The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Department of Agriculture and Markets will participate in New York’s first Invasive Species Awareness Week with a boat inspection demonstration at the new boat launch on Round Lake, the only DEC boat launch in Saratoga County. DEC staff will advise boaters on proper inspection techniques to minimize the threat of aquatic invasive species which can be harmful to human health, animal habitat, agriculture and tourism. On Monday, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo issued a proclamation designating July 6-12 as Invasive Species Awareness Week.

Invasive Species Awareness Week is part of an invasive species education campaign coordinated by The New York State Invasive Species Council (ISC), Invasive Species Advisory Committee (ISAC) and Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISMS). The ISC is chaired by the state departments of Environmental Conservation and Agriculture and Markets.

WHAT:

Boat inspection demonstration in recognition of New York’s first Invasive Species Awareness Week 

WHO:           

Commissioner Joe Martens, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

First Deputy Commissioner Jim Bays, NYS Agriculture & Markets

Village of Round Lake Mayor Dixie Lee Sacks

Representatives of sporting and environmental groups

WHEN:

Today, July 10, 2014

            Commissioner Martens and other to give brief remarks at 11 a.m.

            Boat inspection activities until 2 p.m.

WHERE:

DEC’s new boat launch facility on Round Lake

Off of Route 9 in the Village of Round Lake, Saratoga County