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Governor Cuomo Announces $2 Million in Grants to Prevent Spread of Invasive Freshwater Species

4/26/2016

EPF Awards Distributed to 24 Municipalities to Install Decontamination Stations and Educate Boaters on the Dangers of Invasive Species

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that over $2 million in grants from the Environmental Protection Fund will be awarded to municipalities, not-for-profits and higher educational programs for projects that will help protect New York State’s waters from the spread of aquatic invasive species. The projects, which range geographically from the Adirondacks to the Finger Lakes and beyond, will focus on educating boaters on the dangers of aquatic invasive species through the placement of boat stewards, the installation of decontamination stations, and the uniform training of boat stewards across the state.

“New York State is home to unparalleled natural beauty and we must do everything we can to protect it from invasive aquatic predators,” Governor Cuomo said. “This money will help safeguard lakes and rivers in every corner of this state, protect local ecosystems, and ensure that visitors can experience New York’s natural beauty and wonders for years to come.”

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. These grants are an important step in Governor Cuomo’s initiative to preserve New York’s vast waterways from the danger aquatic invasive species can cause to the environment, human health and the economy of a region.

“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,” said DEC Acting Commissioner Basil Seggos. “Fostering partnerships and collaboration with local governments and other partners are essential combat this urgent threat, and I look forward watching these successful projects take off.”

The twenty-four projects awarded, which range from $36,000 to $100,000, represent the first grants of the New York Aquatic Invasive Species Spread Prevention Grant Program. These grants demonstrate DEC’s commitment to implementing the recommendations of the recently updated New York Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan (AISMP). Included among the top ten priority actions in the AISMP is expanding boat steward programs and ensuring consistency of steward program delivery throughout the state. Boat stewards help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species by delivering spread prevention education and outreach, conducting courtesy boat and trailer inspections and showing boaters how to inspect and remove plants and organisms from their boats, trailers and other equipment.
To view the list of awardees please visit the following link.

New York State Assembly Environmental Conservation Chair Steve Englebright said, “The best way to deal with aquatic invasive species and the ecological damage they cause is to prevent their further spread into New York State’s wealth of lakes, ponds and streams. The grants from this new program will go far to help municipalities, not-for-profits and higher educational institutions implement projects that will protect our State’s waters from the spread of aquatic invasive species. I commend Governor Cuomo and the NYS DEC for their efforts to implement the action-based recommendations of the recently updated New York Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan.”

Proposed projects were scored on a series of criteria that assessed the objectives, methods, impact, location, long term success and cost effectiveness of a proposal. The program will complement existing aquatic invasive species spread prevention initiatives already underway in New York State including the Adirondack Aquatic Invasive Species Spread Prevention Pilot Program (launched in 2015), which was responsible for the installation of 12 new boat decontamination stations and the placement of boat stewards at 14 new locations within the Adirondack Park.

To learn more about aquatic invasive species and the threat they pose to New York State please visit the following link.

Contact the Governor's Press Office

Contact us by phone:

Albany: (518) 474 - 8418
New York City: (212) 681 - 4640

Contact us by email: Press.Office@exec.ny.gov

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New Aquatic Invasive Species Permits Required

2/29/2016

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New Aquatic Invasive Species Permits Required:

Aquatic Invasive Species Management Using Benthic Barriers and Hand Harvesting Techniques:
http://www.apa.ny.gov/Forms/FormDetails.cfm?recordID=52

Aquatic Invasive Species Rapid Response Management or Containment Using Benthic Barriers and Hand Harvesting Techniques:
http://www.apa.ny.gov/Forms/FormDetails.cfm?recordID=62d

If you have questions regarding the permit required for you waterbody, contact:

Leigh Walrath
Adirondack Park Agency
(518) 891-4050

Please click here for a list of Water Resource Consultants.

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Hamilton County Express: "Lakes Alliance Finds Strength in Numbers"

1/13/2016

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By CRISTINE MEIXNER
Editor

PISECO -- Adirondack Lakes Alliance had a successful first year, and is looking forward to building on that success in 2016.

The group of lake associations from across the Adirondack Park was created late last year to share information and resources and advocate for lake protections. Its first and most important target is stopping aquatic invasive species.

