Aquatic Invasive Species

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation this summer is expanding its stewardship partnership aimed at preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species in the Adirondacks.

New York’s Eric Schneiderman and 10 other attorneys general have sent a letter to U.S. Senate leaders. The letter urges opposition to a bill that would eliminate states’ authority to protect waterways from ships’ polluted discharges, making it easier for non-native species to invade the Hudson River and Great Lakes.

For the last two years, all boats entering Lake George have had to meet three requirements: they must be cleaned, drained, and dry. If not, boaters are sent to a washing station free of charge.

New York state is setting aside $2 million to combat the spread of zebra mussels, the spiny waterflea and other aquatic invasive species that scientists say could wreak havoc on the state's waterway ecosystems.

In knee-deep water at the Norowal Marina in Bolton Landing, Dave Wick, Executive Director of the Lake George Park Commission, is sifting sediment with a circular screen.

A non-profit organization that works to educate the public in preserving Lake George has received $20,000 in grants to support programs mitigating storm runoff and teaching students.

On May 15th, the Lake George Park Commission’s mandatory inspection program for boats and trailers will begin. This week, the Park Commission began training the inspectors that will be working to prevent invasive species from entering the lake.

WAMC’s Southern Adirondack Bureau Chief Lucas Willard spoke with Park Commission executive director David Wick about the training and the inspection program.

In a letter penned by Lake George Mayor Robert Blais on behalf of the Stop Aquatic Invasives From Entering Lake George Partnership to the office of Governor Andrew Cuomo, the governor received high marks on his attention to work helping protect the Adirondack lake.

Environmental groups are weighing in on proposed regulations by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to halt the spread of invasive species. 

The New York State Department of Conservation is currently accepting comments on proposed regulations that identify specific invasive species of plants, algae, animals, insects, and fungi and supply language on how those species should be handled to halt or limit their spread, which cause harm to native species in New York and beyond.

The Lake George Park Commission unanimously voted Tuesday to approve a mandatory boat-washing and inspection program in order to protect one of New York's most popular lakes from invasive species.

State environmental officials in Massachusetts are warning residents about the discovery of an aquatic nuisance recently found in the Berkshires for the first time.

Earlier this month, the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game’s Division of Fisheries and Wildlife confirmed the presence of didymo in the Green River in the Berkshire County communities of Alford and Egremont.

The Lake George Park Commission held the first of two public hearings on its draft aquatic invasive species prevention plan Tuesday afternoon. While most who attended expressed support, some are concerned about how the plan could affect boaters’ access to the lake.