NORTH TONAWANDA – Invasive hydrilla, a new invasive species in New York, has been identified and is likely to cause major economic and ecological impacts if it is not addressed. Tonawanda Creek was identified as a major area of concern because of the newly discovered hydrilla infestation there.
The City of North Tonawanda will participate in a boat stewardship program, partnering with New York State Parks to educate the public and perform voluntary inspections of watercraft from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays through Sundays rotating between the Service Drive boat launch along the Tonawanda Creek (Erie Canal) on Sweeney Street and the boat launch along the Niagara River at Gratwick Riverside Park on River Road. Inspections have recently begun and will continue through Labor Day.
The program is funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and is being implemented at boat launches along Lake Erie, the Niagara River, Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River