State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R, C, I – Schenectady) reports that he and his colleagues in the New York State Senate gave final legislative passage to a bill (S7643A) that directs the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to design and post at public boat launches a universal sign warning of the threat of aquatic invasive species.

Aquatic invasive species (AIS), such as zebra mussels, asian clams and hydrilla, pose a serious threat to the ecosystems and economies of the communities around lakes, rivers and other bodies of waters.

The legislation requires the DEC, within one year of the effective date of the law, to conspicuously post or provide for the posting of a universal sign at each public boat launch site in the state.

Management of AIS, which includes mechanical, physical, chemical or biological control, is very costly. The best defense of AIS is to prevent the further spread of these species through education.

The bill passed the Assembly and will be sent to the Governor for his consideration.