NEW YORK STATE INVASIVE SPECIES COMPREHENSIVE MANAGEMENT PLAN - FINAL November 2018
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NEW YORK STATE INVASIVE SPECIES
COMPREHENSIVE MANAGEMENT PLAN
FINAL
November 2018
www.dec.ny.gov
New York State Invasive Species Comprehensive Management Plan PREPARED FOR: New York State Invasive Species Council PREPARED BY:
Executive Summary
New York State (NYS) is a diverse mosaic of natural, agricultural, and urban ecosystems
which provide essential services to the residents of NYS, the surrounding region, and
the global community. Large marine and freshwater systems offer an abundance of
natural resources while providing opportunities for commercial fshing and recreational
activities. New York’s agricultural sector encompasses nearly 7 million acres of farmland
and ranks in the top 10 nationally in 30 agricultural commodities such as apples,
maple syrup, grapes, and dairy products, and the state’s 19 million acres of forests
support a $22 billion forest economy. New York is also home to the 6.1 million-acre
Adirondack Park which features an abundance of freshwater and intact forest
systems and serves as one of the world’s preeminent models of public-private land
conservation. However, NYS’s ecological, economic, and public well-being continue to
be threatened by the proliferation of invasive species.
New York State’s status as a hub for global commerce, its geographic
setting, and patchwork of privately owned land have created
signifcant challenges to managing invasive species. Intercontinental
trade through the St. Lawrence Seaway and New York Harbor make
New York home to some of the busiest air and sea ports on the
planet and create a diverse suite of introduction pathways which
consistently pose novel threats to the resources of NYS.
For decades, NYS offcials and resource managers have
provided a critical line of defense to prevent or slow the proliferation
of invasive species that can harm public health, ecosystem
integrity, agricultural productivity, and commerce. These efforts
have positioned NYS as a leader in invasive species management.
Since the 2005 Invasive Species Task Force Report, NYS has
made outstanding progress toward creating and implementing a
broad invasive species management program including signifcant
accomplishments such as the formation of the Invasive Species
Council and Invasive Species Advisory Committee; NYS Invasive
Species Research Institute; the invasive species database
iMapInvasives; the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Bureau of Invasive
Species and Ecosystem Health; and the creation of the eight Partnerships for Regional
Invasive Species Management (PRISM), which together encompass the entirety of NYS.
Despite these accomplishments and signifcant effort, invasive species continue to pose
signifcant risks to NYS’s ecosystems, economy, and human health.
To address these risks, New York has developed this Invasive Species Comprehensive
Management Plan (ISCMP), as directed in Title 17 of Environmental Conservation Law
Article 9, to encompass all current and future invasive species taxa and the suite of
New York State Invasive Species Comprehensive Management Plan 2
ecosystem types (e.g., terrestrial, freshwater, and marine) found across the State.
The ISCMP was designed to highlight the great work that NYS has already done by
promoting existing programs and methods that have been successful, while identifying
structures and processes to help guide invasive species management into the future.
The ISCMP is framed around eight focal initiatives:
Continue to build partnerships and capacity
Commit to a centralized framework for sharing invasive species information
Set priorities for invasive species management and advance preparedness
Engage and inform the public
Advance prevention and early detection
Improve the response to invasive species
Recover ecosystem resilience
Evaluate success
Each initiative includes recommended actions to guide the management activities of State
agencies, and to align the priorities of regional and local natural resource managers to
State-level actions. Ultimately, the goal of the ISCMP is to help minimize the introduction,
establishment, and proliferation of invasive species thereby limiting potential negative
impacts. By including a focus on ecosystem resilience, this comprehensive management
plan recognizes the important role that ecosystems themselves play in the dynamics of
invasive species. While resilient ecosystems may be more resistant to invasive species,
they also will likely maintain a greater capacity to recover from their impacts. This Plan
positions NYS to continue its role as a leader in the management of invasive species and
protect our natural resources for future generations of New Yorkers.
Invasive species manual control, photo courtesy of Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program
New York State Invasive Species Comprehensive Management Plan 3
Table of Contents
Executive Summary ......................................................................................... 2
List of Acronyms ............................................................................................. 6
Defnitions ........................................................................................................7
Introduction..................................................................................................... 9
Background and Comprehensive Plan Organization
Goals and Initiatives of this Comprehensive Management Plan
1. Continue to Build Partnerships and Capacity .............................................. 12
1A. Need
1B. Approach
1C. Recommended Actions
2. Commit to a Centralized Framework for Sharing Invasive Species
Information.....................................................................................................21
2A. Need
2B. Approach
2C. Recommended Actions
3. Set Priorities for Invasive Species Management and Advance
Preparedness ................................................................................................ 25
3A. Need
3B. Approach
3C. Recommended Actions
4. Engage and Inform the Public ..........................................................................29
4A. Need
4B. Approach
4C. Recommended Actions
5. Advance Prevention and Early Detection .................................................... 35
5A. Need
5B. Approach
5C. Recommended Actions
6. Improve the Response to Invasive Species ...................................................41
6A. Need
6B. Approach
6C. Recommended Actions
New York State Invasive Species Comprehensive Management Plan 4
Sand sedge removal, photo courtesy of New York Natural Heritage Program
7. Recover Ecosystem Resilience .................................................................... 46
7A. Need
7B. Approach
7C. Recommended Actions
8. Evaluate Success ....................................................................................... 50
8A. Need
8B. Approach
8C. Recommended Actions
Summary of Recommendations...................................................................... 54
Attachment 1: Annual Report Card Template ................................................. 56
References .................................................................................................... 62
Appendices .................................................................................................... 64
TABLES
1. National and Multistate Invasive Species Organizations
FIGURES
1. Conceptual Diagram Showing the Intended Alignment of New York State and
Partner Planning
2. Collaborative Network for Invasive Species Management in New York State
New York State Invasive Species Comprehensive Management Plan 5
List of Acronyms
ALB Asian Longhorned Beetle
APHIS Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
