For Immediate Release: April 9, 2004
Contact:
Keith P. McKeever | Public Relations | Adirondack Park Agency
contact@apa.ny.gov | (518) 891-4050
Ray Brook - On Thursday, April 8, 2004, the Invasive Plant Council of New York State (IPC) became the fifth principal partner organization of the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APIPP). At 11 a.m. IPC joined the Adirondack Nature Conservancy (ANC), New York State Adirondack Park Agency (APA), Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and Department of Transportation (DOT), to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for advancing regional, coordinated invasive plant species initiatives.
"Invasive plants are a threat to the unique, pristine terrestrial and aquatic plant communities of the Adirondacks," stated DEC Commissioner Erin M. Crotty. "It is only through a comprehensive effort of all the partners of the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program that we can address the problem of invasive plants and develop the best possible solutions to ensure the continued health of the Park.”
The Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program is the umbrella under which these partners, as well as private landowners, local communities, and volunteers, keep tabs on and take action to control invasive aquatic and terrestrial plants. With few access routes, the Adirondacks are one place in New York where preventative measures to control invasive species can be taken before widespread infestations are established.
Eurasian watermilfoil, water chestnut, and curlyleaf pondweed are on APIPP’s “least wanted” invasive aquatic plant list and purple loosestrife, Japanese knotweed, common reed grass, and garlic mustard are on its terrestrial list. The environmental, social, and economic impacts of these plants are many. They can affect native plant and wildlife populations; impair recreational access to and use of land and waterways; reduce property values; negatively impact tourism, fishing, and boating opportunities; are easily spread by human activities; and are extremely difficult and costly to remove.
APA Chairman Ross Whaley stated that, “The Agency realizes the importance of protecting the Park’s native flora to ensure a healthy environment. We applaud the efforts of all the partner organizations and many volunteers that have contributed to the success of the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program. It is essential that support for this program continue so we can further identify the extent of the invasive plant problem and implement best management practices. We are fortunate to have the New York State Invasive Plant Council as our newest partner. IPC will reinforce and strengthen our efforts to prevent invasive plants from harming our environment, our economy and our Adirondack communities.”
Michael Carr, Executive Director of the Adirondack Nature Conservancy, noted, "This is a shining example of people working collectively to tackle a tough job. Invasive species are among The Nature Conservancy's top priorities and we're proud to be among those taking action in the Adirondacks, where native species still have a chance of winning the battle."
New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Commissioner Joseph H. Boardman added, “Thanks to the support of Governor Pataki, the State Department of Transportation is working diligently with our State and local environmental protection partners to control the spread of invasive plants along transportation corridors in the Adirondack Park. We look forward to a renewed commitment that will help guide our continuing efforts to protect native plant species throughout the Park, preserving its rich heritage and natural beauty.”
The partners welcomed IPC, recognizing that it will serve as a link to both statewide and federal initiatives. IPC Chair George Robinson, Ph.D., stated that, "the APIPP program exemplifies the type of regional coordination of public and private land management needed to be truly effective in controlling invasive plants, and serves a model for creating regionally-based programs in other parts of New York State. IPC of New York is very proud to join the successful APIPP partnership. "
The magnitude of the threat of invasives, as well as the importance of regional cooperation, is also manifest in Governor Pataki’s creation of a statewide Invasive Species Task Force to which representatives from several APIPP partner organizations have been appointed.
Regional leaders on-hand at today’s event to reissue the formal agreement, which remains active until April 2008, included Carey Babyack, DOT Region 7; Mark Silo, DOT Region 2; Thomas Werner, DOT Region 1; Stuart Buchanan, DEC Region 5; Sandra LeBarron, DEC Region 6; Tim Barnett, ANC; George Robinson, Ph.D, IPC; and Ross Whaley, APA.
Learn more about the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program on www.adkinvasives.com, or contact Hilary Oles, Program Coordinator at 518-576-2082 ext 131.