The Ausable River Association actively monitors invasive species in the Ausable Watershed and AsRA partners with the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APIPP) to accomplish this goal. The Ausable Watershed is relatively "weed free" compared to other locations outside the Park but a comparison of 2002 and 2006-7 surveys shows an increase the number of infestations. In addition, an invasive unique to the Ausable, Cup Plant, was discovered spreading rapidly down the streambanks of the East Branch. The Cup Plant Fact Sheet was published and distributed to gardeners in order to inform them of this emerging threat.
In 2009, Galleracella Beetles were released into wetlands on Mill and Power Ponds in order to combat well established infestations of Purple loosestrife there. As of summer 2010 the beetles are doing a Knock-up job of eating and eradicating the loosestrife!
Since 2007 AsRA has lead the "Stop Rock Snot" campaign in New York State to fight the spread of Didymo, and invasive algae. Most recently AsRA's "Clean Gear" rack card has been distributed state wide. In addition, the river association posted fliers on the Ausable and distributed across the state to be posted along the infected and uninfected rivers.