Thanks to the regional approach the ALA won funding for a pilot program of boat wash stations and launch stewards that was implemented this past summer. The 2015 Region-wide AIS Prevention Pilot Program funded stewards at 14 high priority sites and 11 new boat decontamination stations.

The problem with aquatic invasive species is the damage they do, not just to the existing aquatic ecosystem but also to the economy of areas they infect.

ALA Region D, Fulton and Hamilton counties, met Dec. 9 at the Piseco school, hosted by Piseco Lake Association. In addition to the successful pilot program there was further good news.

In November the State of New York announced a $2 million grant program for projects that will build on the pilot program and expand the fight against aquatic invasive species. The chairman of the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors, Bill Farber, is a member of the grant program's advisory group.

ALA Executive Director Ed Griesmer, Loon Lake Park District Association, told the group, "You folks are really out front in terms of addressing the problem and the support you are getting."

He said there are over 3,000 lakes, rivers, and streams in the six-million-acre park, most not infected. But the park is surrounded by infected waters.

That's why most of the boat washes were located on the periphery of the park, and only a few in the interior.

3% CONTAMINATED

Eric Holmlund of Paul Smith's College's Adirondack Watershed Institute said, "It was not coincidental that the ALA formed and then we suddenly had this incredible [pilot project]."

He said about 11 decontamination stations were run this past summer by Paul Smith's College plus 10 in Lake George and one in Loon Lake, and the college managed over 45 steward locations for a total of 56.

"Money in was about $1.5 million," Holmlund said. "We spent about $1.1 million and are hoping to roll over the balance into 2016."

Holmlund said about 11 percent of the boats inspected this past summer had organisms on them, and 2.8 percent carried aquatic invasive species. "In a sense that's good news, most of the watercraft you don't have to worry about, but that 3 percent is the threat," he said.

Most of the contaminated boats came from Saratoga Lake.

90% LIKE IT

Jamie Parslow of Piseco supervises the Adirondack Watershed Institute's Stewardship Program. "Overall response to the program was very positive, people were glad we are finally doing something," she reported.

The other 10 percent, she said, didn't understand the program can work. "People thinking it is an impossible task and the focus should be on management," she said, "or [the boat washes should be open] 24/7. Once educated some came around."

The program works, she said, and gave an example. "One boat inspected at Indian Lake Marina was covered in zebra mussels and the people drove to the Speculator decontamination station."

Parslow would like the boat washes to be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. She would also like more launch stewards "so all launches are covered so all boats are held to the same standard of cleanliness; this would address the problem of people complaining they don't have to [be inspected] at a different launch."

The AWI pays boat wash staff $13 an hour. Both full- and part-time positions are available.

RAPID RESPONSE

While the ALA's focus is on prevention, there is also a team of four people that springs into action when a new invasive species infestation is found.

The Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program's Rapid Response Team was created to detect and rapidly eradicate new infestations and control existing infestations when time allows, Project Coordinator Erin Vennie-Vollrath explained.

The team surveyed 38 lakes for early detection this summer, she said. "Seventeen had AIS, 13 with Eurasian water milfoil, and one new infested lake was found (Square Pond). There was no new spiny waterflea or Asian clam found."

APIPP has funding for the team for five years, she said.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Several representatives of local governments were present, including Fred Monroe, the outgoing supervisor of the Town of Chester, Warren County, who has been involved in fighting AIS for a long time.

He says local governments should be concerned about the impact of AIS on shoreline properties, and do whatever it can to help the lake associations in the battle.

"Reduced market values of 15-16 percent would have a significant affect on the tax bases," he said. "It also affects sales tax and occupancy tax revenues. It affects New York state for the same reasons."

Jon Voorhees of Indian Lake is "dismayed at how easily everyone has rolled over for the boaters. They are undeniably the source of the problem. In effect they are being subsidized by everyone else."

Farber replied, "NYS recognizes this is a tourist destination and it is transient boaters [bringing in aquatic invasive species] and it should not fall on the residents of the park alone to fight AIS. I don't think it is any mystery why we won the pilot program."

He wants to enlist boaters' cooperation, rather than charge for boat washes, and educate them to respect the purity of the waters of the Adirondacks."To be effective against AIS we have to involve everyone," he said.

