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DEC and LGPC Announce Strategy to Address Invasive Species in Lake George

January 16th, 2013 · No Comments · Adirondack News

LGPC to Receive $250K from Environmental Protection Fund to Combat Asian Clams and Other Invasive Species

Comprehensive Environmental Impact Study Process on Preventing Spread of Invasive Species in Lake George is Underway

Working together, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Lake George Park Commission (LGPC) will take actions to prevent the spread and threat of invasive species such as Asian clams in preparation for the summer 2013 boating season, the agencies announced today. In addition, an environmental review of a comprehensive and long-term plan to address invasive species will begin shortly.

“While much has been done to combat this invasive species, we know more must be done and that is why Governor Cuomo has asked us to take immediate action as well as complete a comprehensive environmental review to determine how we can combat invasive species in Lake George,” DEC Commissioner Joe Martens said. “Invasive species present a risk to the ecosystem and recreational values of Lake George if the threat goes unabated. We are eager to begin this process as soon as possible.”

“Governor Cuomo’s commitment of additional funding for our efforts are welcome weapons in our battle against invasive species in Lake George,” David Wick, Executive Director, Lake George Park Commission said. “We now have a thorough process and plan to determine the best course of action going forward. While Asian clams are unlikely to be eradicated from Lake George, the work we are doing in partnership with DEC and the Lake George communities will help prevent the spread of these clams and other invasives.”

To further protect Lake George from the threat of invasive species in 2013 while the review of the long term plan takes place, the DEC and LGPC will:

Expand the Lake George Association’s boat steward program from May to September. The season previously ran from June to August. This will provide additional protection during months when boat traffic is relatively high but stewards are not currently funded.
Develop and implement a more comprehensive outreach program to local and regional boaters who boat on Lake George on how they can reduce the risk of spreading and introducing invasive species.
Increase patrols by DEC Environmental Conservation Officers and LGPC officers trained in aquatic invasive species spread prevention. These officers will work the launches on a regular required basis.

The state Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) will provide $50,000 from the 2012-13 invasive species prevention allocation to fund the lengthened boat steward program and additional outreach efforts.

Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers

LGPC to Receive Additional $200K

In addition to the actions above, the LGPC will receive $200,000 from the EPF to help contain and prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species including Asian clams. As with the allocation above, EPF funds from 2012-13 will be used. Earlier this year the state provided LGPC with $100,000 from the Aid to Localities fund and $100,000 from the EPF to help combat invasive species.

Environmental Impact Review Process

Building upon its work last year, LGPC, in cooperation with the involved state and local agencies, will continue its work pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act to develop a long-term plan for protecting Lake George from invasive species. LGPC will develop a scope for an Environmental Impact Statement and invite public comment to ensure that all reasonable alternatives are considered in the EIS, including mandatory inspections and boat washing. The draft EIS will be subject to public review and comment. Following the comment period, a final EIS will be developed to determine the best course of action on how to prevent the spread of invasive species in Lake George.

The SEQR process must be completed before mandatory inspections and boat washing could be implemented. It is anticipated the SEQR process will be completed by the end of the year.

DEC and LGPC share the goal of preparing a comprehensive long-term plan to address invasive species. Through the environmental review process, including a thorough examination of alternatives, LGPC, DEC and other state and local partners will determine the best course of action.

“The various stake holders have worked diligently on this multifaceted plan to better understand the threat of invasive species in Lake George, prevent their introduction and address existing issues,” said Senator Elizabeth Little of Queensbury. “This proactive and constructive approach will serve Lake George’s ecology and economy well. I thank Governor Andrew Cuomo and DEC Commissioner Joe Martens for committing both the scientific and financial resources to ensure success here.”

