New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

Invasive Species

New Invasive Affecting NYS Elm Trees; Threatens Major Spread

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elm zigzag sawfly courtesy Wikimedia user SigaThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced that the elm zigzag sawfly (Aproceros leucopoda) was detected for the first time in New York State at three locations in St. Lawrence County, including Wilson Hill Wildlife Management Area, Brasher State Forest, and Lost Nation State Forest.

This exotic pest feeds exclusively on elm trees and can cause severe defoliation, branch dieback, and crown thinning. Although the sawfly has not yet been shown to cause tree mortality, repeated defoliation by established sawfly populations would put added stress on native elm trees already heavily impacted by Dutch elm disease. [Read more…] about New Invasive Affecting NYS Elm Trees; Threatens Major Spread

Adirondack Park Agency Meeting Highlights

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APA logoThe Adirondack Park Agency Board approved two projects and voted that proposed best management practices to control invasive species on New York State Department of Environmental Conservation administered lands inside the Adirondack Park conformed to the State Land Master Plan at its September 15th, 2022 meeting. [Read more…] about Adirondack Park Agency Meeting Highlights

Reading Bug Tracks on Tea Leaves

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tea plant courtesy Wikimedia user James SteakleyFrom palm-reading to watching Fox News, humans throughout the ages have sought knowledge through some decidedly irrational means. But every now and then, superstition pays off.

For example, studying the pattern of coffee grounds in the bottom of one’s cup, a practice known as tasseomancy, will nearly always reveal that someone forgot to put a filter in the coffeemaker basket. And haruspicy, the study of the fresh entrails of a gutted animal, is consistently right in concluding the animal is dead. [Read more…] about Reading Bug Tracks on Tea Leaves

DEC To Add New Invasives Facilities at Campground and Day-Use Area Rules

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DEC LogoNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the finalization of a Unit Management Plan amendment to guide siting, construction, and management of watercraft decontamination facilities at DEC campgrounds and day-use areas.

The construction and permanent placement of watercraft decontamination facilities supports DEC’s ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic invasive species (AIS). [Read more…] about DEC To Add New Invasives Facilities at Campground and Day-Use Area Rules

Spotted Lanternfly: A Primer

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Spotted lanternfly courtesy Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of AgricultureIn September 2021, one boy’s blue ribbon-winning 4H project at the Kansas State Fair made national news. The exhibit included a colorfully-spotted, inch-long, moth-like insect that immediately attracted the attention of entomologists. The insect, which the boy had found on his front porch, was a spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula).

Native to Asia, this species was discovered in Berks County, Pennsylvania, in 2014 and is considered a harmful invasive in the United States, causing much stress to plants, gardeners, foresters, and farmers. Although it is firmly established in the northeastern United States, the 4H exhibit was the first time entomologists had noted the spotted lanternfly’s existence so far west. [Read more…] about Spotted Lanternfly: A Primer

New Threat to Beech Trees Found In 35 NYS Counties

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BLD advanced symptomsThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced that Beech Leaf Disease (BLD), which affects all species of beech trees, has been identified in 35 counties in New York State to date.

DEC began tracking BLD in 2018 after it was confirmed in Chautauqua County. Fourteen of the counties with BLD were confirmed in 2022, and more are likely to be identified. [Read more…] about New Threat to Beech Trees Found In 35 NYS Counties

New Boating Requirements for Adirondack Waters

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DEC LogoThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced measures to prevent the further spread of aquatic invasive species in the Adirondacks.

Recent changes to Environmental Conservation Law become effective on Wednesday, June 8th, 2022, and require motorized boat users to obtain certification that they have inspected and removed potentially harmful aquatic invasive species before launching in waters in, and immediately adjacent to, the Adirondack Forest Preserve. [Read more…] about New Boating Requirements for Adirondack Waters

Report Invasive Jumping Worms

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jumping worm by Susan DayBe on the lookout for invasive jumping worms and report your findings to NY iMapInvasives.

Jumping worms, sometimes known as “crazy worms,” are an invasive species native to Asia that are being found more and more in many parts of New York State. Jumping worms leach nutrients from soil, making it difficult for most plants to grow. [Read more…] about Report Invasive Jumping Worms

Launching Your Boat? Make Sure Its Clean, Drained, and Dry

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Boat stewards assist the public with checking their watercraft for aquatic invasive speciesAnyone launching a boat in New York waters are reminded to clean, drain, and dry boats and trailers, and disinfect fishing gear before launching to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS).

Starting Friday, May 27th, watercraft inspection stewards, AKA boat stewards, will be stationed at more than 225 boat launches throughout the state to educate and assist the public in cleaning their equipment. Identified by their blue vests, boat stewards can provide a refresher on how to inspect boats and gear and offer information about AIS in New York. [Read more…] about Launching Your Boat? Make Sure Its Clean, Drained, and Dry