(Pulaski, NY – Feb. 22, 213) Unique habitats along with rare, threatened and endangered species in our region are being threatened and displaced by invasive species. To address this issue, a group of over fourteen partners in a five county region have adopted a plan of work to mitigate this threat. Formally known as the St. Lawrence, Eastern Lake Ontario – Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (SLELO-PRISM), this group is one of eight regional partnerships throughout New York State whose mission is to protect economically, environmentally and socially important native habitats, biodiversity and natural areas.
Hosted by The Central and Western New York Chapter of The Nature 
Conservancy, the SLELO-PRISM is now in their second year of “formally” addressing invasive species. The partnership has representatives from various organizations throughout a five county area to include: St. Lawrence, Jefferson, Lewis, Oneida and Oswego counties, who have recently developed their second annual plan of work for the 2013 field season. The plan will address invasive species issues such as prevention, early detection, control and habitat restoration which in turn will help to preserve critical lands, waters and natural areas in the region.
According to Rob Williams, Invasive Species Program Coordinator – “Invasive species pose a serious threat to the diversity of our natural areas, our economy and our health – Our partners have adopted a collaborative work plan that will mitigate their introduction and spread.”
Some of the target invasive species that the SLELO partners plan to address include terrestrial plants such as Swallow-wort, Giant Hogweed, and Knotweed. Aquatic plants such as Water Chestnut and Hydrilla and forest pests to include the Emerald Ash Borer and Hemlock Woolly Adelgid. Williams goes on to say “some of these species are not yet found in our region, and we want to keep it that way.”
Last year the partnership was instrumental in protecting hundreds of acres of freshwater resources, wetland habitats, forest lands, shoreline dunes and globally rare Alvar lands. In addition, the group treated over 141 Giant Hogweed sites reducing the health threat posed by this plant.
For more information on the SLELO-PRISM or for information on invasive species in our area, visit the SLELO website at www.sleloinvasives.org.