Be Alert for Invasive Species
Check out the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP)
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)
Emerald Ash Borer was confirmed in New York 17 June 2009.
Most trees die within 2 to 4 years of becoming infested. The emerald ash borer is responsible for the destruction of over 50 million ash trees in the U.S. since its discovery in Michigan.
The potential threat of emerald ash borer is real; however, acting without understanding the specific threat to your trees, regulations and quarantines, and your options, could cause the unnecessary loss of treasured shade trees, or loss of substantial income from your woodlot.
This Asian beetle infests and kills North American ash species (Fraxinus sp.) including green, white, black and blue ash. Thus, all native ash trees are susceptible. Adult beetles leave distinctive D-shaped exit holes in the outer bark of the branches and the trunk. Adults are roughly 3/8 to 5/8 inch long with metallic green wing covers and a coppery red or purple abdomen. They may be present from late May through early September but are most common in June and July. Signs of infection include tree canopy dieback, yellowing, and browning of leaves.
If you think you have EAB, call the Department's EAB and Firewood hotline at 1-866-640-0652.
In New York, if you suspect you may have EAB in your ash trees, call the DEC’s EAB and Firewood hotline at (866) 640-0652.
Link to the EAB Information Network:
For more information and pictures, go to the New York State DEC’s web site about EAB:
Asian Clam
What is Asian Clam?
The Asian clam, Corbicula fluminea, is a small bivalve (two shells hinged together) that is native to temperate and tropical areas in southern Asia, the eastern Mediterranean, and Australia. They are small, usually less than 1.5 inches in size, and have a light green / light brown shell with distinctive concentric ridges.
Where was it Found?
Asian clams were found off Lake Avenue Beach in Lake George Village on Thursday 19 August 2010 by Jeremy Farrell of the Darrin Fresh Water Institute. Initial concentrations of up to 600 clams per square meter were documented, covering an area of approximately 2.5 acres.
What’s Next?
Spearheaded by the Darrin Fresh Water Institute, a committee has been formed to help coordinate efforts to respond to this new invasion. Representatives from the Darrin Fresh Water Institute, the Lake George Park Commission, the Lake George Association, the FUND for Lake George, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, the Adirondack Park Agency, the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program, and the Lake Champlain Basin Program are all working together to pool resources and expertise.
The next step is to determine the extent of the spread of the clam. After the extent of the invasion is mapped, options for eradication or management will be evaluated. We hope that the LGA has found this new infestation soon enough to successfully eradicate it.
Asian Milfoil
Eurasian milfoil species are not native to our state, and they are very difficult to control once they become fully established. Milfoil reproduces through fragmentation, whereby plant fragments break off from the parent plant through wind or boat action, grow roots, and settle in a new location.
Milfoil spreads rapidly and displaces beneficial native plant life. It makes swimming difficult and can devalue waterfront property. Where this species grows in its native environment, insects and fish may feed on this plant at such a rate as to control its growth. In our area, however, milfoil has no natural predators to keep its population in check. Under optimum temperature, light and nutrient conditions, milfoil may grow up to an inch per day.
Milfoil Chokes Waterways
How did exotic milfoil become established in New York? It was most likely a "stowaway" fragment attached to a boat or trailer that came to this region. Milfoil can live out of water for many hours if it remains moist.
© 2025 Ridgetop Lakes Conservancy, Inc.
PO Box 568 • Wurtsboro • New York • 12790-0568
Email: ObscureMyEmail
Background image used under Creative Commons License.
© 2025 Ridgetop Lakes Conservancy, Inc.
PO Box 568 • Wurtsboro • New York • 12790-0568
Email: ObscureMyEmail
Background image used under Creative Commons License.