New law to aid invasive species fight

Governor Andrew Cuomo yesterday approved legislation directing the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to design and post at public boat launches a universal sign warning of the threat of aquatic invasive species.

Senator Betty Little and Assemblyman Dan Stec were sponsors of the measure.

The DEC will have a year to post or provide for the posting of a universal sign of not less than eighteen inches by twenty-four inches at each public boat launch site in the state alerting boaters to the threat of invasive species and steps to mitigate the spread.

Aquatic invasive species (AIS), such as zebra mussels, asian clams and hydrilla, pose a serious threat to the ecosystems and economies of the communities around lakes, rivers and other bodies of waters throughout New York State.

"A clear and consistent message will help drive the point that preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species is the responsibility of every boater,” said Senator Little.

"Education and prevention are crucial, cost-effective measures to begin to combat our growing aquatic invasive species problem,” said Assemblyman Stec.  “This new law will help us in this fight statewide."

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