STATE OF NEW YORK 
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER 
Proclamation

Whereas, the citizens of the Empire State support initiatives through which we can illustrate our ongoing commitment to precious natural resources and those cherished lands which reflect our noble environmental heritage and whose presence has meaningful impact upon the lives of New Yorkers and all Americans; and

Whereas, the New York State Adirondack Park is globally recognized as a Bio-Sphere Reserve and a model of public and private governance and environmental stewardship, and its lakes, ponds, rivers, and forests underwrite the economy of many communities through recreation, tourism, forestry, and numerous other uses; and

Whereas, the Adirondack Park has over 150,000 year-round residents, 150,000 seasonal residents, and millions of visitors each year utilizing and enjoying the vast land and water resources, including 6 million acres of land, over 2,800 lakes and ponds, and more than 30,000 miles of rivers and streams; and

Whereas, certain invasive species have been identified in the Adirondack Park and include Eurasian watermilfoil, Japanese knotweed, zebra mussels, and others – and in light of the expenses associated with control efforts in the Park alone, it is important to take proactive and preventative measures against the establishment of invasive species not yet introduced to the Adirondack Park – species such as Sirex woodwasp, hemlock wooly adelgid, round goby, hydrilla, and others; and

Whereas, the Adirondack Park is recognized as an area of special concern, and preventing the introduction of invasive species would benefit the Park and furthermore eliminate the need of New York State, businesses, industries and citizens from employing costly methods to control and manage them; and

Whereas, numerous groups such as local governments, state agencies, environmental organizations, lake associations, garden clubs, academic institutions, and other organizations are aligning efforts to collaboratively combat the threat of invasive species utilizing a regional, integrated, and adaptive approach; and

Whereas, the Adirondack Park Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan outlines steps to minimize the threat of aquatic nuisance species and has a broad range of support among stakeholder groups; and

Whereas, invasive species awareness is an important first step towards behavior change that can help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species, and New York State joins to support the worthy goals of Invasive Species Awareness Week, which provides an opportunity for government to join forces with business, industry, environmental groups, community organizations and citizens to take action against the introduction and spread of invasive species;

Now, Therefore, I, David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim July 5-11, 2009 as

ADIRONDACK PARK INVASIVE SPECIES AWARENESS WEEK

in the Empire State.

G i v e n under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this twenty-sixth day of June in the year two thousand nine.

David A. Paterson
Governor