In this week’s Going Green, Terry Ettinger tells us about invasive plants and wildlife.

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You’re going to see more signs like this posted at boat launches around New York State as the state combats the spread of invasive plants and wildlife.

“So it will be contingent upon a boat owner to make sure they’re not taking water from one lake to another, not having invasive water plants attached to their trailer, plus they need to drain live wells and make sure they’re not transporting things in bilge water. All of these are well documented ways in which things like zebra mussels and a number of other aquatic species have moved around,” said Dr. Dylan Parry, a SUNY ESF professor.

Dr. Dylan Parry, who serves on the state’s Invasive Species Advisory Council, understands some people are opposed to the idea of fines and boat inspections.

“A large number of people would voluntarily do it, but a small number of people are never going to take action voluntarily and for those who don’t repercussions are needed,’ Parry said.

Ask any community that has had to deal with invasive plants like hydrilla in Cayuga Lake and recently discovered in the Buffalo area or zebra mussels in the Great Lakes.

Parry said, “All of our power bills reflect the fact that anyone using lake water as coolant for power production has to deal with the pipes being clogged up with zebra mussels.”

The state is also going after plants like European buckthorn and garlic mustard.

Parry said, “The state is currently developing a prohibited list of plants and animals. There will be recommendations made for somewhere around 175 different plant species.”

Some of those plants will be allowed but with restrictions while others will be prohibited altogether.