(Sept. 26, 2011) The Central and Western New York Chapter of The Nature Conservancy has partnered with state agencies, conservation groups and environmental organizations throughout a five county area to address the threat posed by non-native plants and animals, a.k.a “invasive species”
An invasive species is a plant, animal or insect that is non-native to the local ecosystem and whose introduction is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. Examples of these alien invaders include: Japanese Knotweed, a plant that, if left uncontrolled, will dominate other more desirable plants and cause destruction to wildlife habitat. The Emerald Ash Borer, an insect that directly threatens nearly all of New York’s Ash trees. Water Chestnut, (not to be confused with the edible water chestnut) an aquatic plant that will completely dominate and render recreational waterways un-usable.
As part of a statewide initiative to address invasive species, representatives from numerous organizations spread across five counties have formed what is known as a Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM). These five counties include; St. Lawrence, Jefferson, Lewis, Oneida and Oswego counties. Together the group in known as the St. Lawrence – Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (SLELO-PRISM). Other PRISM’s in New York State include the Finger Lakes PRISM.
According to Rob Williams, Invasive Species Program Coordinator “the partners in the SLELO region have a tremendous opportunity to improve how invasive species are managed and to reduce the potential negative economic, human and environmental impact posed by these invasive species”.
Some of the initiatives that the SLELO partners hope to undertake include: developing a five-year strategic plan, prevention of new species being introduced into the region, actual control and containment of existing species, information exchange among the general public and partners, cooperation and collaboration among all who are interested. “We are always glad to have new volunteers help with our efforts” Williams states and “those who would like more information on our efforts are welcome to call the SLELO main office at (315) 387-3600 or visit our website at www.sleloinvasives.org”.
