LIBERTY — Governor Kathy Hochul announced nearly $3 million in grants for 43 projects to reduce the negative impacts of invasive species on New York State’s natural resources, economy, and communities. These grants are part of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Invasive Species Grant Program, which provides funding for aquatic and terrestrial invasive species spread prevention, early detection and rapid response, lake management planning, research, and education and outreach. 

“We are committed to protecting New York’s waterways, forest lands, and agricultural crops from dangerous invasive species,” Governor Hochul said. “This funding supports projects across the state that will help prevent the spread of invasive species in New York, protecting our natural resources, economy and public health from the negative impacts of this threat.” 

Department of Enviro-nmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “DEC is pleased to offer this comprehensive grant program to address the negative impacts of invasive species. There is no single action that can address the threats invasive pests pose to New York’s environment. Simultaneous investments in researching control methods, actively managing invasive populations, addressing pathways for spread, and educating the public about invasive species, are essential for mitigation efforts. In Governor Hochul’s proposed 2024-2025 Executive Budget, the State’s Environmental Protection Fund would designate $17 million for projects and programs to help address invasive species across the state.” 

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County has been granted $71,368 over three years for an invasive species education and outreach project to increase public knowledge of invasive species and motivate the public to engage in invasive species management and community science. 

Outreach and education projects will include educational workshops, creation of print publications in both English and Spanish, community partnering events, and outreach events at the Sullivan Fresh Farmers Markets.  

Stay tuned for upcoming workshops and events in the community to help spread the word on identifying and managing invasive species that threaten biodiversity and resilience in the environment.  Visit the Sullivan Fresh Mobile Farmers Market locations in Fallsburg, Liberty, and Monticello for more information on invasive species in Sullivan County.

The grants announced today are supported by the State’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). The EPF is a critical resource for environmental programs such as land acquisition, farmland protection, invasive species prevention and eradication, recreation access, water quality improvement, and environmental justice projects. Governor Hochul’s proposed 2024-25 Executive Budget maintains the EPF funding at $400 million, the highest level of funding in the program’s history. 

The Invasive Species Grant Program is administered by the Bureau of Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health in DEC’s Division of Lands and Forests. For more information, please visit DEC’s website.