AVID Assessing Vegetation Impacts from Deer
BISEH Bureau of Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health
BMP Best Management Practice
CAPS Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey
CCE Cornell Cooperative Extension
CSLAP Citizens Statewide Lake Assessment Program
DER Division of Environmental Remediation
EAB Emerald Ash Borer
EBM Ecosystem-Based Management
ECL Environmental Conservation Law
ECO Environmental Conservation Offcers
EPF Environmental Protection Fund
ESRI Environmental Systems Research Institute
GEIS Generic Environmental Impact Statement
HWA Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
ICS Incident Command System
IPMDAT Invasive Plant Management Decision Analysis Tool
IS Invasive Species
ISAW Invasive Species Awareness Week
ISCMP Invasive Species Comprehensive Management Plan
LWRP Local Waterfront Revitalization Program
MSA Master Service Agreements
NAISN North American Invasive Species Network
NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service
NYISRI New York Invasive Species Research Institute
NYNHP New York Natural Heritage Program
NYS New York State
NYS OPRHP NYS Offce of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation
NYSAES New York State Agricultural Experiment Station
NYSDAM NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets
NYSDEC NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
NYSDOE NYS Department of Education
NYSDOH NYS Department of Health
NYSDOS NYS Department of State
NYSDOT NYS Department of Transportation
DER-10 NYSDEC Division of Environmental Remediation
NYSG New York Sea Grant
NYSIPM NYS Integrated Pest Management Program
PPQ Plant Protection and Quarantine
New York State Invasive Species Comprehensive Management Plan 6
PRISMs Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management
QAPP Quality Assurance Project Plan
REDC Regional Economic Development Council
RISCC Northeast Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change
SUNY ESF State University of New York College of Environmental Science
and Forestry
SWCD Soil and Water Conservation District
UAV Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
USDA United States Department of Agriculture
WAVE Water Assessments by Volunteer Evaluators
WHIP Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program
WISPA Watercraft Inspection Steward Program Application
WRP Wetland Reserve Program
Defnitions
Biocontrol The deliberate introduction of host-specifc natural enemies of a
target species to limit its abundance and spread.
Ecosystem-based An integrated approach to management that considers the entire
Management ecosystem, including humans, to achieve improved environmental
conditions and sustained ecosystem services that support human
needs and social goals. Ecosystem-based management differs
from current approaches that usually focus on a single species,
sector, activity or concern; it considers the cumulative impacts of
different sectors, including human, social and economic activities
(McLeod KL, et al., 2005).
Ecosystem The ability for ecosystems to resist disturbance and/or recover
Resilience from it.
Ecosystem The benefts that humans obtain from ecosystems. Ecosystem
Services services may include those that provide food and water; regulate
climate, disease, and water quality; provide recreational, aesthetic,
or cultural benefts; or provide essential supporting services such
as photosynthesis and nutrient cycling.
eDNA An indirect DNA-based species detection method whereby DNA is
(Environmental extracted from various media (soil, water, air) and sequenced to
DNA) determine presence/absence.
New York State Invasive Species Comprehensive Management Plan 7
Generic A type of environmental impact statement that is typically used
Environmental to consider broad-based actions or related groups of actions that
Impact Statement agencies may approve, fund, or directly undertake. A generic EIS
differs from a site or project specifc EIS by being more general
or conceptual in nature. The broader focus of a generic EIS
may aid the lead agency in identifying and broadly analyzing the
cumulative impacts of a group of actions, or a combination of
impacts from a single action.
Horizon A process for identifying and assessing risks posed by non-native
Scanning species that may be introduced and become established.
Invasive A species that is nonnative to the ecosystem under consideration,
Species and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or
environmental harm or harm to human health. For the purposes
of 6 NYCRR Part 575, the harm must signifcantly outweigh
any benefts.
Prohibited A species that poses a clear risk to New York’s economy,
Species ecological well-being and/or human health and is listed as
prohibited under 6 NYCRR Part 575.3.
Regulated A species that has the potential to cause signifcant harm to New
Species York’s economy, ecological well-being and/or human health and
could be effectively contained through regulatory programs and is
listed as regulated under 6 NYCRR Part 575.4.
Water chestnut pull, photo courtesy of NYS Offce of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation
New York State Invasive Species Comprehensive Management Plan 8
Introduction
BACKGROUND AND COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ORGANIZATION
New York State (NYS) is home to an The New York State Invasive Species
outstanding diversity of ecosystems, Task Force report was developed in
ranging from the ocean, estuaries, and 2005 to articulate IS challenges and
freshwater lakes and rivers to alpine provide management recommendations.
peaks, forests, agricultural lands, and That effort resulted in the following
human settlements. These natural 12 recommendations, many of which
and working landscapes provide vital have seen signifcant accomplishments
ecosystem services to the State and to date (described in relevant sections
surrounding regions. However, invasive of this document):
species (IS), combined with the effects of
other stressors such as climate change, Establish a permanent leadership
development, and localized imbalances structure to coordinate invasive
of wildlife populations, threaten to disrupt species efforts
the resilience of New York’s ecosystems. Allocate appropriate resources for
In response, multiple NYS agencies and invasive species effort
partners have collectively developed a Establish a comprehensive education
nationally recognized IS management and outreach effort
program that is positioned to continue Integrate databases and information
being a leader in invasive species clearinghouses
prevention and management. Convene a regular invasive species
conference
New York is a major port of entry for Formalize NYS policy and practices on
a wide range of taxa from other lands invasive species
and waterways, and for decades, NYS Establish a center for invasive
offcials and resource managers have species research
provided a critical line of defense to Coordinate and streamline regulatory
prevent the establishment and proliferation processes
of invasive species that can harm public Encourage nonregulatory approaches
health, ecosystem integrity, agricultural to prevention
productivity, and market access, as well Infuence Federal actions to support
as commerce. Despite these ongoing invasive species prevention, eradication
management efforts, global trade, climate and control
change, and the spread of IS across state Recognize and fund demonstration
boundaries continue to elevate the risk projects
of harm to all New Yorkers from invasive Prepare and implement a comprehensive
species. Overcoming the threats posed invasive species management plan,
by invasive species requires the combined which is the charge of this document
and synchronized actions of many parties,
including private citizens, elected offcials,
and resource management agencies.
