For Immediate Release: June 13, 2022
Contact:
Keith P. McKeever | Public Information Officer | Adirondack Park Agency
contact@apa.ny.gov | (518) 891-4050
Ray Brook, NY - The Adirondack Park Agency (APA) is holding a public comment period to solicit comments regarding proposed Inter-Agency Guidelines for Best Management Practices to Control Invasive Species on Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Administered Lands in the Adirondack Park.
The APA will accept comments until July 11, 2022.
The purpose of the guidelines is to establish a process for reviewing invasive species management activities that aim to protect and restore ecological integrity within the Adirondack Park. The guidelines seek to achieve this through early detection and rapid response efforts that address newly identified infestations, and to manage established infestations to reduce the likelihood of spread.
The guidelines apply to DEC-administered lands and underwater lands within the Adirondack Park – primarily comprised of Forest Preserve land. The guidelines pertain to Department of Environmental Conservation land managers and any other agent seeking to manage invasive species on DEC administered lands within the Adirondack Park through a partnership agreement with DEC.
Per the updated guidelines, an invasive species is defined as a species that is non-native to the ecosystem and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause harm to the environment, human health, or the economy.
Impacts of invasive species include loss of biodiversity, interruption of hydrological processes, suppression of native vegetation, threats to human health and safety, and negative economic impacts.
The Inter-Agency Guidelines for Best Management Practices to Control Invasive Species is available to review on the APA Website’s at https://www.apa.ny.gov/Mailing/2022/06/stateLand.htm
Please submit written comments to:
Megan Phillips,
Deputy Director for Planning
NYS Adirondack Park Agency
P.O. Box 99
Ray Brook, NY 12977
Email – SLMP_UMP_Comments@apa.ny.gov
The deadline for comments is July 11, 2022.