Nearly $3 million in grant funding is being allocated for invasive species prevention projects throughout the state.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Wednesday that $2,992,793 from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Invasive Species Grant Program will go to fight against both aquatic and terrestrial invasive species.
“We are committed to protecting New York’s waterways, forest lands, and agricultural crops from dangerous invasive species,” Governor Hochul said. “This funding supports projects across the state that will help prevent the spread of invasive species in New York, protecting our natural resources, economy and public health from the negative impacts of this threat.”
Four Finger Lakes projects will be supported by this funding.
Ontario County
- City of Canandaigua: $140,685 – Aquatic Invasive Species Watercraft Spread Prevention Boat Steward Education and Outreach/Voluntary Inspection
- Cornell University: $83,292 – 2023 Invasive Species Research
Wayne County
- Bergen Swamp Preservation Society: $73,200 – Invasive Species Early Detection / Rapid Response and Control Terrestrial and Aquatic Species
Tompkins County
- Tompkins County Soil and Water Conservation District: $51,718 – Aquatic Invasive Species Watercraft Spread Prevention – Stewards – Boat Decontamination Program
DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “DEC is pleased to offer this comprehensive grant program to address the negative impacts of invasive species. There is no single action that can address the threats invasive pests pose to New York’s environment. Simultaneous investments in researching control methods, actively managing invasive populations, addressing pathways for spread, and educating the public about invasive species, are essential for mitigation efforts. In Governor Hochul’s proposed 2024-2025 Executive Budget, the State’s Environmental Protection Fund would designate $17 million for projects and programs to help address invasive species across the state.”
A full list of grant recipients can be found at ny.gov.
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