The regulations are the latest step in the state’s efforts to combat invasive species.

They were developed by DEC in cooperation with the state Department of Agriculture and Markets (DAM).

“These regulations will establish strict limits to better control the spread of invasive species and help to protect natural resources, habitats and biological diversity, including trees, crops and native species that are threatened by the presence of invasives,” Martens said.

In early July, Governor Cuomo designated New York’s first-ever Invasive Species Awareness Week.

All New Yorkers were urged to take action to protect lands and waters from invasive species.

The hope was to help stave off damage to human health, animal habitat, agriculture and tourism.

Invasive species are harmful non-native species, including plants, insects, fish and mammals, that were imported or released—often accidently—from other areas of the world.

Many invasive species such as the Eurasian Boar, Asian Longhorned Beetle, Emerald Ash Borer, and Northern Snakehead fish can cause significant damage to natural communities in New York State.

Since 2011, $30 million in state funds has been allocated toward preventing the spread of invasive species.

Under the regulations, DEC and DAM created lists of prohibited and

regulated species, and established measures to prevent their release in the state.

The regulations make it unlawful to knowingly possess a prohibited species with the intent to sell, import, purchase, transport, or introduce.

Regulated species are those that have been determined to have the potential to cause harm to New York’s ecology, or human health, but also have positive socio-economic benefits and which may be effectively contained through regulatory programs.

Regulated species may be possessed, sold, purchased, propagated, and transported.

But they may not be knowingly introduced into a free-living state, such as being released or planted in lands or waters in a manner that the individual introducing them should know would res

ult in the species being introduced into a free-living state.

The regulations are required under a law signed in July 2

012.

They were developed with input from the New York Invasive Species Council, comprising representatives from nine state agencies.

Input was also given from the NY Invasive Species Advisory Committee, which includes representatives from 25 conservation organizations, trade and industry, and academia.

The rule, including lists of prohibited and regulated spe

cies, may be viewed by visiting the Division of Lands and Forests regulations web site.