New York State Invasive Species Comprehensive Management Plan 9This Invasive Species Comprehensive changes, and emerging priorities and/or
Management Plan (ISCMP) is intended threats are realized.
to guide New York’s agencies and
partners engaged in IS prevention, early Relationship to Other NYS Plans
detection, rapid response, and ecosystem This plan is not intended to supersede
restoration toward an effective and existing NYS IS management plans or
coordinated response. provide a cookbook for addressing
species-specifc IS challenges. Rather,
Scope because there is an ongoing need to
The ISCMP encompasses all taxa and remove barriers and establish a forward-
habitats. This scope includes terrestrial looking framework for coordinated
invasive species that affect forested actions, this ISCMP aims to strengthen
landscapes and agricultural ecosystems the framework within which IS actions
as well as aquatic invasive species that are implemented (Figure 1). The intent
can disrupt freshwater, estuarine, and is to build on the framework set forth
marine ecosystems. by the 2005 Invasive Species Task
Force and 2011 NYS Invasive Species
Audience and Purpose Management Strategy.
This plan has been developed for use
by a variety of stakeholders to set
directives, develop work plans, and
guide an overarching approach for IS
management into the future. This plan
lays out initiatives at a scale that will
The ISCMP will help
enable managers and decision-makers researchers focus on
to formulate corresponding actions,
developing studies and
“
as appropriate. This plan also includes
processes and metrics to measure
progress and respond to new information outreach directions
Timeframe
that are germane to
The ISCMP does not have an associated accomplishing goals of
timeline; it is anticipated that certain
sections and content of this plan will the management plan.
be updated as our understanding of IS
management advances, new approaches
— UNIVERSITY RESEARCHER
of detection are developed, the regulatory
environment affecting global commerce
New York State Invasive Species Comprehensive Management Plan 10GOALS AND INITIATIVES OF THIS COMPREHENSIVE
MANAGEMENT PLAN
The overarching goal of this ISCMP is to minimize the introduction, establishment,
proliferation, and negative impacts caused by invasive species. This goal will be addressed
through eight major initiatives:
Continue to build partnerships and
Advance prevention and early
1 capacity, while supporting effective 5 detection
ongoing programs
Commit to a centralized framework Improve the response to new
2 for information management 6 invasions
Set priorities for IS management, Recover ecosystem resilience
3 and advance preparedness 7 and services
Engage and inform the public Evaluate and report progress,
4 about IS 8 adapt to evolving circumstances
Each section of this plan describes the need for the initiative and the plan’s overarching
approach for addressing the need, followed by recommended actions. A report card
template, which may be used to track the progress of each recommendation, is presented
as Attachment 1. While many of the recommended actions suggest a lead agency
to oversee their implementation, the decision of allocating responsibility rests with the
IS Council and others in State government. For some of the recommended actions, this
ISCMP also cites other agencies that might play a key role in implementation based on
their expertise or ability to advance actions.
ED/RR Plan
AIS Plan
Figure 1.
Education and Outreach Strategy
Conceptual Diagram Program ISCMP Field
Showing the Intended Management Agency Initiatives Actions
Alignment of New iMap and NYSIRI Annual Reports
York State and
PRISM Plans
Partner Planning
Documents as they
Relate to the ISCMP
New York State Invasive Species Comprehensive Management Plan 111. Continue to Build Partnerships
and Capacity
1A. NEED improvements to meet stakeholder
needs, share expertise and
Given the breadth of expertise, technology, programmatic strengths, use
and staffng required to address IS resources effciently, and connect in
problems effectively – and the fnite ways that will enhance our ability to
funding available for IS management overcome the risks posed by IS.
– a major challenge is to create and
maintain robust networks that reduce the Progress to Date
fragmentation of our IS response, help
stakeholders fnd and share information, The IS Council was established in
prevent duplication of effort, fll gaps in our 2007 through New York’s Environmental
collective knowledge base, and promote Conservation Law (ECL) Title 17,
the use of tools and best practices for Section 9, fulflling a criterion of the
prevention and management. In New York, Environmental Law Institute’s “Gold
responsibility for IS prevention, detection, Standard” for a model state program.
management, research, and outreach Nine State agencies are represented
is shared by a network of organizations on the Invasive Species Council,
working in partnership (Figure 2). which is chaired by NYSDEC and
the NYS Department of Agriculture
The State’s current IS leadership and and Markets (NYSDAM). The Council
partnership structure includes the fosters collaboration and coordination
Invasive Species Council, IS Advisory among State agencies, the IS Advisory
Committee, Partnerships for Regional Committee, and stakeholders across
Invasive Species Management, New York the State to minimize the harm caused
Invasive Species Research Institute, and by invasive species to New York’s
iMapInvasives initiative (all described more environment, economy, and human
fully on the following pages). The New health. It meets at least four times per
York State Department of Environmental year, including one joint meeting with the
Conservation (NYSDEC) IS Coordination Advisory Committee.
Section is a hub for collaboration and
coordination among partners within the The IS Advisory Committee,
network. While this overall structure has established in 2007 under ECL §9-1707,
served the State well as the foundation includes up to 25 representatives from
of its nationally recognized IS program, a range of stakeholder groups including
collaboration among such a wide range nongovernmental organizations, trade/
of partners on a topic as pervasive business groups, and educational
as invasive species management is institutions. This committee meets four
challenging. State agencies and partner times per year and provides guidance
organizations must strive for ongoing to the IS Council.
