FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE00-09
April
10, 2000
Contact:
Geoff Ryan
(718/595-5371)
City
Campaign To Prevent Mosquitoes Breeding In Rowboats
The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has
launched a campaign to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in rowboats
at its upstate reservoirs, Commissioner Joel A. Miele Sr., P.E., announced
today.
"Some anglers at our reservoirs have been leaving their rowboats
turned right side up when they bring them to shore," said Commissioner
Miele. "This allows rainwater to collect in the boat bottoms
where it may become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Since the West
Nile virus may reappear in the region later this spring and summer,
it is particularly important that anglers store their boats in the
upside down position at all times."
"DEP's aggressive program includes: publishing a flier advising
boat owners and anglers that boats must be stored upside down; mailing
the flier to all anglers who have boat permits on file; distributing
the flier to all permit applicants who come to DEP offices; and posting
the fliers at strategic locations around the reservoirs.
Additionally, DEP will make arrangements to go systematically from
reservoir to reservoir, turning any right-side-up boats over to the
upside-down position. Inspectors and police will monitor the reservoirs
to ensure that anglers continue to store their boats in the proper
manner.