The Capital Region Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM), is hosted by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County a not for profit semi-quasi government agency.  The PRISM is one of eight such entities in New York State and is  financially supported through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) via the Environmental Protection Fund. The Capital Region PRISM provides regional services across eleven counties in the greater New York State Capital Region. Counties served included Albany, Columbia, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Saratoga, Washington and portions of Fulton, Greene, Herkimer, and Warren.  The PRISM is staffed with a full time Terrestrial, Aquatics, Outreach Educator and a Lead Coordinator. Our seasonal staff includes watercraft stewards and paid interns from affiliated colleges and universities in the Capital Region.

The mission of the CR-PRISM is to “Detect, prevent, and control invasive species through direct action and education, to protect biodiversity, the natural environment, economy, and quality of life.” The deliverables of the PRISM include but are not limited to: Coordination of regional invasive species management activities, Implementation of education, outreach, and prevention programs; Early detection, monitoring, rapid response control actions, and habitat restoration; Recruitment and training of volunteers; and Collaborations with partner organizations.

Our work flow is guided by the mission and goals of the  Capital Region PRISM 5-Year Strategic Plan .

NY State PRISM's

New York State is divided into 8 PRISMS, funded through New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation's Environmental Protection Fund and are hosted by varying organizations.

The Capital Region PRISM is hosted by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County.  It includes the counties of Albany, Columbia, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Schenectady and portions of  Fulton, Greene, Herkimer, Saratoga, Warren, and Washington. 

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The 8 PRISMs of New York State:

• Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program 
• Capital Region PRISM 
• Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership 
• Finger Lakes PRISM 
• Long Island Invasive Species Management Area
• Lower Hudson PRISM
• St. Lawrence and Eastern Lake Ontario PRISM
• Western New York PRISM ​

What are invasive species?

Invasive species are defined as non-native species that cause or are likely to cause economic, or ecological harm, or harm to human health.  An invasive species can be any type of organism including plants, animals, and diseases.  They moved from their native region into our region, usually with help from humans.  In these new habitats, invasive species are freed from the factors that kept their populations in check - like predators, weather, and diseases - and their populations grow, quickly out-competing native species.  

Invasive species are usually from a similar climate somewhere across the globe.  Native plants and animals are not used to dealing with these new invaders, and are unable to compete.  Native animals don't usually browse on non-native plants, giving these invaders an additional competitive advantage.  They cost the U.S. about $120 billion each year due to control costs, lost production, and environmental damage, and threaten 46 % of federally endangered and threatened species.  The threat of invasive species ranks second behind habitat loss as the greatest threat to biodiversity globally.

PRISM Goals

• Prevention- Prevent the introduction of invasive species into the region.
• Education & Outreach- Increase public awareness and understanding of invasive species. 
• Early Detection & Rapid Response- Rapidly detect new invaders and control the spread.
• 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 by using best management practices,  through eradication, containment, and suppression. 
• Restoration- Develop and implement effective restoration methods for areas that have been degraded by invasive species and where suppression or control has taken place. 

Capital Region Geography

Click on either map to download a PDF version.

Hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension Saratoga County.  Website ©2018 Capital/Mohawk PRISM