Environment DEC
From the October 2008 issue
Grants Available for Eradication of Terrestrial Invasive Species
DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis recently announced that grant applications are now being accepted for projects proposing to eradicate terrestrial invasive species. Terrestrial invasive species are defined as plants or animals that live or grow predominately on land. Applications will be accepted until October 31, 2008.
"New York State's natural environment is threatened by an increasing number of invasive, exotic species," 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 control and prevent the spread of these threats."
Up to $1 Million Available
DEC is making up to $1 million available to municipalities and not-for-profit organizations for projects to eradicate or permanently remove infestations of terrestrial invasive species throughout the state. Funding for these grants was secured in the 2008-09 state budget, through the Environmental Protection Fund. State funds can be used to pay for up to half of the cost of selected projects. Individual grants for terrestrial invasive species eradication proposals will be awarded for projects that range from $2,500 to $100,000.
The sirex wood wasp attacks living pine trees. It can be controlled with a parasitic nematode.
Invasive species are non-native species that can cause harm to the environment and may result in ecological or economic problems. Some terrestrial invasive plants, such as garlic mustard flower and giant hogweed, were introduced to New York State by individuals who purposely brought them here from foreign habitats. Various species of terrestrial invasive insects, such as the sirex wood wasp and the Asian longhorned beetle, "hitchhiked" unseen to New York, hidden in wooden shipping crates.
Don't Move Firewood!
One common way that many insect pests move around the country faster than their natural rate of spread, based on biology or flight potential, is in firewood carried by campers, hunters and other forest users. People are often unaware that they are moving the eggs or larvae of pests, hidden on or under bark or buried deep within logs. Once transported to new locations, eggs hatch and larvae mature and emerge to attack host trees in and around the area. DEC advises people not to transport firewood to campgrounds or parks in an effort to limit the spread of invasive insect species and improve forest health. More information about how the state is addressing this problem can be found at DEC's Firewood and Invasive Insects web page or by calling 1-866-640-0652.
The tunneling larva of the emerald ash borer is exposed when the bark is removed. (Photo: James E. Appleby, Univ. of Illinois)Control and management of invasive species are critical and challenging environmental concerns. Invasive species harm ecosystems, food supplies, landscaping, industry and infrastructure. They have the potential to cause millions of dollars of damage to our public and private forests. They can rapidly and dramatically reshape the landscape of New York State, causing a threat to the state's native biodiversity.
Applications and More Information
Application materials for Invasive Species Eradication Grants have been mailed to municipalities throughout the state. Copies are also available on DEC's Terrestrial Invasive Species Eradication Grant Program web page or by calling the Division of Lands and Forests at 518-402-9425. All project applications must be postmarked by October 31, 2008.
The 2008-09 state budget set aside $5 million in the Environmental Protection Fund to implement New York State's Invasive Species Task Force recommendations. For more information on the task force, visit DEC's Invasive Species Task Force web page.
