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WNY PRISM (Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management) is one of 8 regional partnerships in New York State created to help prevent or minimize the harm caused by invasive species to New York’s environment, economy and human health.

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Great Lakes Center, SAMC 319
SUNY Buffalo State
1300 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, NY 14222

wnyprism@buffalostate.edu
(716) 878.4708

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WNY PRISM

WNY PRISM (Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management) is one of 8 regional partnerships in New York State created to help prevent or minimize the harm caused by invasive species to New York’s environment, economy and human health.

We work to address invasive species priorities using a coordinated partnership network, for which we provide leadership, technical assistance and opportunities for collaboration. Our goal is to improve, restore and protect local aquatic and terrestrial resources by improving the effectiveness of invasive species management efforts, engaging the public in management actions and increasing awareness of invasive species issues throughout our eight-county region. We are involved in all aspects of invasive species prevention and management and combine and leverage resources to implement the full suite of actions required to address the threat posed by invasive species.

Invasive species pose a significant threat to our environment, economy, and human health. By fostering regional collaboration, the impact of invasive species will be minimized, and the natural resources and beauty of western New York will be preserved.

The WNY PRISM region covers the eight westernmost counties of New York State including Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming, and is the only PRISM region to include two of the Great Lakes: Lakes Erie and Ontario. The eight-county region is home to over 1.5 million people and nearly 6,500 square miles, and contains cultural and urban centers such as Buffalo, Jamestown, Lockport and Niagara Falls. Land dedicated to agriculture includes 1.38 million acres with products ranging from corn and soybeans to wine and cattle. Recreation and tourism results in over 3 billion dollars spent annually with 9.5 million visitors to Niagara Falls and 14.8 million visitors to western New York State Parks.

WNY PRISM was established January 2014 and has quickly become a leader for invasive species management. We have worked with nearly 200 different partner organizations and look forward to continuing to serve the region.

WNY PRISM is funded by the Environmental Protection Fund through a contract with the Department of Environmental Conservation. We are a sponsored program of The Research Foundation for SUNY at Buffalo State, and are hosted by The Great Lakes Center.

NEW YORK INVASIVE SPECIES
INFORMATION CLEARINGHOUSE

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HISTORY OF NEW YORK STATE INVASIVE SPECIES PROGRAM

Invasive species are defined by Environmental Conservation Law (9-1703(1)) as nonnative species that can cause harm to the environment, economy or to human health. They are a form of biological pollution that comes from all around the world and the rate of invasion is increasing dur to international trade.

Responding to the growing problem of invasive species, New York State passed legislation in 2003 that created the New York Invasive Species Taskforce (ISTF). The 2005 ISTF Report led to a 2008 statute, known as Title 17 of ECL Article 9, which established the New York Invasive Species Council (ISC) and Invasive Species Advisory Committee (ISAC). The Council is co-led by New York State Departments of Environmental Conservation and Agriculture and Markets. Among the Council’s numerous statutory responsibilities is the requirement to support, within available funds, and encourage Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management.

In 2014, the structure envisioned by the ISTF was fully realized. The final PRISM offices were established (Finger Lakes PRISM, Western New York PRISM, and Capitol Region PRISM) and additional state-level programs were fully funded (iMapInvasives, CCE Invasive Species Program, NYS Clearinghouse, and NYS Invasive Species Research Institute).

For more information on the statewide response to invasive species, visit the New York State Invasive Species Clearinghouse.