Dr. Edward Mills, Professor and Director, Cornell Research Station
Chasing ecological change - The Oneida Lake Story

Oneida Lake is one of New York State's premier natural resources yet is undergoing significant and rapid ecological change.  Global issues including the transport of invasive species to nearby Great Lakes from far away waters by transoceanic shipping and climate destabilization are changing the lakes of Central New York and Oneida Lake.  While scientists have investigated the lake's ecology since the early 1900s and their research has amassed a tremendous reservoir of information, scientist now chase ecological understanding and change.  While Oneida Lake projects vibrant health, it remains in a state of transformation and its future uncharted.

Chuck O'Neill, Director, National Aquatic Nuisance Species Clearinghouse
Ecologic and Economic Implications of The Invasive Species "Explosion"

5,000 nonindigenous species have established free-living populations in the U.S.  Of those, approximately 750 can be considered "invasive."  New York State is home to several hundred of those invasive species - the Great Lakes Basin alone hosting more than 180 aquatic invasive species.  How have these organisms been introduced?  What makes an organism "invasive"?  How are they impacting important native and non-native organisms?  And, what are they doing to our ecosystems and economy?

Dr. Ward Stone, Pathologist, NYSDEC
Botulism in Lakes Erie and Ontario

Two invasive animal species are involved in the spread of a virulent strain of Botulism E in Lakes Erie and Ontario.  Feces from quagga mussels combined with algae dieback in the fall produce an anaerobic sediment facilitating the growth of Botulism E.  The botulism passes through the food chain of insects, crawfish, detritus feeders, piscivorous fish, piscivorous birds and scavengers causing the death of thousands of birds.

Dr. Randy Jackson, Cornell University
Oneida Lake through time:  A history of human impacts on New York's largest lake

Tracing history of the lake and its uses from earliest records through construction of the canal and establishment of exotics, such as, zebra mussel, focusing on changes in fish community and ecology.

Amy Samuels, Cornell Cooperative Extension - Onondaga County
Successful elements of a 'grass roots' water chestnut control program

Prevention, detection and rapid response are key components of invasive species management.  Through CCE's Adopt-A-Shoreline Program, volunteers play a vital role in the prevention, detection and control of water chestnut and other invasive aquatic plants.  To date, almost two thirds of the shoreline of Oneida Lake is monitored by volunteers.  thanks to their dedication, water chestnut has been eliminated from Long Point, the eastern most point of infestation on perseverance and widespread educational outreach.

David White, Cornell University - NY Sea Grant Great Lakes Program Coordinator
New Educational Resources for Understanding Oneida Lake's Watershed

The Oneida Lake Education Initiative is anew program with several components specifically designed for lake users and schools in the watershed.  The primary goal of the initiative is to disseminate scientifically based information to enhance our understanding of the lake and it's watershed.  An overview of 2 elements of this initiative will be presented...a new website focusing on the lake, and a "traveling trunk" designed to be used by educators focusing on the aquatic resources of the lake (including exotics).

Steven J. Sanford, Chief, NYSDEC Bureau of Habitat
What is next on the agenda of the NYS Invasive Species Task Force - Past, Present, Future

The New York State Invasive Species Task Force convened in early 2004 and reported to the Governor and legislature in late 2005.  Since that time, $3.25 million in funds have been made in improving coordination of outreach and education, information management, research, control and management, and the support of regional 'grass roots' partnerships.  The Task Force is being reconstituted and restructured to continue to guide on invasive species management.