In May, I wrote about the announcement that seven boat inspection sites that would be opening in the Adirondacks, then detailed the confirmation of 11 additional sites.
Since the purpose of boat inspections is to prevent invasive species from spreading through Adirondack waterways, it is only fitting that Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced during Invasive Species Awareness Week that 12 new decontamination stations are now open throughout the Adirondack Park.
Photo Credit: Ryan Rovito
The Times Union reports that the stations have opened in the following locations:
- Chateaugay Lake – NYS DEC Boat Launch, Boat Launch Road, Merrill, NY
- Star Lake – State Route 3 Pull-off, 2 miles east of Star Lake, NY 13690
- Schroon Lake – Horicon NYS DEC Boat Launch, Glendale Road and East Shore Drive, Pottersville, NY 12860
- Second Pond – NYS DEC Boat Launch, State Route 3, 4 miles southwest of Saranac Lake, NY 12983
- Great Sacandaga Lake – Northville NYS DEC Boat Launch, State Route 30, 1 mile northwest of Northville, NY 12134
- Thendara – State Route 28 Pull-off, State Route 28, 4.5 miles southwest of Old Forge, NY 13420
- Paul Smiths – Keese Mill Road, Paul Smiths, NY 12970
- Piseco – Common School on State Route 8, 1 mile southeast of Piseco, NY 12139
- Saranac – Country Store & Sunoco Gas Station, 3346 State Route 3, Saranac, NY 12981
- Saratoga Lake – Marine Park, 1485 State Route 9P, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
- South Colton – State Route 56 Truck Inspection Pull-off, 2 miles southeast of Colton, NY 13687
- Speculator – State Route 8/30 Pull-off, 0.5 miles east of Speculator, NY 12164
- Tupper Lake – State Route 30 Pull-off, 2.5 miles southwest of Tupper Lake, NY 12986
Use of the stations is not mandatory at this time, but it is highly recommended. In addition to the decontamination stations, other measures have been implemented to educate the public and prevent the spread of invasives, including adding more boat stewards, posting prevention signage, and performing educational outreach.
According to the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program, there are currently 18 aquatic invasive species in Adirondack waterways, compared to almost 200 in the Great Lakes, Lake Champlain, the St. Lawrence River, and the Hudson River. All boaters must stand united, since it only takes one boat to spread these invaders.
Source:
- The Times Union: State boat inspection stations open in Adirondacks
