New York State Trying to Protect Waterways from Invasive Species

Two million dollars in grants will be awarded to municipalities, non-profits, and educational programs in New York in an attempt to try to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species in the state.

In a written release Governor Andrew Cuomo said, "New York State is home to unparalleled natural beauty and we must do everything we can to protect it from invasive aquatic predators."

The money, which is being awarded to twenty-four projects throughout the state, will focus on education and training of boat stewards about prevention and maintenance techniques for boats and marine equipment and the installation of decontamination stations across the state.

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Acting Commissioner Basil Seggos said. "Aquatic invasive species are a significant threat to the environment and economy of New York State, and these EPF grants will go far in reducing their spread."

A portion of the Governor's release reads as follows:

"With over 7,600 freshwater lakes, ponds and reservoirs and 70,000 miles of rivers, brooks and streams, New York State is particularly vulnerable to the introduction of invasive species. Once established, aquatic invasive species, such as spiny waterflea and Eurasian water milfoil, can rapidly spread through connecting waterbodies or by “hitchhiking” on the vessels of recreational boaters and anglers." 

The grants have been awarded to the following organizations:

• Black Lake Association, Inc,
• Chautauqua Lake Association
• Cornell Cooperative Extension - Livingston County
• Cornell University
• Cortland County Soil and Water Conservation
• Hobart and William Smith Colleges
• Hobart and William Smith Colleges - FL AIS Training Blitz
• Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Inc.
• Keuka Lake Association
• Lake George Association, Inc.
• Onondaga Environmental Institute, Inc.
• Otsego County Conservation Association - Canadarago Lake
• Otsego County Conservation Association - Otsego Lake
• Paul Smith's College of Arts and Sciences
• The Nature Conservancy
• Town of Arietta
• Town of Caroga
• Town of Horicon
• Town of Lake Pleasant
• Town of Lake Pleasant - Piseco Lake Decon Station
• Town of Lake Pleasant - Speculator Decon Station
• Town of Long Lake
• Town of North Elba - Lake Placid Decon Station
• Town of North Elba - Lake Placid Partnership

The grants total $2,092,143.62.

Invasive species are those which have been introduced from other parts of the world - often accidentally - which flourish in a non-native area and have threatened to take over, or take away resources from, the new region.