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Invasive Species Council

The Invasive Species Council (Council) is a statutory body that was created in 2008 by Title 17, Section 9 of the Environmental Conservation Law (ECL). The Council was created to coordinate among multiple State entities and partners in addressing the environmental and economic threats of invasive species. The legislation defines invasive species as "a species that is: (a) non-native to the ecosystem under consideration; and (b) whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health."

Council Membership

The Council is co-led by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Department of Agriculture and Markets (DAM) and consists of nine members: the Commissioners of the DEC; DAM; Transportation; Education; the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; the Secretary of State, the Chairperson of the New York State Thruway Authority, the Director of the New York State Canal Corporation, and the Chairperson of the Adirondack Park Agency.

Role of the Council

  • The Council shall meet at least quarterly.
  • Regularly consult with the Advisory Committee.
  • Develop a comprehensive plan for invasive species management.
  • Provide input on funding priorities.
  • Provide input on grant applications.
  • Organize and convene a biennial invasive species summit.
  • Encourage industries and trade organizations to develop and adopt voluntary codes of conduct.
  • Support and encourage Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management.
  • Report (by 1 January 2010) to the legislature and the governor to recommend lists of prohibited, regulated, unregulated species plus a procedure for the review of a unlisted non-native species.
  • Reimburse necessary and actual expenses of NYS Invasive Species Advisory Committee members.
  • Establish, operate and maintain state-wide locational database (GIS).
  • Establish, operate and maintain state-wide information clearinghouse.
  • Review and revise relevant state agency and public authority actions and policies.
  • Review and reform of relevant regulatory processes.

Advisory Committee

Title 17, Section 9 also creates an Advisory Committee to provide information, advice and guidance to the Council, including but not limited to providing assistance with the development of the four-tier classification system for non-native animal and plant species.

A Sample of Invasive Pests and Diseases in New York and the Damage They Can Do

  • Early in the 20th Century, chestnut blight arrived in North America and has since wiped out one of the most valuable trees in our forest, the American chestnut.
  • Zebra mussels arrived here from their native Caspian Sea in the late 20th Century and have altered ecosystems, clogged pipes, and ruined bathing beaches in some of our largest waters.
  • Near the start of the present century, West Nile Virus came here from Africa and has harmed both birds and humans.
  • Asian Longhorned Beetle arrived within the lumber used for packing crates and has forced us to cut down thousands of prized shade trees in our cities and suburbs - in the hope that it does not spread to our forests.
  • Emerald Ash Borer was first identified in New York in 2009. It attacks all species of ash trees and kills them within 3 years of infesting the tree with eggs.
  • Swede midge was first found in New York in 2005 and could decimate our broccoli and cabbage crops.
  • Feral swine have become a problem in western New York. They will compete with native animals for food; eat native animals; will eat nearly any agricultural crop; can destroy crops and native vegetation, cause erosion, and negatively affect water quality by their rooting and wallowing habits; will attack humans and their pets, and can carry diseases transferable to livestock and/or humans.
  • Didymo is invading prime trout fishing streams, potentially impacting aquatic habitat and food sources.

Numerous agencies and organizations across New York are combating the threats posed by these invasive species; the New York Invasive Species Council, Invasive Species Advisory Committee and the Office of Invasive Species Coordination are working together to develop a fully coordinated and comprehensive defense.

The Problem

Invasive species are non-native species that can cause harm to the environment or to human health. As a threat to our biodiversity, they have been judged second only to habitat loss. Invasives come from all around the world; the rate of invasion is increasing along with the increase in international trade that accompanies globalization.

Invasive species have caused many problems in the past, are causing problems now, and pose threats to our future. A wide variety of species are problematic for many sectors of our world: our ecosystems, including both all natural systems and also managed forests; our food supply, including not only agriculture but also harvested wildlife, fish and shellfish; our built environments, including landscaping, infrastructure, industry, gardens, and pets. Invasive species have implications, too, for recreation and for human health.


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