New York State Invasive Species Comprehensive Management Plan 12Figure 2. Collaborative Network for Invasive Species Management in New York State
Lead IS Organizations Contract Partners Funded by EPF
Formed under ECL Article 9, Title 17 Formed based on recommendations of IS Task Force, 2005
Invasive Species Council NY Invasive Species Research Institute
Assesses IS issues, prioritizes funding, Communicates and coordinates invasive species research
recommends legislation Based at Cornell University
Co-chairs: NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation NYSDEC
NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets IS COORDINATION iMapInvasives
Members: Adirondack Park Agency SECTION Online invasive species database
NYS Canal Corporation Coordinates and mapping tool
NYS Dept. of Education partners across
Based at New York Natural Heritage Program
NYS Dept. of State the state
NYS Dept. of Transportation
NYS Offce of Parks, Recreation, & Historic Preservation
NYS Thruway Authority Central Website/Information Clearinghouse
[Website at NYIS.info intermittently funded/maintained]
Invasive Species Advisory Committee
Provides information and guidance to IS Council Partnerships for Regional
Invasive Species Management
Permanent: Boating organization 8 regional organizations covering NYS
Cornell University
Darrin Freshwater Institute Plan regional IS management
Lake Association (NYS Federation of Lake Associations) Develop early detection and rapid response capacity
Nursery Business (NYS Nursery and Landscape Assoc.) Support research through citizen science
NY Natural Heritage Program Recruit and train volunteers
NY Sea Grant Implement projects
NYC Dept. of Environmental Protection Coordinate partners
NYS Biodiversity Research Institute, SUNY Albany Educate
Soil and Water Conservation Districts
Statewide agricultural org. (NY Farm Bureau)
Statewide land conservation org. (The Nature Conservancy)
Statewide local gov. org. (NYS Assoc. of Counties)
Statewide org. formed to address invasive species
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Additional American Society of Landscape Architects
(2017): Audubon New York
Empire State Forest Products Association
Environmental Energy Alliance of NY
New York Botanical Garden
NYS Flower Industry
NYS Turfgrass Association
PRISMs (SLELO currently represents)
USDA APHIS Wildlife Services
The NYS Environmental Protection The Partnerships for Regional
Fund (EPF) has supported IS programs Invasive Species Management
and grants since 2006, as an outgrowth (PRISMs) play a central role in New
of the IS Task Force’s recommendation York’s approach to IS management
to allocate appropriate resources for by building expertise within their
invasive species efforts. EPF allocations respective regions of the State
for IS programs and grants has and providing regionally adapted,
increased dramatically since 2006, on-the-ground actions regarding IS
reaching $13.3 million in 2018. outreach, prevention, management,
New York State Invasive Species Comprehensive Management Plan 13and monitoring, as well as identifying iMapInvasives is an online invasive
regional priorities for allocation of species database and mapping tool
agency resources. Eight PRISMs provide managed by the New York Natural
complete coverage of New York, with Heritage Program (NYNHP), a
a focus on facilitating cooperation partnership between NYSDEC and
between public and private interests. the State University of New York
The IS Task Force recognized the College of Environmental Science and
value of such regional entities based Forestry (SUNY ESF). The initiative
on the success of Weed Management began in 2007 after the IS Task Force
Areas (a precursor to PRISMs). recommended integration of databases,
The same legislation that called for and the platform was launched in
establishment of the IS Council and 2010. This resource compiles and
Advisory Committee also called for conveys information on invasive species
funding of the PRISMs. observations, surveys, and treatments
and can provide email alerts, reports,
The New York Invasive Species and dashboards.
Research Institute (NYISRI), based
at Cornell University, has fostered NYSDEC’s Invasive Species
the sharing of knowledge among Coordination Section develops,
IS researchers and practitioners in administers, and coordinates State-
the State since 2008. Established funded IS programs. The Section’s
in response to an IS Task Force staff members are housed within
recommendation, NYISRI communicates NYSDEC’s Bureau of Invasive Species
and coordinates invasive species and Ecosystem Health (BISEH).
research through its website,
publications, presentations, events, Members of New York’s collaborative
professional network, and online IS network participate in national,
database of experts, as well as through international, and multistate
the work of its advisory board. organizations formed to address
invasive species (Table 1). For
example, NYISRI was a co-organizer of
the 2017 and 2018 Northeast Regional
Invasive Species and Climate Change
The NY Invasive (RISCC) Management Symposium, IS
Species Research Coordination Section staff participate
in regional aquatic nuisance species
Institute has
”
groups, and a member of the IS
helped reduce Advisory Committee represents
barriers to effective New York on the National IS Council
coordination with Advisory Committee.
other organizations.
New York State’s Offce of Parks,
— UNIVERSITY RESEARCHER
Recreation and Historic Preservation
(NYS OPRHP) Invasive Species
Management Team (ISMT) develops,
New York State Invasive Species Comprehensive Management Plan 14administers, and coordinates IS In 2008, NYS OPRHP developed
management efforts within NYS Parks its Friends of Recreation,
and Historic Sites. The ISMT operates Conservation, and Environmental
a strike team program to conduct Stewardship (FORCES) program with
manual removal of invasive species the intention of boosting and growing
impacting rare, threatened, and volunteerism within NYS Parks. The
endangered species and unique program creates opportunities for
communities; a forest health program a wide range of mutually benefcial
which conducts forest pest surveys and partnerships that enhance State Parks
organizes treatments; and a statewide while providing students with real
boat launch steward program which world experiences and opportunities to
provides watercraft inspections and further their academic programs, and
public education. Additionally, since develop personal connections to NYS
2008 NYS OPRHP has hired 6 natural Parks. Many of these opportunities
resource stewardship biologists, focus on invasive species management
5 stewardship specialists, and multiple and restoration.
other long-term positions. The duties
of these new staff positions include The IS Coordinator position at NYSDAM
developing and implementing invasive was reinstated and staffed in August
species management projects at State 2018 creating more robust capacity to
Parks and Historic Sites. fully represent agricultural interests and
contributions to the State’s IS effort.
