This week marked New York State’s 4th annual Invasive Species Awareness Week – an educational campaign designed to promote understanding of invasive species and the harm they can cause. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) demonstrated its commitment to protecting the state from invasive species by hosting the Invasive Species Awareness Week Conference.
In addition, NYSDEC staff and community volunteers removed water chestnut, an invasive species, from the Lakeview Marsh Wildlife Management Area.
This year, NYSDEC has awarded approximately $1.7 million to 35 municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, and academic institutions to promote timely decision-making and communication in the event of a new invasive species infestation.