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Hamilton County Express: "Adirondack Lakes, Rivers Getting Saltier"

1/13/2016

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Adirondack lakes, rivers getting saltier
By CRISTINE MEIXNER
Editor

PISECO -- The data shows road salt is causing great harm to Adirondack ecosystems.

That's according to Paul Smiths College School of Natural Resource Management & Ecology Interim
Dean Dan Kelting, who is also executive director of the college's Adirondack Watershed Institute.

Kelting spoke at the Dec. 9 meeting of the Adirondack Lakes Alliance at Piseco Common School. He
said he has been studying rising salinity levels for about seven years, and there is a grassroots effort to
raise awareness and change winter road management practices to protect lakes and drinking water.

"Invasive species and road salt are the two major quality issues for waters in the Adirondacks," Kelting
said. "We use a remarkable amount of salt on our roads, which is having significant impacts on our
aquatic systems and human health.

"These affects are cumulative; the longer we wait the more we will feel these affects."

Road salt is sodium chloride, the same material as common table salt. When dissolved in water it
separates into sodium and chloride ions.

The Adirondack Park contains 2,831 lane miles of state roads and 7,725 lane miles of local roads,
Kelting said.

"State roads are treated with a yearly average of 108,000 tons of salt," Kelting said, "while local roads get 84,700 tons, so although state roads are only a third of the overall mileage they get a lot more salt.

"There is a lot of variation as to how [roads] are managed for snow and ice control."

In Fulton and Hamilton counties, he said, there are 450 state lane miles and 1,075 local lane miles using
17,170 tons on state roads and 11,800 tans on local roads, totaling over one million tons since 1980.

35 YEARS OF SALT

Widespread use of road salt started about 35 years ago in the Adirondacks, with the 1980 Winter
Olympics.

"About 6.5 million tons of salt have been imported into the Adirondacks and applied to our road network since 1980," Kelting said. "It is the most pollutant imported into the Adirondacks, twice that of acid rain."

Kelting says very little is known about the environmental effects of road salt.

"About half of it washes off into streams and lakes, about half percolates down through the soil, part is
held in the soil and the rest continues down into the groundwater," Kelting said.

A runoff model Kelting did showed 52 percent of stream length in the Adirondacks and 77 percent of the lakes show water chemistry changes due to road salt, he said.

"We have chloride data on 84 lakes and 25 streams from the Adirondack Watershed Institute and on 54
lakes from Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation.

"We would like more monitoring volunteers," he added.

CONCENTRATIONS

Kelting said the median chloride ion concentration in lakes where there are no roads is 0.25 milligrams
per liter, and in lakes where there are roads it is 8 mg/l. Where there are streams and no roads it is also
0.25 mg/l, but streams near roads show 30 mg/l.

"Road density drives chloride density," he said. "As state road density increases salt density increases
when they are all treated the same for ice and snow control. As local road density increases it's a shotgun effect; there is no correlation due to variations in treatment."

Adirondack Watershed Institute had instruments measuring stream salinity at 30minute
intervals on four state roads for the past three winters.

"We found there are major peaks in the spring flush," Kelting said, "and peak concentrations of salt occur in the fall. As streams dry up they are fed by groundwater, so this is a major indication our groundwater is contaminated by salt."

This is a problem, he said, because it affects the food web.

"Algae can tolerate 500 to 1,000 mg/l, zooplankton can tolerate 530 mg/l, macroinvertebrates can
tolerate 2402,500 mg/l, and fish can tolerate 50230 mg/l."

The fish most affected, he said, will decrease in the fishery, and water clarity can be affected when there
are fewer zooplankton to eat algae.

WATER WELLS

A New York State Department of Environmental Conservation survey of 95 drinking water wells in the
Adirondacks shows sodium ranging from less than one mg/l to 273 mg/l and chlorine less than one mg/l to 393 mg/l.

Sixtyeight percent of the wells were contaminated by sodium and 75 percent by chlorine. "You can't
taste it at these levels," Kelting said, "but it can affect human health."

"We have been working with the NYS Department of Transportation so science can help inform
practices," Kelting continued. "DOT has been working with us to try to reduce the chlorine
concentrations in our water while still maintaining safe roads."

