1. Paul Smith’s College Shoreline Restoration Conservation Plan
Hunter Gaudette, Joseph Hollner, Jonathan Meadows, Ryan Morr, Sara Savoia, and Cassandra Schrader Mentor: Dr. Craig Milewski
Integrated Natural Resource Management (NRS 495)
Candidates for a Bachelor's of Science in Ecological Restoration
December 2018 ; May 2019
Abstract
A restoration plan was created for the Lower St Regis Lake shoreline of Paul Smith's College. To date, about 140 students have participated by way of studies and course work in surveys and assessments, which clearly indicate a much reduced level of biological diversity, ecosystem function, and human uses compared to other sites. The plan is designed based upon field assessments and with the intentions of using the shoreline as an on-site case study of experiential education – a tradition of at the core of Paul Smith’s College. The aim of the restoration plan is to increase biodiversity, ecosystem function, aesthetics, educational studies, and shoreline use.
Restoration Goals
Create aquatic habitat for aquatic macroinvertebrates and fishes
Increase usage of shoreline for educational/recreational purposes 
Establish a pollinator plot to increase biodiversity, while maintaining the aesthetic view of St. Regis Mountain
Provide an opportunity for community members to connect with natural ecosystem functions
Preferred Restoration Design
Study Area Location
Restoration Design Options
Why Restore the Shore? 
Paul Smith's College Mission Statement
 "To develop career-ready graduates through hands-on, personalized education. To educate, research and advocate on issues that improve our planet and the lives of the people that inhabit it. To help the Adirondack region be ecologically and economically sustainable."
Increase Ecological, Experiential, and Educational Functionality
Ethical Management Practices
Community Consideration and Involvement
Desired Site Restoration Alternative
Site Restoration Alternative Without Additional Trees
2014 – 2018
140+ Students have been involved
Studies:
Tree and Understory Vegetation
Shoreline Woody Structure
Leaf Litter Input
Coarse and Fine Organic Matter near shore retention
Soil Characteristics
Aquatic invertebrates on submersed wood
Aquatic invertebrates in nearshore substrates
Terrestrial Invertebrates
Fish use of shoreline resources (habitat & food)
Winter use by wildlife
Wind velocity and shoreline vegetation
Aesthetic preferences
Ethical Considerations
Ecological reflections on our conscience
Programs:
Ecological Restoration
Environmental Science
Environmental Studies
Fisheries
Wildlife
Forestry
Nat. Res. Mgmt & Policy
Nat. Res. Conservation & Mgmt
Integrative Studies
Surveying
Site Restoration Alternative Without Pollinator Plot
Courses:
Ecological Restoration
Foundations of Environmental Science
Integrated Natural Resource Mgt
Individual Capstones
Fisheries Techniques
Stirring of an Ecological Conscience
Surveying
       
Minimmally Impacted
Existing Conditions and 2018 User Survey
Acknowledgements
Thank you to President Dove, John Carver, and Chris Moore for providing guidance and feedback on the topic. Thank you to mentor and professor Dr. Craig Milewski for providing insight, feedback and guidance. Thank you to the 2014 Integrated Natural Resource Management class for providing background research on the shoreline. Thank you to the 2015 and 2017 Ecological Restoration class for providing drafts of original composite plans for the shoreline restoration. The following state agencies provided input on permitting on the site and concurred with the goals and priorities of the Plan: Adirondack Park Agency, New York State Department of Conservation. 
Impacted
Reference
Current Conditions