State Actions to Combat Invasive Species

Governor Cuomo signed the Invasive Species Prevention Act (ISPA) into law in July 2012. The law directs DEC and the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets to develop by September 2013 a proposed list of invasive species to be regulated and prohibited. In addition, the Invasive Species Council, comprised of nine state agencies, will work with stakeholders on its implementation. Additional actions taken this year by New York State to fight invasive species include:

The Adirondack Park Agency has further streamlined its review process for the removal of invasive species in lakes across the Park. APA has approved a general permit that allows for the management of aquatic invasive species using benthic mats and hand harvesting. LGPC is currently using benthic mats under this general permits to control Asian clams on Lake George.
Launched I-MAP invasives, a web-based tracking system being used by various state agencies to collect invasive species data from the public and private sector and make information available to fight invasives.
Increased efforts post-Sandy to ensure that woody debris was treated correctly, thereby reducing risk of spreading the Asian Long-horned beetle.
Selected four new Partnerships in Invasive Species Management (PRISMs). Once these PRISMs are under contract, all of New York State will be encompassed as part of this PRISM system. PRISMs work with state agencies to coordinate local partner efforts, recruit and train citizen volunteers, identify and deliver education and outreach, establish early detection monitoring networks, and implement direct eradication and control efforts.
Dedicated funds to fight the hydrilla infestation in Cayuga Lake Inlet.

Prevent the Spread of Invasive Species

“One of the best ways to prevent invasive species from entering a water body is to clean, dry and disinfect all boats, watercraft and fishing equipment before entering a waterway,” Commissioner Martens said. “I encourage everyone who recreates in New York’s waterways to do their part to prevent the spread of invasive species.”

INSPECT & CLEAN your fishing, boating and other water recreation equipment and gear. Remove all mud, plants and other organisms that might be clinging to them when leaving waters, especially those that are known to contain an aquatic invasive species.

DRY your fishing and boating equipment before using it on another body of water. Drying is the most effective “disinfection” mechanism and is least likely to damage sensitive equipment and clothing. All fishing and boating equipment, clothing and other gear should be dried completely before moving to another body of water. This may take a week or more depending upon the type of equipment, where it is stored and weather conditions. A basic rule of thumb is to allow at least 48 hours for drying most non-porous fishing and boating gear at relative humidity levels of 70 percent or less.

DISINFECT your fishing and boating equipment if it cannot be dried before its use in another body of water. Disinfection recommendations vary depending on the type of equipment and disease of concern. Be particularly aware of bilge areas, live wells and bait wells in boats. These areas are difficult to dry and can harbor invasive species.

Tags: conservation·dec·invasive species·lake george

DEC Volunteer Sportsman Educators Have Banner Season

December 18th, 2012 · No Comments · Adirondack News

Sportsman Education Instructors had a successful year teaching more than 125 classes in the eight counties administered by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 5, Regional Director Robert Stegemann announced today.

In response to an overwhelming demand for classes, the 263 volunteer instructors in DEC Region 5 held classes from spring through mid-October, providing training to more than 6,000 enrollees.

“Governor Cuomo recognizes that hunting and trapping are valuable recreational activities, wildlife management tools and important parts of the cultural heritage of New Yorkers,” said Director Stegemann. “These activities provide an important opportunity for many New Yorkers to connect with nature. DEC appreciates the efforts of all the instructors, apprentices, volunteers, sportsman organizations and schools that together helped thousands of young people.”

All first-time hunters, bow hunters and trappers must pass one or more sportsman education courses before they can obtain a hunting or trapping license in New York State. Sportsman Education Courses develop skills and attitudes which help students to be better hunters. They also learn to respect people, wildlife, and nature; respect public and private property; practice safe and ethical behavior; appreciate man as a part of nature; support conservation efforts and be examples of responsible hunting and trapping.

Instructors provided a total of eight weeks of hunter education classes and two weeks of bow hunter education classes at two DEC Environmental Education Camps: Colby and Pack Forest. In addition, instruction was provided at the Becoming an Outdoors Woman Program fall workshop held in Lake George.

Many area sportsman clubs hosts hunter education programs at their facilities free of charge and their members serve as instructors, apprentices and volunteers. They teach and demonstrate how to understand and appreciate the responsibilities of ethical hunting and trapping.