That may be true at the higher levels, resident John Casey said, but he saw DOT workers dumping road
salt at its shed on State Route 8 in Arietta, and had the photos to prove it. "The shed was overflowing andwhat was outside was not covered," he said. "It had run all over. It was like snow."

It took Arietta Supervisor Rick Wilt two attempts to get the salt cleaned up, Casey said.

Road salt is not going away any time soon. Sodium chloride is still the cheapest treatment for slick roads, and still the most popular choice, according to Kelting.

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DEC ANNOUNCES $2 MILLION GRANT PROGRAM TO HELP PREVENT THESPREAD OF AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES STATEWIDE

11/24/2015

For Immediate Release: 11/23/15

Contact: Jomo Miller | (518) 402-8000
Press Office | PressOffice@dec.ny.gov

DEC ANNOUNCES $2 MILLION GRANT PROGRAM TO HELP PREVENT THE SPREAD OF AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES STATEWIDE

Grants Build Upon State’s Actions to Slow the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species

Applications Accepted Through January 29

Two million dollars in grants are available to organizations for projects to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in New York State’s waterways, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today. The grants are the latest action in the state’s comprehensive efforts to combat aquatic invasive species and aim to foster outreach to users of water bodies, install decontamination stations and provide steward training programs in high priority areas.

            “The announcement of this grant program highlights Governor Cuomo’s commitment to foster collaboration and coordination among state agencies, municipalities, not-for-profits and educational institutions to minimize the harm aquatic invasive species cause to New York’s environment, economy, natural resources and human health,” Acting Commissioner Seggos said.

            The New York State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) is providing the $2 million for eligible projects. Grant amounts will range from a minimum of $25,000 up to a maximum of $100,000. A 25-percent match is required. For a full list of eligible and ineligible forms of match, please view the Request for Application (RFA) at http://www.dec.ny.gov/pubs/103921.html.

New York is particularly vulnerable to AIS due to the frequency in which ocean-going vessels travel through the Great Lakes. Once established AIS, such as zebra mussels and spiny waterflea, can spread easily to other inland waterbodies through the State’s extensive canal system and through recreational boating and angling. Strategically placed boat stewards help prevent the spread of AIS by educating boaters on how to properly remove and identify AIS and conducting voluntary boat and equipment inspections.

            The new grant program builds on the success of several boat steward programs, which are already underway in New York State. The pilot Adirondack AIS spread prevention program, initiated earlier this year, deployed boat stewards at 14 high priority sites and installed 11 new boat decontamination stations.

            A recent study by the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program found that if invasive species are allowed to spread, they could cost the Adirondack economy alone up to $900 million. This includes annual losses in visitor spending, and agriculture and primary forest production value as well as losses in property value that will affect the tax base and borrowing ability for property owners on an ongoing basis.

            Governor Cuomo announced earlier this year an unprecedented agreement among 53 New York State agencies, municipal governments, property owners, lake associations, conservation groups, sporting groups and businesses to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species in the Adirondack region. The agreement will help preserve clean water, increase recreation opportunities and promote tourism in New York State.

            In his 2015 Opportunity Agenda, Governor Cuomo announced the Protected Landscapes and Thriving Communities initiative to foster the Adirondack’s tourism economy, conserve the Forest Preserve and help communities thrive. A core component of this initiative is preventing the spread of invasive species. To support this effort, under Governor Cuomo's leadership, the 2015-16 state budget included an additional $1 million in the Environmental Protection Fund targeted specifically for combatting aquatic invasive species.

The highest scoring projects will have a statewide or regional focus rather than a local focus, involve multiple partners and stakeholders. Grants will be awarded to applicants who clearly demonstrate that they have the knowledge and skill to successfully complete the project. Priority will be given to projects located on or in close proximity to waterbodies where the shoreline is 50 percent or higher in public ownership. Targeted waterbodies must be located wholly within New York State.

            The deadline for grant application is January 29, 2016. DEC anticipates announcing grant awards in April 2016. Applicants can apply for the grant through the Consolidated Funding Application by visiting the following https://apps.cio.ny.gov/apps/cfa/.

