For Immediate Release: August 24, 2005
Contact:
Keith P. McKeever | Public Relations | Adirondack Park Agency
contact@apa.ny.gov | (518) 891-4050
RAY BROOK, NY - Park Agency awarded Environmental Protection Agency grant for wetlands mapping and invasive species control.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency recently awarded the Adirondack Park Agency a $131,000 Wetland Protection grant. This represents the twelfth EPA grant the Park Agency secured, since 1993, and has resulted in successful mapping of almost 75% of the Park’s wetlands and watersheds. These data sets are immensely valuable for resource protection and land use planning efforts.
In this project phase the Agency, working in partnership with the Adirondack Nature Conservancy, which hosts the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APIPP), will map the Mohawk River Watershed. This watershed, located in the southern region of the Park, encompasses approximately 383,000 acres and contains a number of rare plant species and communities.
The goals of this phase are to map wetland and watershed boundaries, prioritize wetlands at risk of invasive plant infestation and implement management actions for restoration. The project will result in the creation of maps and Geographical Information System (GIS) data of wetlands, watersheds and invasive species locations. A priority list of wetlands requiring invasive species control and training volunteers for best management practices will be major project components.
Protecting wetlands serve both the natural and built environment. Park Agency Chairman Ross Whaley said, “The role of wetlands is a crucial one: they assist in modulating the flow of water, thereby reducing flooding and erosion; they filter out sediments and help purify drinking water; and they provide desirable habitat for fish and wildlife. The Invasive Plant Management component will further APIPP’s outreach efforts ensuring all Park residents are informed of the negative impacts of invasive plants.”
Local governments, state agencies, researchers, concerned citizens, not-for-profits and schools use these datasets for land use planning and natural resource management. Executive Director Richard Lefebvre stated, “This project will bring the Agency one step closer to a complete digital picture of wetlands and watersheds in the Park. Through our shared GIS database we will continue to support the planning efforts of our local governments and advocacy groups.”
Mr. Lefebvre went on to emphasize, “Invasive species have been identified in several areas of this watershed. If ignored they will spread, harming native plants and diminishing water recreational opportunities. As a shoreline resident in this part of the Park, I am thrilled the dedicated APIPP staff will collaborate with us empowering local citizens so they can assist in eradicating invasive plants before it is too late.”
As an important project partner Hilary Oles, APIPP coordinator said, “The Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program is delighted to extend our work more directly in the Mohawk River watershed. The EPA award will increase our capacity by funding a steward who will be dedicated to invasive plant inventory and outreach in this important watershed."
The Adirondack Park Agency has completed digital mapping for the Oswegatchie-Black, Greater Upper Hudson and St. Lawrence watersheds. Funding for the Lake Champlain/Lake George watershed is currently under review.
For data and more information on this program, see the Agency’s website at: http://www.apa.state.ny.us/Research/epa_projects.htm
For more information on the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program, see their website at: http://www.adkinvasives.com/