The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) and Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) have confirmed that hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata), an aquatic invasive species, has been found at Lake Sebago in Harriman State Park. "Hydrilla is notorious for spreading quickly, forming dense mats that greatly hinder boating, swimming, and fishing while displacing our native species. It is prudent of us to understand where this invasive species is within Lake Sebago and take measures to try and control the population before it spreads further," said State Parks Deputy Commissioner for Environmental Stewardship Ron Rausch.

A huge shout out to Devin DiGiacopo (LH PRISM Aquatics Coordinator) and the Aquatic Invasives Strike Force Crew who discovered the infestation during a survey of the lake and immediately responded, escalating the issue to State Parks and DEC. Our Aquatics team worked with DEC to perform an even higher resolution survey that included kayak, canoe and snorkeling surveys and then created an updated map and calculated estimated infestation size based on known patches. Our team was also at the forefront of helping to develop an appropriate communications and response plan with state partners following the surveys. This work truly epitomizes early detection and rapid response in action and is only one of many examples of how the LH PRISM Aquatics Program has served as the front line of defense in protecting waterways in our region.  

This season, the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference Trail Stewards assisted both the Aquatic and Terrestrial Invasives Strike Force (ISF) crews with removal projects - from reigning in pounds and pounds of water chestnut to helping remove 754 (yup, over seven HUNDRED) scotch broom plants! By spending time with the ISF crews, the Stewards also expanded their knowledge and ability to teach others about invasive species.

At some locations the Trail Stewards interact with upwards of 1,000 visitors a day! This puts the Stewards in the perfect position to provide information and share simple steps with the public to help prevent the spread of invasive species - like utilizing a boot brush and cleaning gear and pets before and after hiking.

We love to see these moments of synergy between our programs and are thrilled the ISF crews and Trail Stewards were able to learn a thing or two from each other along the way.

Special shoutout to Myra, Trail Steward Program Coordinator, for helping make these synergies possible!

Our Invasives Strike Force Surveyor volunteer season has officially come to a close and with it we have successfully logged over 1,000-volunteer hours! Congratulations to our surveyors for your hard work and dedication to this cause. 

We cannot thank our surveyors enough for all they have have done to help us collect this important information about our region. Their efforts have made a direct impact on our understanding of these invasive species and their data will help us determine the best next steps for their management.

While the ISF Surveyor volunteers were hard at work collecting this data, they incidentally had the pleasure of spending plenty of quality time outdoors! That’s the beauty of the gig. From scenic views to striking ‘shrooms, our surveyors enjoyed the bounty of nature as they helped us gain a better understanding of invasive species in our region (seen above).

Thank you, ISF Surveyors, for another successful season!

With the changing seasons comes an end to our monthly EcoQuest Surveyor Challenge...but don't fret! This is merely a hiatus until spring returns next year. 

We would like to thank everyone who participated in our EcoQuest (ISF Surveyors included)! With your help we've mapped emerging species in our region which helps us plan for future management efforts.

Not yet an EcoQuest participant? See below for how to join us when we begin again!