Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program

History of Activities, Accomplishments, and Timeline since 2003

2003
Spring 2003. The Aquatic and Terrestrial Invasive Plant Projects formally become the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APIPP) and partners develop the APIPP Action Plan.

Summer 2003. The APIPP partners formally announce the launch of the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program website.  Legislation is passed and the Governor appoints a NYS Invasive Species Task Force.

Fall 2003. The APIPP Program Coordinator moves offices from the Adirondack Park Agency to the Adirondack Nature Conservancy.  Office space, staff support, and funds are temporarily provided by the Adirondack Nature Conservancy.

2004
Winter/Spring 2004. APIPP assists the development of a staff training program for the Department of Transportation, local highway departments, and the Department of Environmental Conservation.

Summer 2004.  The Federal Highways Administration awards APIPP an Exemplary Ecosystem Initiative. The Department of Transportation contributes short-term, partial funds to APIPP.

Fall 2004. APIPP creates and distributes first online newsletter.  APIPP contributes recommendations to Unit Management Plans for invasive plant inventory, management, and education actions on State Lands.  The Department of Environmental Conservation contributes short-term, partial funds to APIPP. 

2005
Winter/Spring 2005.  The Adirondack Water Quality Conference planning committee decides to focus this year's conference on developing an Adirondack Park Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan.  The Federal Highways Administration approves the Scenic Byways Invasive Plant Project administered by the New York State Department of Transportation, coordinated by APIPP, and managed by the Adirondack North Country Association. Learn more about Scenic Byways. View a message to Scenic Byway travelers. The workplan, tasks, and deliverables are identified.  Two Scenic Byway interns are hired. The Department of Environmental Conservation designates a Student Conservation Association intern to assist APIPP in summer of 2005.

Summer 2005. APIPP partners and Scenic Byway communities participate in the stewardship of Scenic Byways Natural, Scenic, and Recrational Resources.  The Adirondack Water Quality Conference debuts the Adirondack Park Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan and seeks stakeholder input.

Fall 2005. The New York State Invasive Species Task Force delivers its final report of recommendations to the Governor and Legislature.  APIPP organizes grants training workshops with the Adirondack Park Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan Steering Committee in preparation for the state Eradication Grant.

2006
Winter / Spring 2006. APIPP provides training to campground staff and delivers invasive plant information to Unit Management Plans.  The Steering Committee delivers presentations to county governments and requests resolutions of support.

Summer 2006. The Adirondack Park Agency approves the Adirondack Park Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan.  Governor Pataki proclaims the second week of July Adirondack Park Invasive Species Awareness Week.  APIPP oversees 4 stewardship positions: Forest Service State Land Steward, Student Conservation Association Resource Protection Steward, Environmental Protection Agency Mohawk Valley Wetland Steward, and Adirondack Nature Conservancy Resource Protection Steward.

Fall 2006. NYS DEC completes first ever guidance document for campgrounds, NYSDEC-Recreation / Operations Invasive Species Adaptive Management Guiding Document.  APIPP co-hosts The Nature Conservancy's annual Eastern Invasives Learning Network workshop in Saratoga Springs, NY for TNC staff.

2007
Winter / Spring 2007. APIPP prepares workplans for several grant awards: NYS DEC Aquatic Nuisance Species Eradication Grant, Biodiversity Research Institute, and U.S. Federal Highway Administration Scenic Byway Program.  The Adirondack Aquatic Nuisance Species Committee formally establishes, signs cooperative agreement, and develops annual priorities.

Summer 2007. APIPP undertakes its first aquatic invasive plant control project: to eradicate an infestation of European frog-bit from the Grasse River in St. Lawrence County.  APIPP is identified as a model regional program in New York State and its framework helps to guide the formation of PRISMs: Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management.  The Governor and Legislature establish the New York Invasive Species Council. In the news

Fall 2007. APIPP receives contract with the Adirondack North Country Association to implement the Invasive Plant Byway Community Outreach Project.  The program begins broadening its mission beyond plants to include other aquatic nuisance species and pest and pathogens and initiates discussion to upgrade its website and database.  APIPP prepares contract with DEC for state funding through the Environmental Protection Fund. 

2008 - APIPP Celebrates Its 10 Year Anniversary
Winter / Spring 2008. APIPP broadens its mission beyond plants and hosts two forest pest identification training sessions for foresters. APIPP partners plans for and promotes the expansion of key invasive species programs:  early detection monitoring, response teams, and boat launch stewardship.  APIPP holds meetings with invasive species experts, partners, and tourism professionals to outline outreach strategy for key audiences.

Summer 2008. APIPP welcomes Tyler Smith to the invasives team as its Aquatic Project Coordinator.  APIPP principal partners sign a Cooperative Agreement formally establishing APIPP as the Adirondack Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management.  The program implements stewardship activities along Adirondack byways, within Forest Preserve, and numerous lakes and ponds.  APIPP works with partners to promote the 3rd Annual Adirondack Invasive Species Awareness Week.

Fall 2008. APIPP secures a state contract with the Department of Environmental Conservation for funding through the Environmental Protection Fund.

2009
Winter / Spring 2009. APIPP continues working towards the completion of several grant awards: NYS DEC Aquatic Nuisance Species Eradication Grant, Biodiversity Research Institute, and U.S. Federal Highway Administration Scenic Byway Program. 

Summer 2009. APIPP offers its first APIPP Invasive Species Steward position and welcomes Amy Ignatuk to the team. DEC funds two Student Conservation Association members to lend assistance with surveys and control.

Fall 2009. The Team works with the Department of Environmental Conservation and Adirondack Park Agency to develop a process that enables use of herbicide on state land for treating terrestrial invasive plants.

2010
Winter / Spring 2010. APIPP collaborates with partners to advance key initiatives: a regional Adirondack Watershed Stewardship Program, regional response teams, and a 5-yr strategic plan. The team also works with GIS specialists to develop spatial projects that evaluate invasive plant occurrences and ecological criteria to help identify invasive species prevention zones.

Summer 2010. APIPP celebrates the 5th Adirondack Invasive Species Awareness Week. APIPP and partners host first Adirondack Forum on Invasive Species. APIPP partners and friends celebrate Steven Flint's contributions to TNC and APIPP and welcome Brendan Quirion as the seasonal Terrestrial Project Coordinator. Brendan treats two high priority Phragmites infestations with herbicide on state land for the first time.