Table 1. National and Multistate Invasive Species Organizations
NATIONAL AND NORTH AMERICAN MULTISTATE
Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force Delaware River Invasive Plant Partnership (DRIPP)
National Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force Great Lakes Commission
National Institute of Invasive Species Science (NIISS) Great Lakes Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species
National Invasive Species Advisory Committee Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI)
National Invasive Species Council (NISC) Haudenosaunee Environmental Task Force (HETF)
National Invasive Species Information Center (NISIC) Invasive Plant Atlas of New England (IPANE)
National Invasive Species Working Group (ISWG) Long Island Sound Study (LISS)
National Plant Board Mid-Atlantic Aquatic Nuisance Species Panel
National Plant Conservation Alliance’s Alien Plant Mid-Atlantic Exotic Pest Plant Council (MA-EPPC)
Working Group New York-New Jersey Trail Conference
North American Invasive Species Management Northeast Aquatic Nuisance Species Panel (NEANS)
Association Northeast Aquatic Plant Management Society (APMS)
North American Invasive Species Network Northeast Forest Pest Council
US Forest Service Forest Health Cooperative Northeast Regional Invasive Species and Climate
USDA Interagency Research Forum on Invasive Species Change Network
USDA New Pest Advisory Group Northeastern Integrated Pest Management Center
Palisades Interstate Park Commission
New York State Invasive Species Comprehensive Management Plan 151B. APPROACH (and regionally) should be looking
for ways to partner when pursuing
New York’s IS leadership should build extramural funding to project, to the
on existing successful partnerships and extent possible, the full strength of New
processes while seeking opportunities York’s invasive species organization and
to engage more fully with NYS and avoid undermining each other’s efforts in
regional stakeholder organizations. Given the shared goal of IS management.
the breadth of organizations involved,
State IS leaders should continue to
clarify roles among the network of
partners and consider ways to more
fully involve agencies and programs that We need to strengthen
could bring key insights or resources
to the collaboration. relationships among IS
Advisory Committee
“
Agriculture and natural resource agencies
and representatives on the IS Advisory partners, including
Committee should forge stronger
connections so that they are more fully communication and
attuned to each other’s priorities and
can tap into each other’s strengths coordination regarding
regarding IS management and stakeholder
outreach. State agencies should
lessons learned.
seek opportunities to ensure that IS — LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
considerations are refected in their
respective programs and grant awards,
and that the partner agencies have
adequate staffng to respond to the IS
challenges. The statewide IS network 1C. RECOMMENDED ACTIONS
should be continuously reviewed to ensure
that it draws on diverse expertise and Maintain the existing IS Council/IS
consolidates the delivery of information Advisory Committee model
that will help stakeholders manage IS. with PRISMs, NYISRI and
Members of the IS network should continue iMapInvasives as critical elements
and expand engagement with national to a decentralized program.
and multistate organizations to share
and gather information about IS threats, Promote the collaborative nature of the
research, and policy beyond New York. IS network and partnerships within the
State, and acknowledge shared interests
Opportunities to consolidate and simplify of collaborators.
NYS contracts to partner organizations
should be evaluated to improve effciency Defne respective roles, needs, and
and reduce administrative labor effort. contributions of partner organizations,
Similarly, all organizations collaborating and provide this information prominently
in IS management in New York on a centralized website (Section 2) so
New York State Invasive Species Comprehensive Management Plan 16it can be easily shared among those Engage climate change experts in
who collaborate within the IS Council, IS invasive species collaborations.
Advisory Committee, and organizations
that may be more loosely connected Address IS within the context of
to the network. a changing climate by involving
State-based climate change experts
The IS Coordination Section should in IS Council meetings, especially as
evaluate the opportunity to reduce their work is being carried out through
contracting uncertainty and increase programs within State agencies
fexibility by establishing unit cost, (e.g., NYSDEC Offce of Climate Change,
long-term (e.g., 5-year) master contracts NYSDOS, NYSDAM).
with annual task orders.
Consider including a climate change
Incorporate agriculture programs representative on the IS Advisory
more fully within the IS leadership Committee or Horizon Scanning
framework. Committee (Section 3).
Add representatives from the NYS Synthesize current knowledge on
Integrated Pest Management (NYSIPM) invasive species and climate change
Program, Cornell Cooperative Extension’s interactions, and pursue initiatives to
(CCE) Master Gardeners Program, translate this knowledge into action
and/or Diagnostic Laboratories to the (e.g., incorporate into regulations and
existing IS leadership structure (e.g., management plans).
IS Advisory Committee or Horizon
Scanning Committee [Section 3]), and Increase State agency engagement,
provide them with a concrete role and and leverage strengths of existing
objectives. For example, these roles agency programs.
could include sharing priorities identifed
by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s State agencies on the IS Council should
(USDA) New Pest Advisory Group, be actively represented at Council
and the Cooperative Agricultural Pest meetings and routinely prompted to
Survey (CAPS) and summarizing CAPS refect on their role in the collaborative
information, which may be inaccessible network. Each agency is encouraged
to non-USDA affliated agencies to hire or designate one full time staff
but could be shared in aggregated specifcally focused on addressing IS
form to enhance preparedness and issues and serving as a representative
supplement iMapInvasives. to the IS Council. Each IS Council
member should share information
Acknowledge the need for, and about their agency’s interests and
incentivize, ongoing support of the responsibilities regarding IS to clarify
valuable programs listed above in the potential roles regarding regulatory
context of statewide IS management and issues, land management, funding
identify opportunities for cost sharing channels, and target audiences for
when these groups materially contribute outreach and training.
to the goals of the IS Council.
