Public Meeting to be Held on Aquatic Invasive Species in Cooperstown

Aquatic invasive species spread prevention measures will be the focal point of a meeting Wednesday.

Joseph Thouin of the New York State Lake George Park Commission and Paul Lord, Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership, will speak on this topic at the Otsego County Water Quality Coordinating Committee meeting at 1 p.m. in Classroom A of The Meadows Office Building in Cooperstown.

This event is free and open to the public; pre-registration is required by Tuesday.

The Lake George Park Commission has employed a consultant to prepare a Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement evaluating potential aquatic invasive species spread prevention measures for Lake George. Thouin’s presentation will provide an overview of spread prevention alternatives being considered, and the consultant’s preferred alternative identified within the draft GEIS, which recommends mandatory inspection of all trailered boats prior to entering Lake George.

Lord will characterize some of the most immediate exotic species threats to Otsego County lakes, including hydrilla, and will discuss the new CRISP response to those threats. Lord will specifically describe the training program – provided free to watershed stewards in the greater Catskill region through CRISP funding – and outline the current strengths and weaknesses of local lake access point protections.