Mosher@hws.edu Hydrilla clogging a boat motor, photo credit: MI Sea Grant Importance of a Collaborative Approach Hemorrhaging cost of invasive species control The lifeblood of the Finger Lakes region Personal cost Synergy Photo credit: http://www.usawaterquality.org/funded_projects/integrated/SUNYBrock.html Emergent stems and leaves of Hydrilla. Photo: David J. Moorhead, University of Georgie, Bugwood.org The Partnership Representatives from universities, federal, state and local agencies, lake associations, resource managers, Land Trusts, the media, and business and industry, as well as private landowners. Greater potential for collaboration, successful grant funding, citizen science capacity and volunteer base through networking Seventeen Counties of the Finger Lakes Broome Cayuga Chemung Chenango Cortland Livingston Madison Monroe Onondaga Ontario Schuyler Seneca Photo Credit: NYS DEC Tompkins Tioga Steuben Wayne Yates Photo Credit: www.netplaces.com/bicycle/ridingtechniques/riding-with-groups.htm Mat installation for the treatment of Asian clams, 2012, Lake George, Fundforlakegeorge.org Credit: http://www.ushistory.org/franklin/quotable/quote67.htm Water chestnut, photo credit, www.nyis.org Photo Credit: Soque River Watershed Association Photo Credit: NYIS.info http://www.nyis.info/ iMap Invasives Training Photo Credit: http://teambasedconsulting.blogspot.com/2 011/09/how-to-use-steering-committee.html/ Photo Credit: http://filmadelphi a.org/volunteer/ cce-flprism-l@cornell.edu Photo credit: Adirondackguru.com Together, we can! Become involved, become educated Local campaigns associated with education, research, and monitoring invasive species can increase knowledge and participation in spread prevention. Spread the word! Use local firewood Target partnerships to increase education and awareness of the transport of firewood and critters outside counties. Be a steward of YOUR Lake Increased watercraft steward programs and trainings can reach thousands of recreationists and people who fish during the season. Cleaning equipment can prevent transport of invasive species from one location to another. Plant native species, report invaders When landscaping or gardening, choose plants that are native to our region to ease care requirements and increase biological diversity. Organize volunteer projects Volunteers are your greatest asset! Form a volunteer program. Projects can include: water chestnut pulls, bloody red shrimp assessments, assessments, etc. Stay informed Sign up for the email list: cce-flprism-l@cornell.edu Make your voice heard - Be a stakeholder Attend the stakeholder meetings and make your voice heard! NYSG Launch Steward Brittney Rogers pulling water chestnuts. Photo by: Megan Pistolese, NYSG