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Karl Hunter, weekend supervisor of the NW region of the Adirondacks for the Adirondacks boat inspection program for invasive species, cleans a boat with a power washer at the Clifton-Fine inspection station on Route 3.

(David Figura l newyorkupstate.com)

In its first month of checking, the 2016 Adirondack Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program has intercepted 284 invasives during the inspection of nearly 8,450 trailered boats at more than 50 locations throughout the Adirondacks.



"Some of these 'close' calls took place on lakes that are not currently invaded by the species found. For example, zebra mussel and curly-leaf pondweed were found on boats attempting to launch into Long Lake and Upper Saranac Lake," reported the Adirondack Almanac. "Both Long Lake and Upper Saranac Lake have existing infestations of other (aquatic invasive species) which lake associations and partner organizations have been spending millions of dollars to try and manage."

A new statewide regulation took effect this year that requires all boaters to take "reasonable precautions" to prevent the spread of invasive plant and animal species before launching a boat or other watercraft into any New York water.

Thanks to state, federal and private funding, the Adirondack Aquatic Invasive Species Program has expanded to include nearly 25 boat wash stations and 44 boat launch steward locations and waterways throughout the Adirondacks.

The program is a partnership between Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program, Paul Smith's College, the Adirondack Watershed Institute, the state Department of Environmental Conservation, the S.A.V.E. Lake George Partnership, numerous municipalities and private groups.