Aug 29, 2007 — When it comes to tree ailments you've likely heard of Dutch elm, oak wilt and chestnut blight. But a little-known disease has biologists scratching their heads and spending time in the woods this summer. It's called beech bark disease and it was discovered in Maine and Nova Scotia decades ago. The disease has killed beech trees throughout the Northeast, and it's spreading. Todd Moe has more.  Go to full article

Aug 22, 2007 — A federal judge has upheld the constitutionality of a state law restricting ballast water on ships entering the Great Lakes. As Rachel Lippmann reports, the ruling clears the way for other states to take similar action to control the spread of invasive species.  Go to full article

Jul 31, 2007 — New York scientists have been watching for signs of the emerald ash borer since it was discovered in Detroit in 2002. Millions of ash trees have been destroyed in failed attempts to stop the spread. DEC researchers fear it's only a matter of time before it's found here. In 2005, Gregory Warner went to Syracuse for one field trip.  Go to full article

Jul 25, 2007 — A toxin that has killed tens of thousands of shorebirds throughout the Great Lakes is back. Type-E botulism is spread up the food chain by invasive species. And as Bob Allen reports, the toxin recently killed four birds on the endangered species list.  Go to full article

Jun 25, 2007 — For decades foreign ships have brought tiny stowaways called invasive species into the United States. And once they get loose, they upend ecosystems and cause billions of dollars in damage. The shipping industry has yet to seriously address the problem, and now conservation and environmental groups are suing the companies they say are most at fault. Mark Brush has more.  Go to full article

Jun 22, 2007 — Alarming fish kills in the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario are blamed on a new virus that's spreading quickly. Viral hemorrhagic septicemia has already been found in Lake Erie, the Niagara River and--this week state environmental officials confirmed--the virus killed fish in Conesus and Skaneateles in the Finger Lakes. It's also spread to Canada, Michigan and Wisconsin. As its name suggests, the virus causes uncontrolled internal bleeding. In some species, it's easy to tell if you've caught an infected fish. They start to turn dark, almost black, as they're dying, which is likely due to hemorrhaging beneath the skin that makes their color darker. Steve LaPan is the Lake Ontario Unit Leader with the Department of Environmental Conservation. He says the St. Lawrence and Great Lakes ecosystems are already starting to suffer because of the virus. Jonathan Brown reports.  Go to full article

Jun 22, 2007 — In Ontario, the Ministry of Natural Resources has drawn up maps to indicate a VHS zone along the border, a buffer zone above that and a VHS-free zone--which still includes most of the province. Ottawa correspondent Lucy Martin has more on containment efforts there.  Go to full article

Jun 18, 2007 — Weeding is probably the least favorite garden chore. But horticulturist Amy Ivy says getting an early start this month will make it easier to control weeds later this summer. Plus -- discouraging news about the invasive garlic mustard. She spoke with Martha Foley.  Go to full article

Apr 24, 2007 — The Sirex wood wasp has now spread across most of New York and virtually all the North Country. By burrowing and laying eggs in pine and scotch trees, the invasive insect kills them by introducing a fungus into their sap. As Jonathan Brown reports, officials with the state Department of Environmental Conservation are considering hauling restrictions, and possibly quarantines, to keep the wasps from spreading further.  Go to full article

Mar 28, 2007 — The St. Lawrence Seaway is now open to international ship traffic from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes. But as Sarah Hulett reports, the start of this year's Great Lakes shipping season is raising questions about a new state law aimed at protecting the lakes from invasive species.  Go to full article