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Governor Cuomo Announces Agreement to Prevent Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species in the Adirondacks

3/10/2015

For Immediate Release: 3/10/2015 GOVERNOR ANDREW M. CUOMO

GOVERNOR CUOMO ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT TO PREVENT SPREAD OF AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES IN THE ADIRONDACKS

53 Conservation Groups, Owners Associations, Local and State Governments Sign Agreement to Preserve Clean Water, Increase Recreation Opportunities and Promote Tourism

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced an unprecedented agreement among 53 New York State agencies, municipal governments, property owners, lake associations, conservation groups, sporting groups and businesses to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species in the Adirondack region. The agreement will help preserve clean water, increase recreation opportunities and promote tourism in Upstate New York.

“In addition to being one of our State’s greatest natural treasures, the Adirondacks are a major economic asset for communities across Upstate New York, and today we are taking an important stand to protect the region from the threat of aquatic invasive species,” Governor Cuomo said. “Preventing the spread of these invasive species is crucial to safeguarding the Adirondack waters both today and for the future, and that will ensure that visitors can continue to experience the Park’s natural beauty. Working alongside our dozens of partners, we will help protect the region for years to come.”

A recent study by the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program found that if invasive species are allowed to spread, they could cost the Adirondack economy up to $900 million. This includes annual losses in visitor spending, and agriculture and primary forest production value as well as losses in property value that will affect the tax base and borrowing ability for property owners on an ongoing basis.

To prevent this, the 53 parties pledge to work together to develop a new region-wide aquatic invasive species prevention pilot program to proactively prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species in Adirondack waters. The program will include stewardship, data collection, education, boat inspections and when necessary, decontamination of boats and trailers. Additional entities can sign onto the agreement going forward.

In his 2015 Opportunity Agenda, Governor Cuomo announced the Protected Landscapes and Thriving Communities initiative to foster the Adirondack’s tourism economy, conserve the Forest Preserve and help communities thrive. A core component of this initiative is preventing the spread of invasive species. To support this effort, the Governor proposed a $1 million increase to the Environmental Protection Fund in the next fiscal year to fight the spread of invasive species.

The agreement announced today supports the Clean, Drain and Dry standard for all boats entering and exiting the region and its waters. Under the agreement, a regional boat and trailer inspection and decontamination program is planned for 2015 that will build upon the successful efforts undertaken on Lake George and other lakes in the region.

DEC Commissioner Joe Martens said, “Clean waters supporting healthy ecosystems are important to anglers, boaters, paddlers, swimmers and other recreationists who visit the Adirondacks, as well as the residents whose businesses depend on those visitors. The number and variety of organizations signing this agreement demonstrates the serious threat that aquatic invasive species pose to the ecological and economic health of the Adirondack region and the universal desire to protect water quality, tourism revenues and property values of the region.”

Senator Betty Little said, “The strength of this agreement to keep aquatic invasives out of the Adirondack Park can be found in the diversity of the many groups that have made it a priority. The waters of our lakes, rivers and streams impact the life of everyone who lives in and visits the Adirondack Park. Preserving clean water by preventing the spread of invasives will save millions of dollars and benefit the economy and environment for many, many years. Kudos to Governor Cuomo, Commissioner Martens and all of our local stakeholders for partnering so well.”

William G. Farber, Chairman of the Hamilton County Board of Supervisor, said, “This MOU is another great example of the way the Adirondack Park, has evolved to a new level of cooperation, at the perfect juncture in time. As has become the norm under Governor Cuomo's leadership, an organic grassroots process identifies the issue, and the solution, with the State agencies then stepping up to assist. I commend the Governor and Commissioner Martens, for their help and leadership.”

Brian Towers, president of the Adirondack Association of Towns & Villages, said, “The pristine waters of the Adirondacks are a national treasure that are being endangered by the spread of aquatic invasive species that threaten the very lifeblood of our mountain communities. The Adirondack Association of Towns & Villages applauds the Governor for his vision and support of a prevention program that will monitor and decontaminate boats that carry this threat as they travel from one body of water to another throughout the park. This voluntary program eliminates a regulatory approach to governing boaters while addressing the need for education and prevention, which is an approach all boaters can embrace.”

