Environment DEC
From the May 2007 issue
Grants Available for Eradication of Invasive Species
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis has announced that grant applications are now being accepted for projects proposing to eradicate terrestrial and aquatic invasive species. Applications will be accepted until Friday, June 29, 2007.
Invasives "hitchhiking" on an outboard motor can be transported from one water body to another
"New York State has diverse and unique natural ecosystems that are susceptible to invasive species both in aquatic habitats and on land," said Commissioner Grannis. "DEC recognizes the need for control and management of non-native species and is committed to helping our communities protect natural resources by funding eradication projects that prevent the spread of these harmful pests."
DEC is making $2 million in state grants available to municipalities and not-for-profit corporations for projects to eliminate infestations of both terrestrial and aquatic invasive species throughout the state. The funding being made available for these grants was secured in the enacted 2006-07 and 2007-08 state budgets. State funds can be used to pay for up to one-half of the total cost of selected eradication projects. Individual grants for aquatic eradication proposals will be awarded for at least $7,500, up to $100,000. Individual grants for terrestrial eradication proposals will be awarded for at least $2,500, up to $100,000.
Invasive Species
Invasive species are non-native species that can cause harm to the environment and have resulted in ecological or economic problems. Some aquatic and terrestrial invasive plants, such as the water chestnut or garlic mustard flower, were introduced in New York State by individuals who brought them back from foreign habitats. Several invasive aquatic animals, such as the zebra mussel and round goby, "hitchhiked" to North America by transoceanic shipping. Various species of terrestrial invasive insects, such as the sirex wood wasp and the Asian longhorn beetle, also "hitchhiked" to New York in wooden shipping crates from foreign points of origin.
Aquatic invasive species threaten the diversity or abundance of native species or the ecological stability of infested waters
Control and management of invasive species, both in the water and on land, are critical environmental concerns. Invasive species harm ecosystems, food supplies, landscaping, industry and infrastructure. They can rapidly and dramatically reshape the landscape of New York State while threatening the state's biodiversity. The 2007-08 state budget includes $5 million in the Environmental Protection Fund to implement New York State's Invasive Species Task Force recommendations-an increase of $1.75 million from last year.
Applications
Application materials for Invasive Species Eradication grants have been mailed to municipalities throughout the state. Copies also are available by calling DEC at 518-402-8970 for an aquatic application or 518-402-9425 for a terrestrial application. Both applications are available on the Aquatic Invasive Species Eradication Grant Program page. All project applications must be postmarked by June 29, 2007.
