New DEC office aims at invasives
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- December
- 27
The Office of Invasive Species. Sounds like an investigative division from the alien-chasing comedy “Men in Black.” But it’s actually an effort by the state Department of Environmental Conservation to tackle the invasion of invasive species – one of the state’s fastest-growing environmental threats.
From the announcement:
“The new Office of Invasive Species will bring together biologists and foresters to develop ways to combat the problem, and work with universities, other state agencies and non-profit organizations to support research and raise public awareness. From zebra mussels to Eurasian water milfoil to Sirex wood wasps, hundreds of non-native plants and animals have invaded New York – especially in the last decade, thought to be linked to the rise in global shipping – posing threats to ecosystems.“These invasive species have a devastating impact, not only on the environment but also the economy,â€? said Governor Eliot Spitzer. “They have wiped out certain tree species, hurt recreational and commercial fishing, and tainted water supplies. This new office will bring a much needed focus to a problem we cannot ignore.â€?
The DEC’s announcement goes on to list some of the more well-known invasive plants and animals – non-native species that can cause harm to the environment or human health.
“Some of the more well-known invasive species in New York are zebra mussels, milfoil, chestnut blight and the Asian Long Horned Beetle. And new ones are being found at a rapid rate. Last summer, DEC confirmed the presence of Didymo (or “Rock Snotâ€?) in a section of the Batten Kill, a fabled trout stream in Washington County. The algae can wreck trout habitat by harming the bottom-dwelling organisms on which fish feed.”
Other invasive species threatening the state include the Round Goby fish and the mitten crab.
This entry was posted
on Thursday, December 27th, 2007 at 5:44 pm by Mike Risinit.
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Journal News staff writer Greg Clary writes Earth Watch, reporting on environmental issues in the lower Hudson region. Clary has been a reporter, editor and columnist at the Journal News since 1988 and has covered police and courts, transportation, municipal government, development and the environment in the Lower Hudson Valley, among other topics. 
Laura Incalcaterra covers the environment, open space and zoning and planning issues for The Journal News. A Boston College graduate, Laura grew up in Rockland, attended East Ramapo schools and has worked for The Journal News since 1993. Laura has written features and covered North Rockland, crime, government and a host of other issues.
Mike Risinit covers Patterson and Kent in Putnam County, as well as environmental topics touching on the Hudson River and the Great Swamp. Risinit has been a reporter at The Journal News since 1998.
