About SLELO PRISM

The St. Lawrence – Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership For Regional Invasive Species Management (SLELO PRISM) is one of eight PRISMs that span the state of New York creating a network of partnerships as an integrative approach to invasive species management. Stemming from recommendations from the NYS Invasive Species Task Force, the PRISM network began in 2008 and became fully established in 2013. The network is funded by the Environmental Protection Fund in coordination between the Department of Environmental Conservation and various host organizations.

Formally recognized in 2011, SLELO PRISM’s mission is to protect native habitats, biodiversity, natural areas, and freshwater resources by using a collaborative and integrated approach to invasive species management, emphasizing prevention, early detection, rapid response, education, and outreach. Our work is focused within the five counties of Jefferson, Lewis, Oneida, Oswego, and St. Lawrence, but we collaborate with state agencies and partners across NY State.

Hosted by The Nature Conservancy, the SLELO PRISM has and continues to make significant progress towards invasive species management by utilizing the support and expertise of our partners.

From early detection to rapid response and education, SLELO shares several goals with our PRISM partners.
To focus on immediate priorities, we have targeted several invasive species.
We engage in several Initiatives to enhance invasive species management throughout the SLELO region.

SLELO PRISM GOALS

PREVENTION
Prevent the introduction of invasive species into the SLELO PRISM.

EARLY DETECTION & RAPID RESPONSE
Rapidly detect new and recent invaders and eliminate all individuals within a specific area.

COOPERATION
Share resources, including funding personnel, equipment, information, and expertise.

INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
Collect, utilize, and share information regarding surveys, infestations, control methods, monitoring, and research.

CONTROL
Control invasive species infestations by using best management practices, methods and techniques to include: ERADICATION (which is to eliminate all individuals and the seed bank from an area), CONTAINMENT (which is reducing the spread of established infestations from entering an uninfested area) and SUPPRESSION which is to reduce the density but not necessarily the total infested area.

RESTORATION
Develop and implement effective restoration methods for areas that have been degraded by invasive species and where suppression or control has taken place.

EDUCATION & OUTREACH
Increase public awareness and understanding of invasive species.

INNOVATION
Develop and implement innovative technologies that help us to better understand, visualize, alleviate or manage invasive species and their impacts or that serve to strengthen ecosystem function and/or processes.