DEC Announces More Than $5.1 Million Awarded to Control Invasive Species and Restore Damaged Habitats Across the State
Grants Provide Critical Support to Ecosystems Impacted by Aquatic and Terrestrial Invasive Species
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced more than $5.1 million to reduce the negative impacts of aquatic and terrestrial invasive species on natural resources, infrastructure, agriculture, and local economies. The 51 awarded projects will strengthen prevention, early detection, rapid response, management, and restoration efforts statewide, supporting long-term ecosystem health, economic stability, and community wellbeing.
North Country
Essex County
- Paradox Lake Association: $112,491––Project will utilize boat stewards for a spread prevention initiative targeting the region’s highest risk entry points for AIS.
Franklin County
- Town of Tupper Lake: $75,000––Project will involve treating terrestrial invasive plants, primarily Japanese knotweed, at more than 130 sites on private properties in the Adirondacks.
- Upper Saranac Lake Foundation: $81,026––Project will focus on re-establishing native submerged aquatic vegetation in Follensby Pond to restore ecological function, stabilize sediment, and increase resiliency to protect against re-infestation by invasive macrophytes.
- Upper Saranac Lake Foundation: $61,496––Project will advance the Upper Saranac Foundation’s ongoing efforts to remove, control, and prevent the spread of Eurasian and variable-leaf watermilfoil within DEC’s Fish Creek Public Campground.
Jefferson County
- City of Watertown: $80,000––Project will involve continued invasive species control in conjunction with the restoration of site habitats by planting tree and shrub seedlings and wildflower seeds.
Posted: March 30th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Environmental News, General News, Northern NY News, State Government News.