New York State Invasive Species Awareness Week is July 6 through 12th. Our Adirondack waterways and forests are under relentless attack from aquatic and terrestrial invasives.
Each year New York undertakes a statewide effort to inform citizens about the threat of invasive species and opportunities for action.
New York State has developed eight Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM).
During Invasive Species Awareness Week the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APPIP) is working to spread the word on management and control.
In our local area there have been particular issues with Eurasian Milfoil, Japanese Knotweed, Garlic Mustard and Wild Parsnip.
What can you do locally?
• Go to the APIPP website to learn more about Adiron-dack Invasives at adkinvasives.com.
• Support local Knotweed control by donating directly to the Regional Inlet Invasive Plant Program www.noknotweed.org.
Since 2008, the Town of Inlet has taken the lead in eradicating thousands of plants at over 50 sites in Inlet, Old Forge, Eagle Bay and Blue Mt. Lake. Make donations payable to Town of Inlet Invasive Plant Control Fund, P.O. Box 179, Inlet, NY 13360, or contact the Town Clerk at (315) 357-5771.
• Report any invasives on your property to APIPP at: adkinvasives.com/get-involved/report-invasive-species/or contact CAP-21 locally at (315) 369-3353 and we will pass this information on. CAP-21 is a regional partner with APIPP on invasive awareness and management efforts.
• If you are a member of a Old Forge Garden Club, or a Lake or Property Owners Association, please consider inviting APIPP to your group for information on what you can do to assist in invasive species management.
Call APIPP at (518) 576-2082.
• Come to the Old Forge Farmers’ Market on Friday, July 11 and bring in any aquatic or terrestrial plants for identification, and also get information on native plants appropriate for landscaping.
Also get information on the new DEC Regulations for Aquatic Invasive Species for everyone using State boat launch facilities.
• Email info@cap-21.org or call CAP-21 for a copy of the APIPP “Landowner Guide to Managing Invasives.”
CAP-21 is a regional 501(c)(3) not for profit organization serving the West Central Adirondacks. Planning for the future…”while preserving and protecting the beauty and benefits of our heritage and our natural resources.”