Trail Conference Receives 5-Year Contract to Continue Leading Lower Hudson PRISM
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Nonprofit Organization Strives to Protect Lower Hudson Region’s Rich Biodiversity
The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is thrilled to announce that they have been awarded a new, 5-year contract with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to continue leading the Lower Hudson Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (LH PRISM) from 2023-2028. The Lower Hudson PRISM is a coalition of 50+ partner organizations in the lower Hudson Valley with a vested interest in protecting the region’s natural areas from the threats posed by invasive species. This opportunity affords the Trail Conference the ability to strengthen its partner and member connections in the region with the goal of ensuring the trails and natural areas that we share are sustainable, ecologically balanced, and accessible for generations to come.
Since 2013, the Trail Conference has coordinated the LH PRISM to carry out work on the ground to protect native habitats, biodiversity, natural areas, and freshwater resources by using a collaborative and integrated approach to invasive species management - with an emphasis on prevention, early detection, rapid response, and education and outreach.
One of eight such regional partnerships in New York State, the Lower Hudson PRISM network acts as the go-to resource for invasives species issues in an area that stretches from Manhattan through Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess Counties and west through Rockland, Orange and portions of Ulster and Sullivan Counties.
Invasive species are non-native plants and animals that cause harm to ecosystems, human health, and vital economic sectors such as outdoor recreation. Invasive species management is integral to protecting valuable natural and cultural resources including the beloved trails throughout the Lower Hudson Valley.
This new contract allows the Trail Conference to build on the successes of their current program offerings by:
- Increasing synergies between the Trail Conference’s stewardship-focused, volunteer-oriented, and other trail programs by connecting with other ongoing Trail Conference efforts in the region, making the Trail Conference a stronger partner for regional efforts that enhance and protect public trail lands.
- Continuing to work with its partners throughout the New York-New Jersey metropolitan region to improve strategies for invasive species management.
- Offering valuable training programs for volunteers and members of the public.
- Continuing volunteer programs such as the Invasives Strike Force (ISF) Surveyor Program and offering diverse volunteer workdays and special projects involving the ISF Conservation Corps Crew.
Brent Boscarino, the Trail Conference’s Associate Director of Stewardship and LH PRISM Coordinator, will continue to lead LH PRISM and its 58 partner organizations, as well as help organize the ISF Surveyor Program.
Ryan McClean will continue his role as Terrestrial Invasive Species Project Manager. He oversees all invasive plant control projects, and trains and manages the seasonal ISF Conservation Corps crew.
Krysti Sabins will continue her role as Stewardship Communications Coordinator. She manages all LH PRISM communication channels including social media and video productions, as well as educational initiatives.
“The Trail Conference is thrilled to continue coordinating the critical work of the Lower Hudson PRISM,” says Joshua Howard, Executive Director, New York-New Jersey Trail Conference. “Over the past decade, through our collaboration with NYS DEC and 50+ organizations that comprise this important partnership, we have spearheaded innovative and groundbreaking techniques to protect the natural ecosystems of the lands we love.”