A number of area school districts allowed hunter education programs in their schools and some created after school programs based around the courses. DEC and hunter education instructors continue to seek out and work with additional schools that can host the classes or make them part of a school program.

DEC Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs) participate in the majority of the classes, teaching the rules and regulations for hunting and trapping. Some of the officers teach entire classes when their schedules allow.

ECOs also provided a trapper education class for DEC staff from more than eight program that work with trappers in some aspect. DEC staff greatly benefited from this training and gained a better understanding of the sport, its laws and regulations and its importance to the ecology and economy of New York State.

Instructors in DEC Region 5 also assisted in recruiting and training new instructors. In 2012, 14 people became certified instructors, 32 apprentices continued to work towards their certification and 22 people applied to become instructors.

Another improvement to the program has been the increase in home study classes. The home study classes in both gun and bow hunting were designed to better reach military personnel on leave and students active in after-school programs. The classes allow students to complete part of the class online or in a workbook prior to receiving ‘hands on’ instruction in skills, equipment, responsibilities and ethics. This allows instructors to educate students in less time, while still ensuring the proper instruction of students.

DEC continues to seek more volunteer sportsman education instructors. Instructors must at be at least 18 years old, with a minimum of three years of experience in an outdoor-related field, be of good character, respected in their community, and communicate well with young people. Volunteers must commit to complete the training and apprenticeship, teach at least one class a year, and attend a refresher course every two years. Applications may be found on the DEC web site at: www.dec.ny.gov/docs/wildlife_pdf/sepia11.pdf

More information on the DEC Sportsman Education Program may be found at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7860.html

If you are interested in signing up for a free sportsman education course, a list of the classes can be found at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9191.html

Sportsman Education Facts

Hunter Education: Required before a person can obtain any hunting license (including hunting with a bow and arrow for small game). The course covers basic firearms handling and outdoor skills plus hunting techniques. The minimum course time is 10 hours. The minimum age for the course is 11 years. The minimum age for a hunting license is 12 years. All students under 16 years of age are required to bring a permission slip signed by a parent or legal guardian.

Bowhunter Education: Required to hunt deer and bear with a bow and arrow. The course teaches the things that make bow hunting a special challenge and helps to make a more successful hunter. The minimum course time is 8 hours and the minimum age for the course is 11 years. However, the minimum age for hunting big game with bow and arrow is 14 years.

Trapper Education: Required for all new trappers. Covers how to trap responsibly and catch target species, while avoiding unwanted species. Teaches students how to set traps, identify animals and habitats, and how to treat pelts to produce marketable furs. The minimum course time is 8 hours and there is no minimum age limit.

Waterfowl Education: This is a voluntary course that may be required for some special hunting areas. The course teaches the identification of ducks, geese, and other water birds on the wing. The minimum course time is 3 hours and there is no minimum age.

Tags: conservation·dec·hunt

Environmental Organizations Raise Alarm Over Plan to Allow Unlimited Clear-cutting Without Public Review

December 14th, 2012 · No Comments · Adirondack News

Park Agency Board & Public Would be Cut Out of Review of Clear-Cuts

RAY BROOK, N.Y. – The Adirondack Park Agency is considering a plan to eliminate the requirement for a formal environmental review before the state grants permission to undertake major clear-cutting in the private forests of the Adirondack Park.

The damage done to the forests and waters of the Adirondack Park by widespread clear-cutting was the reason why the public voted to protect the park’s public forests via the NYS Constitution, declaring them to be “forever wild” in 1894. Private forests have been under the jurisdiction of the Adirondack Park Agency since 1971.

“The Adirondack Park is the first region of the United States where we learned what awful damage de-regulated clear-cutting can do,” said Diane W. Fish, Executive Director of the Adirondack Council. “Our forests, our water quality and wildlife all suffered. All of the park’s major rivers got muddy and slow. The Erie Canal and Hudson River were in danger of drying up.”

