New DEC regulations designate Mute Swans as prohibited invasive species. Officials are trying to minimize the negative impacts they have on native wildlife by potentially reducing the population. Many people are wondering what this could mean for the future of the Manlius Swan pond. Iris St. Meran spoke with the village mayor to learn more about their plans.
MANLIUS, N.Y. -- It's one of Manlius' main attractions, the swan pond. The birds have been a part of the community since the early 1900s. The mayor even has swan art in his office. So it should come as no surprise there's concern about new rules for mute swans in the state.
"The DEC has changed the regulations now they are saying that they're going to start removing invasive mute swans. The two swans that we have in the pond are mute swans" said Village of Manlius Mayor Paul Whorrall.
The DEC designated them a prohibited Invasive Species. It was found that if reproduced in the wild these particular swans can have adverse impacts on native fish and wildlife and their habitats as well as interfering with human activities near nesting locations.
According to the DEC, mute swans can no longer be lawfully bought, sold, imported, transported or possessed in New York State beginning March 10.
The mayor said the new regulation allows them to keep the mute swans that they have here already because they cannot fly and are in a controlled environment. The concern he said is what could happen in the future.
“First of all, after these two are gone, are we going to be unable to replace them? The other is normally when we do replace them, we replace them with swans we breed," said Whorrall.
To maintain ownership the DEC is asking those in possession of the birds to apply for an Invasive Species permit. This will help them manage mute swans to reduce their impact. With this permit they have to detail how they'll keep the birds from leaving the property, how they will prevent them from reproducing or eggs from hatching and how they will mark the birds to identify the owner.
Whorrall said the village still has a number of unanswered questions and are also exploring what steps they can take to ensure the swans remain at the pond for many more generations to come. The Village of Manlius will discuss any new information and possible options at its board meeting Tuesday at 7 p.m.
The DEC revised its plan for reducing Mute swan population based on public feedback it received. The new plan will consider regional differences, desired population goals and will evaluate the use of non-lethal methods to reduce the population.
Public comments will be accepted through April 24.