N.Y. Environmental Conservation Law § 9-1701: Legislative findings

§ 9-1701. Legislative findings.

The legislature finds that invasive plant and animal species pose an

unacceptable risk to New York state's environment and economy and that

this risk is increasing through time as more invasive species become

established within the state. The legislature additionally finds that

invasive species are having a detrimental effect upon the state's fresh

and tidal wetlands, water bodies and waterways, forests, agricultural

lands, meadows and grasslands, and other natural communities and systems

by out-competing native species, diminishing biological diversity,

altering community structure and, in some cases, changing ecosystem

processes. Moreover, the legislature recognizes that the ecological

integrity of an increasing number of publicly and privately-owned parks

and preserves is being adversely affected by invasive plants and

animals, challenging the ability of land management agencies to

effectively manage these sites. The legislature further recognizes that

nearly half (forty-six percent; fifty-seven percent of the plants,

thirty-nine percent of the animals) of the species on the federal list

of endangered species are declining, at least in part, due to invasive

species. The legislature additionally finds that invasive species have

an adverse impact on the New York state economy. Particularly affected

by these species are the water supply, agricultural, and recreational

sectors of the state economy. The economic impact to the national

economy has been estimated to be as high as one hundred thirty-seven

billion dollars annually.