§ 9-1701. Legislative findings.

The legislature finds that invasive plant and animal species pose an
unacceptable risk to New York state's environment and economy and that
this risk is increasing through time as more invasive species become
established within the state. The legislature additionally finds that
invasive species are having a detrimental effect upon the state's fresh
and tidal wetlands, water bodies and waterways, forests, agricultural
lands, meadows and grasslands, and other natural communities and systems
by out-competing native species, diminishing biological diversity,
altering community structure and, in some cases, changing ecosystem
processes. Moreover, the legislature recognizes that the ecological
integrity of an increasing number of publicly and privately-owned parks
and preserves is being adversely affected by invasive plants and
animals, challenging the ability of land management agencies to
effectively manage these sites. The legislature further recognizes that
nearly half (forty-six percent; fifty-seven percent of the plants,
thirty-nine percent of the animals) of the species on the federal list
of endangered species are declining, at least in part, due to invasive
species. The legislature additionally finds that invasive species have
an adverse impact on the New York state economy. Particularly affected
by these species are the water supply, agricultural, and recreational
sectors of the state economy. The economic impact to the national
economy has been estimated to be as high as one hundred thirty-seven
billion dollars annually.