DEC Emmy Winning Film: We Must Stop These Invasive Species in New York Now

We are in the middle of winter and awards season. I am not a fan of winter, but I am a fan of great awards shows. This year, The Grammy's was full of performances people are still discussing. Another topic hot on people's minds is Spotted Lanternflies.

Early this week winners for the New York State Emmy Awards were announced and honestly, I might have missed it altogether except that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) won for one of their most watched YouTube videos called "Uninvited: The Spread of Invasive Species".

NYS DEC Win Emmy For Invasive Species Documentary

Josh Thiel and Emma Antolos of the NYS DEC won New York State Emmys in the category of "Documentary - Topical" for their work on the 52-minute film that takes you on an educationally informative and interesting journey into the world of what bugs, plants, and more that are quietly taking over New York State.

You may have heard about some of the bugs and plants they are talking about in the film.

The Spotted Lanternfly is one everyone is watching in the Hudson Valley. It threatens fruit trees. A full-on invasion would be devasting for Hudson Valley farmers. That is not the only bug threatening New York's forests which according to the DEC cover 60 percent of our state.

SEE ALSO: How to Kill a Spotted Lantern Fly

Remember there was a time when New York didn't have stink bugs, (why you don't squish them) now they are commonplace. Everyday actions by people are aiding some of what is happening in New York.

The NYS DEC has easy things we can all do to help stop the spread of many of the Uninvited Species.

How You Can Stop Invasive Species in Your Yard in New York

If you get a chance watch the video but if you aren't interested at least keep this in mind.

In the film, they explain how our everyday actions can help spread the invasive plants and bugs. If we can agree to do a few simple things we will be doing our part and the NYS DEC and others will keep doing the rest.

SEE Also: 5 Invasive Pest to Watch out for in New York State

The NYS DEC has numerous ways we can help (How to Stop the Spread) but basically, you just need to remember things like, Don't transfer firewood, get your campfirewood local to where you are burning it. Drain, clean, and dry your boat before you take it from one water source to another.

Check in at your NYS DEC office to get a list of bugs and plants you should track, report, and destroy on your property to stop the spread.

SEE Also: Invasive Worms now showing up in New York State

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