Adirondack Park Local Government Review Board executive Director Fred Monroe said, “Adirondack local governments appreciate Governor Cuomo’s leadership by proposing $1 million in his budget for the infrastructure and staff needed to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species, which pose a serious threat to the ecological and economic health of the Adirondack region. The Review Board also recognizes and thanks the diverse coalition of stakeholders, who have been partners and investors in the fight against aquatic invasive species, and who have approved the Memorandum of Understanding committing to protect the vast water resources of the Adirondack Park.”

Adirondack Mountain Club Executive Director and Counsel Neil F. Woodworth said, “This critical agreement between a broad range of stakeholders in the Adirondacks shows the commitment of local and state governments, and the many associations and non-profits that care so deeply for our beautiful Adirondack Park. The Adirondack Mountain Club is looking forward to continuing our stewardship efforts with our many dedicated members and paddlers to achieve the goals of this essential agreement to prevent the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species in the ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers of the Adirondack Park."

Adirondack Council Deputy Director Diane Fish said, “Invasive species pose a universal threat to the ecological, economic and social fabric of the Adirondack Park. This new agreement will serve as the framework for a new, coordinated strategy for fighting and preventing invasive species in the lakes and rivers of the Adirondack Park. The Governor’s proposal to increase invasive species funding by $1 million in his 2015-16 budget plan and develop an Adirondack Invasive Species Strategy will provide new opportunities to build prevention and eradication programs in the Park that will serve as a model for the state and the nation."

Village of Lake George Mayor and Chairman of the S.A.V.E Committee Robert Blais said, “We are extremely pleased once again to see the support Governor Cuomo has given our fight against the spread of aquatic invasive species in the Adirondack Region. Our 3,000 lakes and ponds 30,000 miles of rivers and streams are our region’s most valuable assets. Using our initial success in Lake George as a model and continued leadership of the Governor our S.A.V.E. Group looks forward to working with all our neighbors in the Adirondacks.”

Eric Siy, Executive Director of The FUND for Lake George and founding S.A.V.E. Lake George member said, “This historic call to action expresses the unprecedented gravity of the threat posed by invasives and the necessary resolve for preventing them from ruining our precious waters. It is a testament to what it will take to win, leadership at all levels and from all sectors. Just as Governor Cuomo led the way in making the Lake George program a model of national significance, his bold leadership now in creating a prevention program for the entire Adirondack Park will live on as a vital legacy for which future generations will surely be grateful.”

Tom Williams, President of Adirondack Landowners Association said, “Water quality is a key to the vital role that tourism and outdoor recreation plays in communities throughout the Adirondack Park. The economic and environmental importance of these waters deserves our best efforts to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.”

Ed Griesmer, Executive Director of the Adirondack Lakes Alliance, said, “ The Adirondack Lakes Alliance, representing the interests of lake associations throughout the Adirondack region, commends Governor Cuomo for implementing a strategic plan designed to curb the introduction and spread of invasive species to the nearly 3,000 lakes, streams and ponds in the Adirondack Park. This collaborative plan developed by the state Department of Environmental Conservation and a coalition group of stakeholders including lake associations, municipal governments, state agencies, and conservation groups will have a major impact on economic, environmental, and ecological issues confronting our lakes and communities. Lake associations for years have dedicated thousands of volunteer hours and considerable financial support, as they serve as first responders in addressing the invasive species issue. This commitment will provide additional assistance to lake associations as they continue their primary mission of protecting and preserving our lakes for all to enjoy.”

Dr. Eric Holmlund, Interim Dean at Paul Smith’s College said, “Paul Smith’s College’s Adirondack Watershed Institute applauds Governor Cuomo’s historic initiative to protect the waters of the Adirondack region from aquatic invasive species. The Adirondack Park AIS Spread Prevention Program provides the Park with an unprecedented set of tools to combat a threat that unites the communities of the park. Invasive species respect no town, county or municipality boundary, and so we need a science-based solution which transcends regional divisions.”

