In response to the problem of invasive species, NY established an Invasive Species Task Force to explore how the State could best address this growing issue. In late 2005, the Task Force submitted its 146-page report to the Governor and Legislature containing a number of recommendations, including:

• Establish state leadership structure to coordinate invasive species efforts
  
• Produce a comprehensive invasive species management plan
  
• Allocate resources for invasive species efforts
  Establish a comprehensive invasive species education and outreach effort
  
• Integrate invasive species databases and information clearinghouses
  Establish a center for invasive species research
  
• Recognize and fund invasive species demonstration projects.

In 2007 legislation, the New York Invasive Species Council was created and charged with implementing initiatives to protect native species and prevent the spread of invasive plants and animals. The Council will continue the work begun by the Task Force and will ensure that the recommendations are implemented. The Council will enhance the State’s ability to fight the invasive threat to NY’s biodiversity, food supply, recreation, and human health. The law also created the NY Invasive Species Advisory Committee to advise the Council.

Since 2006, more than $11 million has been added to the NYS Environmental Protection Fund for invasive species programs, including grants to eradicate invasive species, the creation of an Invasive Species Research Institute at Cornell University, a NY Invasive Species Clearinghouse (co-located with NY Sea Grant’s National Aquatic Nuisance Species Clearinghouse), and statewide public outreach efforts through Cornell Cooperative Extension. Most exciting is the development of Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISMs) to involve a wide range of public and private stakeholders to work together to combat invasive species locally and regionally.

— Chuck O’Neill