Invasive species awareness is an incredibly important topic, especially here in the Adirondacks where we have so many invaluable natural resources and wildlife. In honor of Invasive Species Awareness Week, there are many workshops and events planned, and we’ve also got an update on the fight against invasive species.
Photo Credit: Weed Eater via photopin (license)
The following is a schedule of daily events that will happen throughout the rest of the week:
- Wednesday, July 15
- 9:00am – Middle Saranac Lake Canoe Trip, Lake Placid
- 11:00am – 3:00pm – Invasive Effects on Butterflies, Paul Smith’s VIC
- 10:00am – 2:00pm – Ask an Expert, Keeseville
- 7:30pm – Fireside Chat on Invasive Species
- Thursday, July 16
- 10:00am – 4:00pm – Backcountry Water Monitoring Project Training, Lake Placid
- 2:00pm – 4:00pm – Canoe the Raquette, Tupper Lake
- Friday, July 17
- 1:00pm – 5:00pm – Ask an Expert, Old Forge
- Saturday, July 18
- 9:30am – 12:30pm – Gardening and Landscaping with Native/Non-Invasive Ornamental Plants in the Adirondacks, North Creek
- 10:00am – 5:00pm – Ask an Expert, Inlet
There are also a number of other events happening every day this week, including:
- 11:30am – 3:00pm – Ask an Expert, Lake George Visitors Center
- 10:00am – 4:00pm – Display, Paul Smith’s College VIC
- 7:00am – 4:00pm – Invasive Species Shaped Cookies at Cranberry Lake, Long Lake, and Tupper Lake State Boat Launches
Regarding the fight against invasive species, The Adirondack Park Agency announced at the beginning of the month that it has approved two general permits that allow non-native plants and animals to be removed from state- and privately-owned land within the Adirondack Park. In a statement, the APA said, “General Permits 2015G-1 and 2014G-1A authorize a rapid response to both aquatic and terrestrial invasive species throughout the Adirondack Park by qualified and trained persons.”
For perspective on just how important it is to keep invasive species out of the Adirondacks, a report by the APA determined, “the spread of just eight high risk invasive species, including four aquatic invasive species, could result in an annual loss of $48 to $53 million to the tourism, agriculture, and forestry sectors in the Adirondack Park.” Attend some of the Invasive Species Awareness Week events and get educated on what you can do to help prevent that kind of damage!
Learn about Giant Hogweed, one of the species that could threaten the Adirondacks in the future >>
Sources:
- Adirondack Park Agency: APA Approves General Permits to Fight Invasive Species
- WNYT: NY state agency issues permits for removing invasive species
- The Post Star: Events planned for New York Invasive Species Awareness Week
- Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program: Invasive Species Awareness Week