×

Northern Forest Canoe Trail improves Saranac River carries

The Northern Forest Canoe Trail made improvements to the McCasland Bridge portage on the Saranac River this summer, including upgrades to the steps on the downstream access point. (Provided photo — Northern Forest Canoe Trail)

SARANAC LAKE — The Northern Forest Canoe Trail completed several stewardship projects this summer along New York sections of the 740-mile waterway trail connecting Old Forge, New York, to Fort Kent, Maine.

“Each stewardship season presents us with challenges, and this year was certainly no different,” said NFCT Stewardship Director Noah Pollock. “Our work this summer included the construction of access steps at take-outs and put-ins, building ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)-compliant privies, improving campsites and more — all aimed at ensuring that the canoe trail is safe and accessible for public use.”

Projects included the following:

¯ Improvements to a portage around Separator Rapids on the Saranac River

¯ New infrastructure to the Forest to Field campsite, Saranac River

¯ Maintenance to the McCasland Bridge carry, Saranac River.

These projects protect waterways from environmental degradation and improve access for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. NFCT staff provides leadership, training and education for its summer stewardship crew, which consists of paid interns and volunteer trail maintainers.

The work was supported by the Lake Champlain Basin Program, landowners Eric and Michelle Fahl, and Craig Von Bargen. NFCT stewardship work is also supported by memberships and donations to the Trail Fund, public and private grants and business and corporate sponsorships.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.75/week.

Subscribe Today