DEC launches public challenge to combat invasive species impact
Tuesday, News 8 spoke with the Department of Environment Conservation on the topic and they have recently launched a challenge for the public in honor of it.
It encourages New Yorkers to report sightings of invasive species like the Spotted Lanternfly.
If you want to participate, you can log into the state's database and submit a report. Then, you'll be entered in a chance to win prizes.
'Depending on the species, they can have a huge impact on the environment or economy or agriculture,' Andrea Nieves with the DEC said. 'And they're really a people problem. They wouldn't have been in an environment like New York unless people brought them here, so getting everybody together is sort of the best solution. Having the public report them and work with their local organizations.'
The annual week is usually observed the first week of June.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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