Aquatic Invasive Species Pond and Lake Vulnerability Prioritization for New York
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    • 1. Risk of Introduction
        Step One

        Select threshold for risk of introduction score. This score represents the relative likelihood that invasive species will be introduced into a lake or pond, based on predicted motorboat traffic, road traffic, distance to known invasive species occurrences, and the number of invasive species near a lake or pond.

        This is a relative score – waterbodies with higher scores are predicted to have higher risk, but the scores have no units..

    • 2. Risk of Establishment
        Step Two

        Select proxy invasive species to consider. Then, adjust the sliders to set the suitability thresholds for each selected proxy species.

        The 8 proxy species represent key functional groups of aquatic invasive species.

        Each lake and pond is classified as having low, medium, or high model probability of suitability to each species based on species distribution models. Selecting low for the suitability threshold for any species will result in all lakes and ponds being selected.

        When multiple species are selected, the resulting Lakes at Risk of Establishment will include all lakes and ponds that meet the criteria for ANY species selected.

    • 3. Potential Impact of Invasion
        Step Three

        Select threshold for potential impact of invasion score. This score represents the potential impact of a novel invasive species on the quality of a lake or pond.

        Values reflect both ecological condition and recreational value of the waterbody, including: the presence of rare species and natural communities, native fish richness, water quality, algal blooms, existing degree of anthropogenic stressors, and level of fishing use.

        This is a relative score – waterbodies with higher scores are predicted to have a higher potential impact, but the scores have no units.

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    Aquatic Invasive Species Pond and Lake Vulnerability Prioritization for New York

    This tool is designed to help managers select a subset of high priority waterbodies from all lakes and ponds within New York State (or a selected region within NYS) based on risks related to aquatic invasive species. In sequential order, follow the tabs on the left-side panel to filter down the full list of waterbodies to a priority subset by setting thresholds for the following:


    1. Risk of Introduction
    2. Risk of Establishment
    3. Potential Impact of Invasion


    As you set thresholds, the selected waterbodies will be totaled in the boxes along the top, and highlighted on the map in the corresponding color.


    Managers can use the output of this tool to help guide aquatic survey or management priorities. As this tool cannot capture all factors that influence management decisions, the user is expected to further refine and research the results, and interpret them accordingly.

    This tool was developed by the New York Natural Heritage Program with guidance from an advisory committee of statewide and regional aquatic invasive species experts. Please refer to our project page for more information and guidance on using this tool.
    • Risk of Introduction
    • Impact of Invasion
    • Histograms