New York State Invasive Species Comprehensive Management Plan 17 Each IS Council member should review provide insights on the human health
existing planning or permit development impacts of some IS; and the NYS Offce
programs and identify opportunities of General Services (OGS) is tasked with
to incorporate IS considerations. For managing state lands under water. The
example, NYS Department of State OGS can also offer expertise in term
(NYSDOS) could encourage Local contract management.
Waterfront Revitalization Program
(LWRP) applicants to include IS The knowledge and expertise housed
considerations in their economic at the NYSDEC Division of Marine
development projects, and could add Resources, and New York Sea Grant
an IS component to its proposal scoring (NYSG) should be more thoroughly
criteria. Similarly, NYSDEC could make leveraged to raise awareness and
IS considerations a required component address IS issues in New York’s ocean
of Unit Management Plans, and the NYS ecosystem. This may be accomplished
Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) by supporting greater collaboration
could include IS considerations within among marine programs and the
the NYS Scenic Byways Program. Lower Hudson and Long Island PRISMs.
Consideration should also be given
Explore ways to involve State agencies to the inclusion of a marine expert on
that are not currently members of the the IS Advisory Committee or Horizon
IS Council but may have important Scanning Committee (Section 3) to
contributions and interests in IS- ensure that the marine perspective is
related issues. For example, the NYS adequately represented.
Department of Health (NYSDOH) might
PRISM coordinators, photo courtesy of Capital / Mohawk Partnership for Regional Invasive
Species Management
New York State Invasive Species Comprehensive Management Plan 18Strategically expand stakeholder IS management or other discipline
groups represented within the IS as it relates to IS management.
leadership structure. Representatives from these
organizations may provide presentations
Elected offcials. This could be to the IS Council and IS Advisory
accomplished by directing PRISM leads Committee on technical applications and
to engage with and inform State and emerging management alternatives.
local legislators in their region as well
as evaluate opportunities to assist with Connect with national IS
challenges posed by IS. In addition, organizations and neighboring
BISEH representatives could meet states to leverage knowledge and
annually with the Governor’s offce to resources.
share annual priorities and horizon
scanning outcomes as determined Ensure that members of New York’s
by a Horizon Scanning Committee IS leadership work with Federal and
(Section 3C). international partners to promote
policies designed to prevent the
Private landowners. The IS Council introduction of IS at a national level
should consider adding a private (e.g., ballast water policy), and that
landowner representative (e.g., NY State initiatives are compatible with and
Forest Owners Association) to the IS help advance the goals of Federal and
Advisory Committee. See Section 4 international programs.
for additional recommendations on
providing outreach to and engaging Continue to lead and collaborate
with private landowners. regionally with researchers, policy
makers, and resource managers in
AmeriCorps and other service neighboring states to develop and
organizations. Leaders from these share knowledge about the impacts of
organizations may be able to facilitate climate change on invasive species and
new opportunities for implementing ecosystem resilience.
projects and engaging individuals.
Empower key staff members/
Pet trade, aquarium owners, and organizations within the State’s IS
water gardeners. These groups have network to actively engage in or lead
the potential to infuence the spread multistate collaborations. For example,
of invasive species in New York but encourage NYISRI to continue as a
may lack awareness of the ways that designated “hub” for the North American
their decisions could contribute to Invasive Species Network (NAISN); and
the problem (Lauber, Connelly, and foster NYSDEC staff’s ability to travel
Stedman 2015b). and readily participate in multistate IS
panels and work groups.
Professional organizations. The
IS Council should identify relevant Engage neighboring states that use
professional organizations for iMapInvasives to allow data access,
consultation on technical aspects of coordinate on issues such as confrming
New York State Invasive Species Comprehensive Management Plan 19Stakeholder workshop, photo courtesy of OBG
records and mapping along state cross-regional programs. Similarly
boundaries, and establish multi-state encourage IS Council members to
email alerts. iMapInvasives staff partner in pursuing extramural funding
should also work with NatureServe, opportunities. This strategy will help
PRISMs, neighboring states, and minimize multiple organizations competing
Canadian provinces to advance data for the same extramural IS funding.
sharing capabilities by leveraging For example, NYISRI recently partnered
existing technology. with the NYSDOT to pursue biocontrol
funding. Collaborative partnerships
Work together when pursuing such as this reinforce the strength of
extramural funding. New York’s comprehensive IS program.
Establishing research and management
Encourage PRISMs to seek opportunities priorities at the state level (Section 3)
to partner in pursuing extramural funding is recommended to facilitate the
opportunities and implementing coordinated pursuit of funding.
New York State Invasive Species Comprehensive Management Plan 202. Commit to a Centralized
Framework for Sharing Invasive
Species Information
2A. NEED Progress to Date
New York has adopted a management Since iMapInvasives was launched in
framework that includes both centralized 2010, over 180,000 invasive species
and regional organizations and observations have been recorded by
partnerships. These parties, and the engaged citizens and professionals
public, need to be kept informed of new in the feld. These observations
threats, effective management actions, span 312 terrestrial and 26 aquatic
and who’s doing what, when, where, and plant species, fve terrestrial and 50
how. Existing websites such as the New aquatic animal species, and 12 insect
York Invasive Species Clearinghouse species. iMapInvasives can be used for
(nyis.info), PRISM websites, the NYSDEC collecting, conveying, and analyzing
Nuisance and Invasive Species web page, IS data as well as issuing email alerts,
and sites maintained by other IS partners and, as such, can serve a central role in
provide extensive information, however, supporting data-based decision-making
audiences seeking IS expertise perceive at state and local scales. Development
a scattered array of online resources of iMapInvasives 3 (iMap3), featuring
and a high potential for conficting an Environmental Systems Research
or outdated information. Meanwhile, Institute (ESRI) platform is expected to
programs maintaining these sites risk be operational in 2019.
duplication of effort.
