The Peru Gazette

AFC Photo

Wilmington, NY – Ausable Freshwater Center (AFC) is providing streamside property assessments as part of the Stream Wise initiative in partnership with the Lake Champlain Basin Program. Stream Wise is a nonprofit program that provides resources for landowners adjacent to streams and rivers in Vermont, New York, and Quebec. This marks the fourth year that AFC is the local host organization for landowners in the Ausable and Boquet River watersheds and will be the primary contact and resource for all things Stream Wise.

Healthy streams are not only beautiful, they are home to diverse fish and wildlife, provide vital drinking water, and create recreation and relaxation opportunities. Historically, streams and rivers have often been impacted by various land uses that disturb the native vegetation along their shores, put water quality at risk, and can increase flood potential. AFC’s Stream Wise assessments provide landowners the tools they need to better understand their stream buffer and to take steps to improve and protect it with confidence.

“We love working with streamside landowners to protect their yards, their streams, and the places they care about most,” said Carrianne Pershyn, AFC Biodiversity Research Manager. “Stream Wise is a great way to learn about your property in a new way, and how small changes can make a big difference for your stream and your community.”

If you own land that abuts a stream or river in the Ausable or Boquet River watersheds, email marque@ausablecenter.org for more information or to sign up for a free property assessment from AFC’s Stream Wise team.