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