The Watercraft Inspection Steward
The New York Invasive Species Program Application (WISPA) was
Clearinghouse site was developed to developed through a partnership
serve in a central role, but support for among NYS OPRHP, iMapInvasives,
this site (funding and staff to manage it) NYSDEC, NYSG, and PRISMs. WISPA
has fuctuated in recent years. There is was designed to standardize data
also a need for centralized, statewide collection during aquatic invasive species
information to support collective watercraft inspections statewide.
decision-making at the state scale. The In 2018, 16 organizations utilized
current iMapInvasives mapping resource WISPA and participation is expected to
provides outstanding opportunities for expand in the future.
geographic analysis of IS challenges and
empowering citizen science; however, The NYISRI website is attractive and
its current platform limits usage. informative, and it provides expert and
manager databases that can be used to
locate knowledgeable individuals.
New York State Invasive Species Comprehensive Management Plan 21 The New York Invasive Species and the most relevant and current IS
Clearinghouse (nyis.info) was launched expertise. Individual partner websites
in 2007; a limited update to the site is could then focus only on content related
anticipated to be completed in 2019. to their specifc programs (or be phased
out if appropriate), and could link to
the centralized site for information of
2B. APPROACH interest to wider audiences. A relaunch
of the Invasive Species Clearinghouse
The IS Coordination Section and should be carefully planned among the
partners should focus resources IS Council, NYISRI, iMapInvasives, and
on developing and maintaining one PRISMs to address these matters.
information clearinghouse that houses
or links to expert-vetted, up-to-date In addition to supporting development
content from the collaborative network of this centralized IS website, the IS
of partners across the State. This Council should continue to endorse the
website should provide content use of iMap3 and harness its potential
developed by and actively solicited to gather information from partners,
from IS partners who are attuned gain insights to improve priority-setting
to emerging issues, new resources, and evaluation, and share rich, real-time
information with collaborators.
2C. RECOMMENDED ACTIONS
Reduce overlapping online
information by advancing one
actively managed IS website.
The IS Coordination Section should
provide support for a centralized
website/clearinghouse to be staffed by
a web content professional whose role
is to solicit and synthesize information
by actively engaging with members
of the State’s collaborative IS network
(IS Council, Advisory Committee,
PRISMs, etc.). To fulfll its function as
an aggregator and synthesizer of IS
content, the site should clearly represent
a collaborative network of IS partners
rather than any single institutional entity.
The site should be established with
HWA survey, photo courtesy of Adirondack Park an eye toward serving the needs
Invasive Plant Program
of end-users, with an information
New York State Invasive Species Comprehensive Management Plan 22architecture and design that make on the centralized website. The expert
key information readily accessible. database available on the NYISRI
The site should be managed by webpage may be a starting point for
dedicated staff with expertise in developing this directory.
content strategy and an ability to audit,
curate, and augment the site with Leverage the collective capacity of
new information from key contributing partner organizations to maintain
partners throughout the State. an active and interesting online
presence, and promote interaction
Staff managing the site should be when possible.
considered an integral part of the
State’s IS network and should attend Develop a social media content strategy
meetings of the IS Council, Advisory guide that will help partners create and
Committee, and other partners to share content in a way that engages
remain abreast of evolving issues. new audiences and amplifes important
This staff member should also work messages, while avoiding competition
closely with outreach/marketing over messaging or duplication of effort.
professionals (Section 4) to publicize
the site and ensure consistent branding, Primary responsibility for coordinating
messaging, search engine optimization, this online presence could be assigned
and integration with social media. to staff for the centralized website,
with the understanding that they
IS Council leads should help to populate work closely with NYISRI, PRISMs,
a directory of managers and technical iMapInvasives, and others (e.g., CCE)
experts working on IS matters. who currently maintain websites and
The directory shall include contact social media accounts for consumers
information and a brief description of of IS information. The potential for
responsibilities and be made available consolidating competing social media
accounts and blogs for partner
organizations should be evaluated.
Effective coordination among Invite and encourage public engagement
on IS topics through social media
organizations managing (e.g., establish public social media
user groups, use crowdsourcing to
invasive species requires
”
assist in addressing information gaps).
funding to maintain iMap… Social media may also be leveraged
to increase public participation in IS
as well as websites with Advisory Committee and other public
accessible, accurate, meetings. Guidelines for this type of
public engagement could be addressed
and timely information. in the social media content strategy
guide, with a web content manager in
— LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
the role of moderating comments and
transmitting information.
New York State Invasive Species Comprehensive Management Plan 23Advance the capabilities of areas (geographically, commercial
iMapInvasives. sector) that may require targeted
education and outreach attention.
Continue to support iMapInvasives
development, along with needed Additional, general improvements
staffng, to keep up with the technology to iMapInvasives include:
needs of key State IS partners. Expansion of the database to include
For example, the iMap3 redesign data on invasive marine taxa
will leverage an ESRI framework to Increased data integration and data
support broader usage, particularly standardization
with mobile tools. Advanced data contributions: survey,
absence, treatment, and status
iMapInvasives staff should engage over time
with NYSDAM, NYSDEC Division Embedded analysis and statistics via
of Marine Resources, CCE, the synthesis, dashboard-type views, and
NYSIPM Program, and Soil and Water GIS analysis integrating rare species
Conservation Districts (SWCDs) to information, risk of spread, and
evaluate opportunities for data sharing prioritization evaluations.
and ongoing software updates that
facilitate shared goals. Similarly, Continue to advance use of data
iMapInvasives staff shall continue management resources to understand
evaluating opportunities to incorporate the status and accomplishments of
additional sources of data (e.g., USDA IS management programs.