“Public notice of plans to clear-cut a forest would be eliminated under this proposal,” said Roger Downs, Director of Conservation for the Sierra Club, Atlantic Chapter. “That would make it impossible for the public to react before the trees start to fall. No one outside the agency will know until after the permit is issued. Once a staff member declares an application is „complete’ he or she will have only 10 days to issue a final clear-cutting permit. If the APA doesn’t act within 10 days, the applicant can demand automatic approval under the current rules.”(Section 809-6a)

“Worse yet, the new plan contains no restrictions on how many acres may be clear-cut under a fast-track permit,” Fish of the Council explained. “So it is possible that hundreds, or even thousands, of acres could be cut bare without public notice or participation.”

“If that were not bad enough, these permits would never expire,” she said. “Once a permit is issued, the landowner is free to clear-cut that parcel over and over again. There are no limits to allow for regrowth and no requirement for future site visits by agency staff.”

The Adirondack Park Agency Board of Commissioners is expected to vote on the fasttrack permit proposal at its January 10 meeting. The organizations urged the public to contact the agency and ask it to reject the plan.

Currently, timber companies and other landowners must get a permit from the Adirondack Park Agency for any clear-cut above 25 acres on non-wetlands. Clear-cutting is the practice of removing all of the trees from a parcel of land. An acre is about the size of a football field without the end zones.

In order to get that permit, current applicants must undergo a formal environmental review that includes public notice and public participation and approval by the Adirondack Park Agency’s Board of Commissioners. The new plan would eliminate those requirements by allowing agency staff to issue permits, without a vote by the board of commissioners.
This new fast-track approval process would apply even to lands where the state has purchased a conservation easement to ensure that the lands are managed responsibly and sustainably.

“Frankly, we are not persuaded that anyone really needs this expedited, general permit,” said Fish. “Over the past 20 years, timber companies have only requested permission for major clear-cuts from the park agency three times. All three permits were granted. All three resulted in numerous public complaints about abuse of the forest. People get mad about smaller ones too, much smaller than 25 acres.”

“If anything, that proves that the threshold for permits is too lax, and ought to be lower than 25 acres,” said Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens’ Campaign for the Environment. “Large clear-cuts in the Adirondack Park tend to outrage the public. Issuing permits in secret won’t hide a landscape devoid of trees, covered only in stumps and mud and tire tracks. It won’t stop the mud and silt from drifting downstream, burying trout spawning beds along the way.”

“Perhaps clear-cutting is a tool that some timber companies favor to regenerate a certain species of tree,” said Fish. “But in places like the Adirondack Park, with such steep slopes and thin soils, it can do real damage when it is not tightly supervised. Going from a formal review to having staff issue fast-track permits is not tight supervision.”

Under the plan, park agency staff members could accept as adequate almost any forest management plan, including those overseen by the timber industry (Sustainable Forestry Initiative) rather than independent third parties (Forest Stewardship Council).

The Adirondack Council is a privately funded, not-for-profit organization dedicated to ensuring the wild character and ecological integrity of New York’s 9,300-square-mile Adirondack Park. Founded in 1975, the Council carries out its mission through research, education, advocacy and legal action. Council members live in all 50 United States.

Citizens Campaign for the Environment (CCE) was formed in 1985 by a small group of concerned citizens who recognized the need to provide public involvement to advance stronger environmental policy. Today, after 25 years as a not-for-profit, non-partisan advocacy organization, CCE has grown to an 80,000-member organization with offices in Farmingdale, NY, White Plains, NY, Albany, NY, Syracuse, NY, Buffalo, NY, and Hamden, CT. CCE continues to work to empower the public by providing members with opportunities to participate in the political process and thereby advance a strong environmental agenda.

The Sierra Club’s mission is to explore, enjoy, and protect the wild places of the earth; to practice and promote the responsible use of the earth’s ecosystems and resources; to educate and enlist humanity to protect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment; and to use all lawful means to carry out these objectives.

Tags: apa·conservation·forest preserve