YOU CAN HELP OCCA PREVENT THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES
An invasive species is a non-native plant or animal whose introduction to an ecosystem causes or is likely to cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health. Invasive species threaten the ecological balance of our lands and waters. OCCA is at the forefront of invasive species prevention, control and eradication efforts in Otsego County.
Invasive species cost New York State hundreds of millions of dollars each year in direct control costs and in lost revenue. OCCA has made preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species a top priority.
INVASIVE SPECIES THREATEN OUR MOST BEAUTIFUL AND IMPORTANT HABITATS
Water chestnut (Trapa natans) is a hardy, invasive plant capable of rapidly taking over water bodies if left unchecked. Since 2006 – at a cost of more than $100,000 – OCCA has worked with the Goodyear Lake Association to organize multiple hand-harvesting programs each year on Goodyear Lake and the Upper Susquehanna River. Where there were once large mats of water chestnut covering almost five acres of water surface, there are now only widely-scattered patches (see photo comparisons at left).
WE’RE PULLING FOR YOU
Since the seeds of the water chestnut can remain viable for up to 12 years, it is critical to continue to monitor and eradicate any plants that remain or the water chestnut will re-establish itself in these habitats. OCCA’s “We’re Pulling For You” program coordinates eight hand-harvesting dates each summer and operates at a cost of more than $6,000 annually which includes staff time, equipment, administration, volunteer time, and educational materials.
HOW WILL YOUR MONEY HELP?
Hand harvesting of water chestnut is just one of the projects supported through donations to this campaign. Monies raised here will also be used to fund in part the following programs OCCA directly implements, provides support for and/or provides funding for, as they relate to aquatic and terrestrial invasive species:
Primary Initiatives
Other Initiatives and Activities
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
By donating to this campaign, you also become an OCCA member. Just as donor support makes us stronger, membership numbers help us to leverage grant funding and statewide partnerships throughout the year.
If you prefer to make a donation by check, please mail to: OCCA, PO Box 931, Cooperstown, NY 13326 and note “Invasives” in the memo section.
For more information, contact Darla Youngs, Executive Director, at 607-547-4488 or admin@occainfo.org.
TAKE THE PLEDGE TO CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY.
OCCA (Otsego County Conservation Association) is dedicated to promoting the appreciation and sustainable use of Otsego County’s natural resources through education, advocacy, resource management, research, and planning. To learn more about OCCA, visithttp://occainfo.org/.