The Adirondack Park Agency (APA) is seeking public comment on two general permits to advance New York State’s goal to combat invasive species in the Adirondack Park.

The general permits will streamline and expedite the Park Agency’s review process.

This will ensure qualified invasive species management organizations have the ability to quickly respond to invasive species infestations, according to APA Chairwoman Lani Ulrich.

“As we celebrate Earth Week we remain vigilant to the threats of invasive species. Under the leadership of Governor Cuomo, the Adirondack Park Agency and our partners continue to take proactive measures to effectively combat and prevent the spread of invasive species in the Adirondack Park,” she said.

Invasive species if left unchecked result in devastating impacts to biodiversity as well as diminishing the Park’s recreational opportunities, Ulrich added.

“I encourage all citizens to review these general permits and submit comments,” she said.

General Permit 2015G-1 is a new general permit proposed to ensure rapid response and containment of aquatic invasive species.

This general permit authorizes the use of benthic barriers and hand-harvesting to eliminate or manage up to a half-acre of specified aquatic invasive species within an individual waterbody.

General Permit 2015G-1 would serve as a new rapid permitting tool to help contain or eradicate newly-discovered infestations of aquatic invasive species.

General Permit 2014G-1A is the reissuance of a general permit for the management of terrestrial invasive plant species in or within 100 feet of wetlands in the Adirondack Park.

The general permit authorizes qualified users to undertake invasive control activities in terrestrial wetlands using best management practices.

Such activities may include the use of herbicides.

In addition, the permit includes a provision to expand the list of designated authorized organizations or individuals eligible to use this permit.

The proposed general permits authorize activities in wetlands pursuant to the APA Act (Executive Law §§ 809 and 810) and Freshwater Wetlands Act (ECL Article 24).

Both general permits apply to wetlands throughout the Adirondack Park and will remain in effect unless modified or revoked by the APA.

APA, as lead agency for State Environmental Quality Review purposes, has determined that the proposed general permits will not have a significant adverse impact on the environment.

The permits contain findings of fact, conclusions of law and conditions to ensure compliance with applicable statutory criteria.

The proposed general permits and related documents are available on the Agency’s website at www.apa.ny.gov.

The Adirondack Park Agency will accept public comment on this matter until May 29, 2015.

Comments to should be addressed to Richard Weber, Deputy Director Regulatory Programs; NYS Adirondack Park Agency; P.O. Box 99; Ray Brook, NY 12977.

Comments can also be emailed to PublicComment@apa.ny.gov

After the public comment period expires, it is anticipated that the proposed general permits will be presented to the Agency for a decision at its June 11 & 12, 2015 meeting.

The mission of the Adirondack Park Agency is to protect the public and private resources of the Adirondack Park through the exercise of the powers and duties of the Agency as provided by law.

More information is available from the APA at (518) 891-4050 or at www.apa.ny.gov.