ARKVILLE, NY — In an effort to stop the spread of invasive species that threaten our region’s ecosystem, raise awareness about invasive species and encourage the public to participate in the study of invasives, the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) is seeking projects to fund in 2018.

CRISP is a collaborative of organizations and agencies that work cooperatively to promote prevention, early detection/rapid response to and control of invasive species to protect natural resources, the economy and human health. It is a program of the Catskill Center.

Invasive species are plants, animals, or pests that are not native to the Catskills ecosystem and cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. Proposals of up to $30,000 will be considered. Funding will be awarded to proposals that best accomplish one (or more) of the following priorities:

1. Stop new invasive species infestations through early detection/rapid response for high priority aquatic or terrestrial invasive species,

2. Survey for early detection of high-priority invasive species,

3. Develop a structured Citizen Science Program that engages and retains participants,

4. Improve understanding and raise public awareness of high-priority and low-abundance invasive species in the region or promote prevention of forest pests, or

5. Improve the scientific understanding of the extent, ecological impact and effective controls of invasive species in the CRISP region.

Organizations eligible to receive this funding include nonprofit organizations, consultants, local governments and educational institutions that work within the CRISP region, which includes most of Sullivan and all of Delaware counties in addition to other areas. 

CRISP is funded through the New York State Environmental Protection Fund and administered as a contract through the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. 

The complete Request for Proposals, including the list of CRISP high-priority, early-detection species, is available for download at www.catskillinvasives.com. Proposals must be received by April 23. For more information email jthompson@catskillcenter.org or call 845-586-2611.