Forest Inventory and Analysis) as well
as instances of education and outreach Continue to support WISPA and
events to help evaluate geographic gaps consider similar applications for
in such efforts. Enforcement actions other IS initiatives.
may also be recorded to help identify
Backcountry water monitor volunteer, photo credit Cathy Pedler
New York State Invasive Species Comprehensive Management Plan 243. Set Priorities for Invasive
Species Management and
Advance Preparedness
3A. NEED New York’s environment, economy,
and public health from IS need to be
Current priorities for species, habitats, assessed and incorporated.
and project sites vary among IS Council
members and partners. There is a need to Prevention is a hallmark of an effective
provide a structured process to evaluate IS IS management plan (see Section 5),
risks with the goal of identifying the most and remains a core strategy undertaken
critical State-level IS priorities (for both by New York’s collaborative network
species and locations), while maintaining of partners. Yet despite best efforts,
a degree of decentralized priority setting all invasions will not be averted. Thus,
at the regional/local scale, informed by advancements in preparation are needed
place-based knowledge. At each scale to limit the extent of negative impacts
of prioritization (State and regional/ from new invasions. For example, recent
local), both public and private land must experiences (e.g., hydrilla in the
be considered along with a realistic Cayuga Lake Inlet) demonstrated the
assessment of vectors including river and need for increased preparedness –
canal corridors. Priority setting must also in this instance, herbicide relabeling
factor in potential climate change effects and emergency rulemaking were
such as species range shifts, rising sea needed to fully implement a response.
levels, and habitat suitability changes. In Prevention and/or preparedness
addition, to set well-informed priorities and may be best achieved by adopting a
support decision-making, threats to forward-thinking approach (e.g., horizon
scanning) to identify and plan for
potential new invaders before they
become established.
Invasives species decision Progress to Date
making should be informed by
”
Adoption of the Part 575 Prohibited and
science and seek to engage Regulated Species lists (6 NYCRR Part
stakeholders from various 575), which prohibits or regulates the
perspectives – social, economic, possession, transport, importation, sale,
purchase, and introduction of select
institutional, and ecological. invasive species.
— NYSDEC GREAT LAKES PROGRAM STAFF
Partnership with USDA Animal and
Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
New York State Invasive Species Comprehensive Management Plan 25Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ)
program, which sets monitoring
objectives in collaboration with the
NYSDAM CAPS program.
Completion of non-native animal and
plant species invasivity assessments
to document potential impacts to
New York’s native species and natural
ecosystems. To date nearly 200 animals
and 250 plant species have been
assessed, and upcoming assessments
are planned for 2018.
Development of prioritization models
Dwarf shrub bog, photo courtesy of New York Natural Heritage Program
within iMapInvasives which are species-
and location-based.
Advancement of an IS prioritization tool a horizon scanning approach should be
development by Cornell University, in developed to evaluate potential IS that
partnership with NYISRI and NYNHP, to may cause the most harm to New York.
research and prioritize IS at the manager The horizon scanning process should
scale (e.g., regional/local). also consider the interaction of IS and
climate change. As an extension of
NYS OPRHP is currently creating an the State-level prioritization, regional/
Invasive Species Management Plan local priorities could be developed that
Template (expected in 2019) to guide encompass place-based knowledge and
development of invasive species expertise. To the extent possible, priority
management plans and priority setting setting should be tied to preparedness
within individual state parks. measures to avoid or mitigate
emergency situations.
3B. APPROACH Species- and location-based information
should be gathered to increase
To address prioritization, emphasis preparedness based on set priorities.
should be placed on development Information that may be relevant to
and implementation of a State-level elevate New York’s level of preparedness
priority setting process, which includes for a given IS includes:
assessing risks to the environment,
economy, and public health. State-level Basic biological parameters
prioritization of species and locations (e.g., preferred habitat, fecundity,
would facilitate cooperation among IS season of reproduction), potential
Council members, and should consider control measures, strategies for
threats to both public and private lands. outreach and education, how best
As part of the priority setting process, to incorporate the species into early
New York State Invasive Species Comprehensive Management Plan 26detection monitoring, how best to health, as well as location-based
engage species-specifc experts before priorities for areas with high
introduction occurs. conservation or agricultural value.
The Horizon Scanning Committee should
Further steps to increase preparedness consider both public land (e.g., natural
(e.g., regulatory actions such as areas, parks) and private land (e.g.,
adding a species to the Prohibited agriculture), as well as freshwater and
and Regulated Species lists (6 NYCRR marine systems in setting priorities.
Part 575), identifying and removing
regulatory barriers to implement a Include appropriate IS Council
response) should be evaluated and members on the Horizon Scanning
addressed to position New York to Committee to ensure information
deploy rapid response measures sharing, diverse perspectives, and
(see Section 6). collaboration. Potential members include
staff representatives from NYSDEC,
NYSDAM, NYSDOH, NYSDOT, and NYS
3C. RECOMMENDED ACTIONS OPRHP. In addition, include appropriate
representatives of IS Council partners
Establish a collaborative Horizon that are best equipped to provide quality
Scanning Committee focused on input and data. Potential members
prioritization at the State level. include staff representatives from
NYISRI, the NYSIPM Program, NYNHP,
This committee is intended to set NYSDEC Offce of Climate Change, and
State-level priorities for IS that pose NYSDEC Division of Marine Resources.
the greatest threat(s) to New York’s Representatives should be prepared
environment, economy, and public to share data and expertise from their
respective programs to optimize the
state-level prioritization process.
Develop a horizon scanning procedure
to identify and document potential
new IS to New York, and conduct
environmental, economic, and public
health assessments for the identifed
species to inform prioritization and
preparedness. Previous plant and
animal ecological and socio-economic
invasivity assessments could be used
as guidance, and updated to include
public health considerations. The
horizon scanning procedure should
also evaluate potential interactions
between IS and climate change by
Pale Swallowwort in the SLELO Region, photo courtesy of St. Lawrence-Eastern considering the latest climate models
Lake Ontario Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management
and species characteristics. Regular
New York State Invasive Species Comprehensive Management Plan 27You can also read
