PAUL SMITHS – Lake and river associations within the Adirondack Park will convene Friday at Paul Smith’s College for the annual Adirondack Lakes Alliance Symposium.

One of the major issues to be addressed at the symposium is the arrival of a terrestrial invasive species, the woolly adelgid insect, which is now a threat to the existence of hemlock trees, the loss of which will seriously impact lake and river ecosystems.

This year’s program, titled “Lake and River Associations Protecting Our Waters,” will focus on the current work being done by lake and river associations and partnering agencies including local and state government, the state Department of Environmental Conservation, environmental groups, nonprofit agencies and conservation groups to curb the introduction and spread of aquatic and terrestrial invasive species throughout the Adirondack region.

Highlights of this year’s symposium include presentations on water quality, aquatic and terrestrial invasive species, and watershed-related issues affecting lakes and rivers. Featured keynote speakers include Hilary Smith, former coordinator of the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program and currently invasive species coordinator for the United States Department of the Interior; Mark Whitmore of the Cornell University Department of Natural Resources; Neil Murphy, past president of SUNY School of Environmental Sciences and Forestry; and Dan Kelting, executive director of the Adirondack Watershed Institute at Paul Smith’s College.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. in the Pine Room, and the program begins at 10 a.m. Adirondack Lakes Alliance Inc. is a nonprofit association representing the interests and needs of lake and river associations in the Adirondack Park.

With the nearly 3,000 lakes, rivers and ponds within the Adirondack Blue Line, lake and river associations have served as first responders in efforts to keep these water ways clean and safe for all to use and enjoy. Thousands of committed volunteers work each year with professional staff and state agencies in developing lake management plans, provide educational outreach materials, serve as scouts in identifying aquatic and terrestrial invasive species, and work as stewards at boat launching sites.

The public is invited to attend. Further information can be found at www.adirondacklakesalliance.org.