For Immediate Release: May 21, 2008
Contact:
Keith P. McKeever | Public Relations | Adirondack Park Agency
contact@apa.ny.gov | (518) 891-4050
RAY BROOK, NY – Ahead of the Summer Season the Adirondack Park Agency Approves General Permit 2008G-1 for the Management of Aquatic Invasive Plant Species.
At the May 2008 Agency meeting, the Board approved General Permit 2008G-1 simplifying the process to obtain a permit for control of aquatic invasive plants. This general permit issued to the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APIPP), local municipalities, qualified lake associations or other qualified organizations, certified lake managers, and experienced lake managers approves the use of hand harvesting and benthic barriers to eradicate or otherwise control the growth and spread of certain aquatic invasive plant species in wetlands throughout the Adirondack Park.
This general permit authorizes, on conditions, the following regulated activities occurring in APA-regulated wetlands where the activities could substantially impair regulated wetlands: 1. allows the use of benthic barriers and hand harvesting techniques to control aquatic invasive plants in water depths less than 2 meters (6.6 feet); 2. only authorizes the control of aquatic invasive plants including Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), curlyleaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus), water chestnut (Trapa natans), yellow floating heart (Nymphoides peltata), European frog-bit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae), fanwort (cabomba caroliniana), and those species identified by the Supervisor, Resource Analysis and Scientific Services (RASS) Division; 3. the control is part of a lake wide aquatic plant management effort by a qualified lake association, local municipality, or APIPP; 4. control activities can only occur on privately owned waterbodies or waterbodies owned by the State of New York and authorized by NYS Office of General Services; 5. general permit does not apply to lands underwater determined to be NYS Forest Preserve; 6. does not obviate the need to apply for and receive permits that may be required by other regulatory agencies.
Chairman Stiles stated, “Aquatic invasive plant species threaten native biodiversity and impact the recreational use of the water resources in the Adirondack Park. Hand harvesting and benthic mats are proven non-chemical control methods for aquatic invasive species. This general permit will ensure the timely implementation of aquatic invasive plant management activities thereby preventing the proliferation of these detrimental species.”
Native aquatic plant communities provide many ecological benefits such as food and habitat for waterfowl, fish, and other aquatic organisms. They also help maintain water quality by absorbing nutrients, providing oxygen, and reducing shoreline erosion. In addition to contributing to the overall health of the waterbody, such benefits enhance shoreline property values.
The biodiversity, natural processes, and services afforded by native aquatic ecosystems are increasingly threatened by aquatic invasive plants such as Eurasian watermilfoil, Curlyleaf pondweed, and Water chestnut. While these species are not yet predominant across the Park, they have a high potential to spread - undermining the ecological and recreational value of lakes and ponds throughout the Adirondacks.
Qualified applicants must submit a completed and signed AApplication and General Permit Certification for the Management of Aquatic Invasive Plants Using Benthic Barriers and Hand-Harvesting Techniques@ to the Adirondack Park Agency’s Deputy Director for Regulatory Programs.
Agency staff will review the application for completeness, conduct a site visit if necessary, and determine if the proposed project meets the terms and conditions of the general permit. If approvable, an authorized APA Representative will sign the AApplication and General Permit Certification@ and return it to the applicant by certified mail.
For more information regarding General Permit 2008G-1 please contact the Agency at 518-891-4050.