As part of a comprehensive approach towards managing invasive species, the New York State Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Agriculture and Markets (AGM) and Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) are hosting a biennial New York State Invasive Species Expo (NYIS Expo) to bring together professionals and practitioners with the public to highlight and discuss invasive species topics. The NYIS Expo is being held at Saratoga Spa State Park from Sept. 24 to 26. This is the first year the NYIS Expo is open to the public, with a unique format that combines classic presentations with the creative use of outdoor space designed to appeal to a wide range of attendees. The NYIS Expo formally kicked off on Sunday, Sept. 24, with a Community Conservation Day at the Saratoga Farmer’s Market and continues with content tailored for natural resources professionals on Sept. 25 and 26 at the Roosevelt Campus. Activities include interactive demonstrations, workshops, and field trips.

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “Partnerships, funding, education, and outreach are critical to bolstering New York’s ability to prevent, control, and remove invasive species that threaten the health and wellbeing of communities statewide. The New York State Invasive Species Expo is an expansive three-day opportunity for the public to meet with State experts, ask questions, and learn about the invasive species being tracked in New York State. The Expo also promotes the State Invasive Species Grant Program, which provides the resources needed to preserve and protect natural resources from invasive plants and pests.”

AGM Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Fighting the spread of harmful invasive species across New York is a team effort, and we are grateful for the support and collaboration of our fellow state agencies, partnerships with groups like Cornell’s New York State Integrated Pest Management Program, and – of course – the reports and efforts of all New Yorkers. The NYIS Expo is a great opportunity to bring together all of the partners to learn more from each other about what we can all do to contain the spread of pests like Spotted Lanternfly, the Asian Longhorned Beetle, and so many more. Working together, we can better protect our agricultural industries, our environment, and our green spaces.”

State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, “I’m grateful to all for organizing and participating in the NYIS Expo at Saratoga Spa State Park. Invasive species pose a significant threat to the ecological health, the quality of outdoor recreation and commerce of our state. Government agencies, academia, private sector organizations and individuals utilizing the best available science and working collaboratively to identify, report and help slow the spread of destructive pests can significantly reduce impacts.”

The NYIS Expo complements DEC’s recent release of the third round of State's Invasive Species Grant Program (ISGP). A total of $3 million is available in this grant program, which is supported by the State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). The ISGP will fund projects that target both aquatic and terrestrial invasive species across the state and includes six funding categories addressing aquatic invasive species spread prevention: early detection and rapid response; research; lake management planning; and education and outreach. DEC is accepting applications for these grants through Nov. 1, 2023.

Among the many environmental victories in the 2023-24 State Budget, Governor Hochul maintained EPF funding at $400 million, the highest level of funding in the program's history. The EPF included $18.55 million targeted specifically for invasive species related initiatives. The EPF also provides funding for critical environmental programs such as land acquisition, farmland protection, enhanced recreational access, water quality improvement, and an aggressive environmental justice agenda.

New York is particularly vulnerable to invasive species due to its rich biodiversity and the state’s role as a center for international trade and travel. Once established, invasive species, including forest pests like emerald ash borer beetle and hemlock woolly adelgid, and aquatic invasive species such as round goby and zebra mussels, can spread rapidly through a region causing harm to the environment, human health, and the economy. New York State agencies and their many partners are working closely to combat the introduction and spread of these species.  Both the NYIS Expo and ISGP demonstrate New York’s leading and proactive role in this ongoing effort.

For more information on the NYSIS Expo, visit https://www.nyisri.org/2023expo/.