Catskill Center Announces the Availability of Funding for Invasive Species Control, Education, and Citizen Science Programs
April 2nd, 2018: In an effort to stop the spread of invasive species that threaten our region's eco-system, raise awareness about invasive species and encourage the public to participate in the study of invasives, the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) is seeking regional projects to fund in 2018.
CRISP is a collaborative of organizations and agencies that work cooperatively to promote prevention, early detection/rapid response, and control of invasive species to protect natural resources, the economy, and human health. It is a program of the Catskill Center.
“The Catskill Center, as host of CRISP, is excited to be able to make a direct impact on invasive species management through awarding these funds. We are proud that this program will help support our local businesses and organizations and will protect Catskill forests, streams and our local economy,” said Jeff Senterman, Executive Director of the Catskill Center. “We're grateful that the State of New York has made these resources available to aid the efforts of managing invasive species in the Catskills.”
Proposals of up to $30,000 will be considered.
Funding will be awarded to proposals that best accomplish one (or more) of the following priorities:
1. Stop new invasive species infestations through early detection/rapid response for high priority species aquatic or terrestrial invasive species,
2. Survey for early detection high priority invasive species,
3. Develop a structured Citizen Science Program that engages and retains participants,
4. Improve understanding and raise public awareness of high priority and low abundance invasive species in the region or promote prevention of forest pests, or
5. Improve the scientific understanding of the extent, ecological impact and effective controls of invasive species in the CRISP region.
Invasive species are plants, animals or pests that are not native to the Catskills ecosystem and cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.
Organizations eligible to receive this funding include nonprofit organizations, consultants, local governments and educational institutions that work within the CRISP region.
CRISP’s region covers all of Otsego, Schoharie, and Delaware Counties; most of Ulster, Greene and Sullivan Counties; and a small part of Orange County.
One of eight Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management in New York State, CRISP is funded through the New York State Environmental Protection Fund and administered as a contract through the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.
The complete Request for Proposals, including the list of high priority early detection species, is available for download on the CRISP website: www.catskillinvasives.com. Proposals must be received by April 23rd.
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For more information, contact the Catskill Center at 845-586-2611, jthompson@catskillcenter.org, or visit www.catskillinvasives.com.