Archive: Around Town

As part of Invasive Species Awareness Week in New York, State Senator Michael Nozzolio is urging all New Yorkers to take action to protect lands and waters from invasive species that can be harmful to people’s health, animal habitats, agriculture and tourism.

“The Finger Lakes Region provides some of the best lands, lakes, rivers, and waterways in our state for outdoor recreation, and we need to be sure that we are taking proactive steps to protect these valuable natural resources”, said Nozzolio.  “I urge all the residents of our Finger Lakes community and all New Yorkers across the State, to educate themselves on how to prevent the spread of harmful invasive species and to work together so that we can protect our most important natural resources".

This week is Invasive Species Awareness Week in New York State, a campaign supported by events hosted by 36 different organizations throughout New York State. 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.

Some invasive species, such as Eurasian water milfoil, purple loosestrife and Japanese beetles have been present in New York for decades, reducing environmental quality and agricultural productivity. Other arrivals, such as emerald ash borer, hydrilla and plum pox virus, arrived more recently. Such introductions are often preventable.

Recreational Boating Precautions

It is very important that boaters, anglers and other recreational enthusiasts take precautions to avoid transporting these and other invasive species, particularly after leaving waters known to harbor aquatic invasive species.

Clean, Drain & Dry – Inspect your fishing and boating equipment and remove all mud, plants and other organisms that might be clinging to them. Once clean, ensure that all equipment has been properly drained, paying particular attention to bilge areas, livewells, and baitwells in boats. Drying is the most effective "disinfection" mechanism and is least likely to damage sensitive equipment and clothing. All fishing and boating equipment, clothing and other gear should be dried completely before moving to another body of water. This may take a week or more depending upon the type of equipment, where it is stored and weather conditions. A basic rule of thumb is to allow at least 48 hours for drying most non-porous fishing and boating gear at relative humidity levels of 70 percent or less. Steps should be taken to actively disinfect fishing and boating equipment if it cannot be dried before its use in another body of water.

The DEC adopted new regulations that require boaters to remove all visible plant and animal materials from boats, trailers and associated equipment, and to drain boats prior to launching and after retrieving from DEC lands.

Firewood Transportation and Use

The DEC also advises residents to use local firewood and learn about, look for, and report invasive species. A regulation is in effect that prohibits people from importing firewood into New York unless it has been heat treated to kill pests. The regulation also limits transporting untreated firewood to less than 50 miles from its source. By transporting firewood, you could unintentionally spread diseases and invasive insects that can quickly kill a large number of trees.


Invasive Species Awareness Week Events

Additional information and a complete list of more than 100 events are available on the NY Invasive Species Awareness Week website.

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