1. Early Detection Efforts and Accomplishments in SLELO PRISM
Early detection of invasive species is a top priority for SLELO PRISM, our invasive species Volunteer Surveillance Network (VSN), and Aquatic Invasive Species spread prevention team are helping to strengthen early detection efforts in our region. I will now give you brief overview of the efforts and accomplishments of these Early Detection and outreach initiatives.
Engaging the public in Invasive Species
Volunteer Surveillance Networks (VSNs)
to help stop the spread of invasive species.

2. Why Establish Volunteer Surveillance Networks?
Engaging volunteers to conduct annual surveillance for invasive species
Increases early detection capacity
SLELO = 5 counties/ 7,000 square acres
2 seasonal employees/24 Priority Conservation Areas/ 2-year rotation.
Increase our surveillance capacity
Reduces spread potential
Increases feasibility and success of eradication
Cost effective strategy
Engages people in science
Increases understanding of invasive species throughout our communities
Helps fulfill early detection goals within the SLELO PRISM Strategic Plan!
But first why establish volunteer surveillance networks?
SLELO PRISM covers 5 counties that span over 7 thousand square miles of land, not including the vast water resources of Eastern Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River and Oneida Lake. That’s a lot of ground to cover in search for invasive species! Currently, SLELO hires 2 seasonal workers to search 24 priority conservation areas on a two year rotation.
Establishing VSNs increase our surveillance capacity, which reduces spread potential of invasives, while also increasing the feasibility and success for eradication efforts.
Furthermore, they’re a cost effective strategy that engages people in science while improving the overall understanding of invasive species throughout our communities; plus VSNs help fulfill our early detection goals within the SLELO PRISM strategic plan!

3. Volunteer Surveillance Network
Emerald Ash Borer (Detected)
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
(Not Detected)
Fanwort
(Detected)
Priority
Watch-List Species
Invasives in low enough abundance to contain/ eradicate
Invasives not yet detected in PRISM
Currently, SLELO has 3 active VSNs that search for emerald ash borer, hemlock woolly adelgid, and fanwort, 3 of our priority watch-list species, which are defined as invasive species that are in low enough abundance to contain or possibly eradicate; or, are species that are in near proximity to our region, but have yet to be detected within our PRISM.
New York

4. SLELO PRISM Invasive Species Volunteer Surveillance Network Summary
3 Priority Species (EAB, HWA, Fanwort)
55 Highly Probable Areas
75 Volunteers (and counting!)
All together the SLELO PRISM VSN is focused on 3 priority species, in 55 HPAs with 75 volunteers and counting! Thanks to all our partners for teaming up to stop the spread of invasive species!
If you would like to get involved, there is a signup sheet on the SLELO info table and an informational brochure in your folders.