Confirmed signatories of the agreement are:
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Adirondack Park Agency
Town of Bolton
Town of Chester
Town of Horicon
Upper Hudson Recreational Hub Towns
• Town of North Hudson
• Town of Newcomb
• Town of Minerva
• Town of Indian Lake
• Town of Long Lake
Adirondack Association of Towns and Villages
Adirondack Council
Adirondack Lakes Alliance
Adirondack Landowners Association
Adirondack Mountain Club
Adirondack Park Local Government Review Board
Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce
Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program
Adirondack Wild: Friends of the Forest Preserve
Ausable River Association
Central Adirondack Partnership for the 21st Century (CAP-21)
Chateaugay Lake Foundation
Essex County Soil and Water Conservation District
East Shore Schroon Lake Association
Friends of Long Pond Association
Fund for Lake George
Hamilton County Board of Supervisors
Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District
Indian Lake Association
Lake Champlain Basin Program
Lake Colby Association
Lake George Association
Lake George Land Conservancy
Lake George Park Commission
Lake Pleasant Sacandaga Association
Lewis County
Long Lake Association
Loon Lake Park District Association
The Nature Conservancy
North Country Chamber of Commerce
Okara Lakes Association in Thendara
Osgood Pond Association
Paul Smith’s College
Paradox Lake Association
Piseco Lake Association
Protect the Adirondacks
Raquette Lake Association
Schroon Lake Association
Upper Saranac Lake Association
Village of Lake George
Warren County Invasive Species Committee
Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District
Wildlife Conservation Society

Post Star: "Lake Associations Seek Power In Numbers"

1/21/2015

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"About 60 lake associations throughout the Adirondack Park joined to reinvigorate the Adirondack Lakes Alliance, a group hoping that strength in numbers will provide a louder voice for its advocacy."

To view the full version, please click here.

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Hamilton County Express: "Alliance Will Advocate for Lake Protections"

12/10/2014

Alliance will advocate for lake protections
Sunday, December 07, 2014 - Updated: 8:48 AM
By CRISTINE MEIXNER
Editor

PISECO -- "I personally believe this is one of the most serious threats we have ever faced in the Adirondacks, and time is not our friend."

That is what Fred Monroe told the Adirondack Lakes Alliance Friday. He was talking about aquatic invasives, which as supervisor of the Town of Chester he has been battling in Loon Lake.

The alliance was created so lake associations could share information and resources and advocate for their needs. About 50 people showed up for the meeting at the school here, including representatives of probably 20 lake associations, state agencies, Hamilton County, Paul Smith's College, Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program, The Adirondack Council and more.

Monroe is no stranger to the concept of strength in numbers. He is a founder of the successful Adirondack Association of Towns & Villages, created to represent regional concerns on the state level.

"We're the folks who have been on the ground: in the water, doing the diving, developing the maps... working to keep our waters safe and clean," ALA Executive Director Ed Griesmer said. "The one group not well represented is the lake associations; networking is sort of foreign to us."

The ALA divides the Adirondack Park into five regions, with two directors from each. Region D is Fulton and Hamilton counties; Bryan Rudes of Piseco is a director.

REGIONAL APPROACH

Griesmer said the ALA would advocate for a regional approach to combating aquatic invasives. Monroe agrees a regional strategy would work best and be less expensive than lake by lake.

"A large number of invasive species surround the Adirondacks," he said. "It is inevitable they will get into the Adirondacks if nothing is done."

There are already aquatic invasive species in the park, Monroe said, but the worst is yet to come if Asian water clams, quagga mussels, zebra mussels and/or hydrilla find their way here.

Loon Lake has spent over $400,000 dealing with one invasive (milfoil) in one lake, Monroe said, adding, "The best strategy is prevention, but there is a very short window in which to act."

WASH STATIONS

With aquatic invasives hitching rides from lake to lake on boats and their trailers, the ALA feels the best prevention would be regional inspection and boat wash stations on the travel corridors.

The group is suggesting 20 boat wash stations at an estimated cost of $500,000.

"We think it can be done," Monroe said. He showed slides of a mobile high pressure, hot water wash station at Loon Lake. Stored in a shipping container, it is operated from within the unit.

"Lake associations, shoreline property owners, towns, counties, the state through a matching grant program, sportsmen clubs, should all contribute," Monroe said.

The alliance will hold a regional meeting once a month for the next four months and a summer conference. It hopes to reach a consensus and take action before the time to be proactive runs out.

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