Invasive Species Awareness Week in NY
July 8, 2014
SOUTHERN TIER (WENY) -- Governor Andrew M. Cuomo urged all New Yorkers to take action to protect lands and waters from invasive species that can be harmful to human health, animal habitat, agriculture and tourism by designating this week as New York’s first-ever Invasive Species Awareness Week.
“Invasive species can be a serious problem in communities across New York State, with the potential to damage animal habitats and impede the growth of our tourism and agricultural industries,” Governor Cuomo said. “This week, we are raising awareness of the many ways that people can help protect against unwelcome species in their communities. I encourage all New Yorkers to do their part and learn more about protecting our unparalleled natural environment.”
Invasive Species Awareness Week is a campaign supported by events hosted throughout New York State by 36 organizations. During the week, participants will learn how to identify, survey, map, report or manage invasive species and help remove invasive species from public lands, as well as join experts on the trails or on the water to see invasive species firsthand and attend presentations to become informed about what can be done to help fight these ongoing threats.
Invasive Species Awareness Week is coordinated by The New York State Invasive Species Council (ISC), Invasive Species Advisory Committee (ISAC) and Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISMS). The week's events are hosted by nine agencies represented on the ISC, 25 organizations represented on the ISAC, iMap Invasives and Cornell Cooperative Extension. The ISC is chaired by the state departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Agriculture and Markets.
It is very important that boaters, anglers and other recreational enthusiasts take precautions to avoid transporting this and other invasive species, particularly after leaving waters known to harbor aquatic invasive species.