Governor Hochul Signs Legislation to Help Prevent Aquatic Invasive Species in Adirondack Park

Legislation (S.7010C/A.7735A) Authorizes Inspection Stations in Adirondack Park to Inspect Motorized Watercraft for the Presence of Organisms or Organic Material That may Harbor Aquatic Invasive Species 

Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation (S.7010C/A.7735A) into law to allow installation of inspection stations in an effort to protect against aquatic invasive species along several locations in the Adirondack Park.   

"New York is leading the way to protect our blue economy, but we must also learn to protect nature's gifts and tackle the aquatic invasive species living in our waters," Governor Hochul said. "This legislation will help to do just that. With the

preventative measures established in this law, New York State Waters will be bluer, cleaner, and safer for our aquatic friends. We need to make sure every New Yorker is on board with protecting our waters and its inhabitants."    

The bill extends requirement that boaters take reasonable precautions to clean, drain, and dry their watercraft before launching in New York State Waters. It also grants the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) the authority to conduct inspections and decontaminations of watercraft for the prevention of invasive species within the Adirondack Park or a 10-mile radius of its boundary.  

The new law amends the environmental conservation law in relation to aquatic invasive species inspection stations and spread prevention efforts. It requires DEC to create a self-issuing certification for persons to demonstrate that precautions have been taken to decontaminate a boat prior to launching.  

Adirondack Park's 6 million acres contain more than 3,000 lakes, 8,000 ponds, and more than 1,500 miles of rivers, fed by an estimated 30,000 miles of brooks and streams. Clean water is a central attraction that brings more than 12 million visitors to the region, benefiting hotels, restaurants, marinas, fishing guides and outfitters, and retail stores. Aquatic invasive species infestations are difficult and expensive to control once they have made their way into the water. This law will better protect Adirondack waters by granting the department the authority to inspect a boat and order decontamination if evidence of aquatic invasive species is found or suspected to be present. 

State Senator Todd Kaminsky said, "The Adirondack Park is a state treasure that attracts over 12 million visitors every year, many of whom go to enjoy its pristine waterways. However, aquatic invasive species threaten the health of those rivers, lakes, and ponds. We know human activity is the primary way those species spread and we also know the simplest and most effective way to mitigate the damage they cause is to wash boats before they enter a New York waterway. This legislation protects the water in the Adirondack Park for future generations."

Assemblymember Billy Jones said, "I am proud to have authored this bill that will help combat aquatic invasive species in the Adirondack region and I want to thank Governor Hochul for signing this bill today. Invasive aquatic species present a serious threat to both our environment and our economy. These pests carry harmful diseases which can infect native plants and animals and damage local ecosystems. Once these species spread, attempting to contain them can be extremely expensive and time-consuming. This bill will prevent spread before it starts by instituting regular inspections and by educating boaters, which will not only save time and money, but also better safeguard our environment as well as protect land values for property owners."