This post is part of a series of blogs exploring significant features of the Winooski, Ausable, and Missisquoi Rivers–all featured in the interactive video and mapping project, Summit to Shore.
The Ausable River is a major tributary to Lake Champlain located entirely within the state of New York, and almost entirely with the Adirondack Park.
The river, which year after year draws anglers and outdoor recreationists to its waters, features three major sections: the East Branch, West Branch, and Main Stem. The East and West Branches originate on either side of Mount Marcy, the tallest mountain in the Adirondack High Peaks region. From an elevation of around 4,000 feet, both branches begin their winding descent to Au Sable Forks, where they converge to form the Main Stem.
The Main Stem flows through lowlands and rural communities before passing through Ausable Chasm, a two-mile gorge made of sandstone that dates back 500 million years. Over time, glacial activity produced cliffs, caves, and unique rock formations that have drawn tourists to the area for decades.
From the gorge, the river meanders a few more miles before draining into Lake Champlain. The mouth of the river, where it meets Lake Champlain, is this month’s Place in the Basin.
As rivers flow, they pick up and move material from the riverbed. In some river systems, including the Ausable, the deposition of gravel, sand, silt, and clay at the mouth forms a sandy landform called a delta. Early French settlers, observing the Ausable River delta, named the river aux sable—the French term for “sandy.”
River deltas such as that of the Ausable provide important and varied habitat for a wide array of species. At the mouth of the Ausable, multiple interconnected river channels flow through forest and marsh that thrive atop fertile land once utilized for agriculture and timber harvesting. Today, the delta is protected and managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. This protected area, called the Ausable Marsh Wildlife Management Area, serves a variety of recreational and scientific purposes, and provides crucial habitat to waterfowl, aquatic life, and other diverse species.
In total, the Ausable River watershed covers 512 square miles and includes 94 miles of river channel. An industrial history combined with present-day threats—including road salt, phosphorus, invasive species, and climate change—mean that significant work is needed to protect the river’s ecosystems and surrounding communities.
Many community initiatives are underway throughout the Ausable River watershed. Every year, volunteers take to the river for the Ausable Freshwater Center’s annual cleanup event. A unique collaborative effort between researchers, town planners, and businesses in Lake Placid has resulted in significant reductions in road salt entering Mirror Lake. The East Branch Restoration Plan, developed by the Ausable Freshwater Center, is making progress toward restoring the form and function of sections of the river that were once straightened or dredged to facilitate the movement of timber downstream.
The Lake Champlain Basin Program is proud to support initiatives that improve the quality of the Ausable River’s ecosystems, water quality, and community engagement, all of which are connected to the wellbeing of Lake Champlain.
The following organizations offer opportunities for volunteers and community members interest in getting involved:
Ausable Freshwater Center
Adirondack Council
Adirondack Land Trust
Adirondack Mountain Club
Adirondack Watershed Institute