation
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Feb
18
2021
Why Build Large Culverts?
Working with many partners, Ausable River Association staff developed a model for replacing undersized and deteriorated culverts on streams and rivers that pass under roads. Since 2014, working with local crews and with funds from public and private...
Restoration
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Feb
11
2021
Where the Forest Meets the Stream
At the Ausable River Association, we focus our ecological studies of the river on two ecosystems: the forest, or riparian, ecosystem and the stream ecosystem. More and more, our research is showing that the interface between forest and stream ecosystems, so often treated separately, is critical to the health of both. In order for trout to thrive, they need cool temperatures, a variety of aquatic insects to eat, and areas of cover from predators. The best fish habitats have healthy adjoining forests or riparian buffers. When a strong riparian buffer is established, a double bonus comes in the form of excellent habitat for birds, pollinating insects, and habitat for more mammals and amphibians. But it goes further.
Ecology
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Feb
03
2021
Best Cross-Country Skiing Near Lake Placid
One of the best ways to enjoy Adirondack winter months is cross-country (nordic) skiing. Even with a small amount of snow, you can take advantage of the exercise benefits and pure fun of gliding across perfectly formed ski tracks. One of the biggest challenges of nordic skiing near Lake Placid is deciding where to go. Wonder no more! Here are our picks for the best cross-country skiing in the Lake Placid area.
Recreation
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Jan
22
2021
Explore the Watershed: Ausable Point in Winter
Get out and explore the watershed! There’s so much to explore along the Ausable River. If you and your housemates are feeling cabin fever or just want a change of scenery, pack a lunch and a thermos of hot cocoa and take a ride along the river. One adventure may take you to Jay, another to Keene Valley. An excellent option is following the river to its mouth! State land at the confluence of the Ausable River and Lake Champlain provides ample access to get out and stretch your legs. The Ausable Point Campground adjoins the Ausable Marsh Wildlife Management Area.
Recreation
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Jan
13
2021
Living a Land Ethic
How does trash end up in natural places, and what does it take to change people's backcountry ethics and behavior?
Recreation
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Dec
24
2020
Protecting Infrastructure
AsRA responds to an emergency in the Town of Keene.
Restoration
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Nov
26
2020
Food webs along the river continuum: Headwaters
At the Ausable River Association, our ecological studies of the river most often focus on two ecosystems: the forest, or riparian, ecosystem and the stream ecosystem. In the stream or river ecosystem, we work to understand which groupings of fish species live where and the myriad species of insects they depend upon as a primary food source.
Ecology
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Nov
19
2020
2020 Stream Restoration Site Tour
Each year we host a stream restoration site tour for our board of directors and lead business partners and donors. This November, participants braved cool weather and a light drizzle to visit two of our completed 2020 projects and learn about what's in store for next year.
Restoration
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Oct
29
2020
Best Fly Rod for the Ausable River
Open season for trout may have ended in New York on October 15 but catch and release stays open year-round on portions of the West Branch Ausable River. Even in the fall, anglers travel to fish the seven miles of river considered some of the best fishing in the eastern United States. Here are some tips for narrowing in on the best fly rod for the Ausable River.
Recreation
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Our mission — is to help communities protect our streams and lakes.
Threats
Threats
The Ausable River is a river on the edge.
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Programs
AsRA is working hard to protect the Ausable River.
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Explore
Explore the recreational resources of the Ausable.
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