Final Report of the New York State Invasive Species Task Force

The Task Force In response to the growing problem of invasive species, in 2003, Governor Pataki signed legislation sponsored by Senator Marcellino and Assemblyman DiNapoli. Chapter 324 of the Laws of New York of 2003 called for an Invasive Species Task Force to explore the invasive species issue and to provide recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature by November 2005. The statute describes the intended membership of the Task Force and directs that it be co-led by two New York State agencies:

Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)

Department of Agriculture and Markets (DAM)

Other members of the Task Force include:

New York State Department of Transportation

New York State Thruway Authority (and Canal Corporation)

New York State Museum (and Biodiversity Research Institute)

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation

New York State Department of State Adirondack Park Agency

New York Sea Grant

Cornell University

Invasive Plant Council

The Nature Conservancy

New York State Natural Heritage Program

New York State Farm Bureau

Empire State Marine Trades Association

New York State Nursery and Landscape Association

The Task Force has taken numerous steps toward accomplishing its mission. It first established a Steering Committee to oversee the day-to-day work of the Task Force. Early on, it arranged for the whole Task Force to consult with the Executive Director of our federal counterpart, the National Invasive Species Council. The next task was to design and conduct an in-depth survey of all Task Force member organizations to assess concerns, capabilities, and needs. Then, the Task Force established several smaller teams to investigate in detail, to analyze existing efforts, to identify needs, and to develop recommendations. Each team was designed to pull together organizations that share a common area of interest or expertise. The Task Force reached out to numerous stakeholders to invite them to participate as members of these teams.

The Task Force has met at various locations around New York State. These vi meetings were open to the public and dates, times and locations were announced in the Environmental Notice Bulletin. At most meetings, members visited sites of ongoing invasive species management projects. Formal public review of the Draft Report of the Invasive Species Task Force will be accomplished through a combination of both in-person public meetings and internet communication. It will be completed during the summer of 2005.