​TERRESTRIAL INVASIVE SPECIES PROGRAM

APIPP's Terrestrial Program (TIS Program) works to minimize the impact of terrestrial invasive plants and animals in the Adirondacks through: 

AWARENESS BUILDING & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

TIS staff work with partners around the region to grow awareness about Terrestrial Invasive Species in the Adirondacks through workshops, training volunteers in species Identification and Reporting, answering inquiries from the general public, and providing customized professional development trainings to partners from the NYS Department of Transportation as well as regional municipalities. 

BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES DEVELOPMENT

APIPP wants to provide the public with the tools and knowledge they need to carry out smart invasive species management on their property. Our program publishes and regularly updates a Best Management Practices Manual to control invasive species in terrestrial and aquatic environments.  

EARLY DETECTION & INNOVATION

In 2019 The APIPP Terrestrial Project completed its second year of unmanned aerial vehicle-assisted (drone) surveys for wetland invasives which has the potential to greatly expand our detection efforts in difficult-to-access locations. Working under a Google Data Solutions for Change grant awarded to The Nature Conservancy, Initial models in 2019 showed a 93.3% accuracy rate. Read more about the project in APIPPs 2019 Annual Report. 

KNOTWEED PARTNERSHIP

Intended to reduce the severity of high-priority knotweed infestations and help private landowners more reasonably control infestations on their own. APIPP works with community volunteers to secure landowner permissions so that treatment can be safely carried out by certified pesticide applicators. Read more about knotweed management here. 

SEASONAL CAMPGROUND STEWARD

State campgrounds, trailheads, and other recreational access points are high priorities for terrestrial invasive species surveillance and management due to their high levels of human disturbance and use. To address this vulnerability, APIPP hosts a seasonal Invasive Species Management Steward to survey and manage terrestrial invasive species at publicly owned campgrounds across all six million acres of Adirondack Park.

TARGETED MANAGEMENT

APIPP's TIS Project focuses on a suite of species wherein a combination of resources, treatment options, size of infestation, and local regulations make it feasible to carry out effective treatment programs every growing season. The list of plants and animals within APIPP’s treatment window is always shifting and our program works to focus on emerging species that are small enough in number to eradicate from our PRISM region.