Environment DEC
From the January 2008 issue
Grants to Finance Numerous Projects for Eradicating Harmful Invasives
More than 30 municipalities and organizations will receive a total of $1.4 million to help wipe out infestations of non-native aquatic species across the state. The Aquatic Invasive Species Eradication grants will be used by recipients to help fight zebra mussels, water chestnuts, round goby, Eurasian watermilfoil, purple loosestrife, phragmites and other invasive threats to New York's ecosystems.
"Aquatic invasive species, particularly plants, have a wide range of environmental, recreational and economic impacts--they spread rapidly, congest water ways and disrupt native fish populations," Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis said. "Once infested by invasives, lakes and rivers can become unusable, and the negative impacts on boating, fishing and swimming can adversely affect local economies that are dependent on these waterbodies. These grants will help local communities and environmental groups in their work with DEC to actively address this important issue
Phragmites alter the structure and function of diverse marsh ecosystems
Competition for Funds
In April 2007, Commissioner Grannis announced the availability of state grants to municipalities and not-for-profit corporations for projects that help eliminate infestations of aquatic invasive species. State funds can be used to pay for up to one half of the total costs of a selected eradication project. For the aquatic invasive species grants, DEC received applications seeking almost $2.1 million.
A competitive evaluation process ranked and prioritized the proposals for the $1.4 million available. Individual grants were awarded for a minimum of $7,500 and a maximum of $100,000. The projects selected were viewed to have the best potential for achieving long-term reductions in the presence of invasive species. Grant awardees still need to obtain any necessary state or federal permits and complete review under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), if required, to obtain reimbursement.
Invasive Species Council, Grant Program and Task Force
The Invasive Species Eradication Grant Program is one of the first among many initiatives of the new Invasive Species Council, which was established in law by Governor Spitzer earlier this year. The council's first role will be to spearhead the attack on invasive species statewide by implementing the recommendations of the Invasive Species Task Force, which include organizing and funding regional partnerships for invasive species management, creating an invasive species research center, developing an invasive species database and establishing an education and outreach program.
