BY KEVIN BONESKE

REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER

Oneida County’s aquatic invasive species lead project assistant has been named the county’s new AIS coordinator.

Stephanie Boismenue, who held the lead project assistant position since April 2014, took over June 24 as the AIS coordinator to replace Michele Sadauskas, who became the county conservationist effective April 25 of this year.

Sadauskas noted Boismenue was one of three people interviewed for the AIS coordinator position.

“I’m very happy to serve the people of Oneida County and be able to further protect our lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands,” Boismenue said.

As a project assistant, Boismenue was a limited-term employee (LTE) who was able to work from 1,000-1,200 hours each year. Sadauskas said the county has been using three project assistants in LTE positions who are out in the field involved with projects such as the Clean Boats, Clean Waters program typically from May through August, and possibly into September.

Though another person would be sought for a third LTE position, Sadauskas said this year there wouldn’t be a lead project assistant, for which Boismenue would be helping with those responsibilities.

Boismenue’s new job as the AIS coordinator is a fulltime position that is funded by the county, while the LTE positions and AIS programs are all grant funded, said Sadauskas, who noted the official job responsibilities for the AIS coordinator also now include being a conservation technician for other land and water programs in the fall and winter.

Boismenue’s past experience dealing with aquatic invasive species also includes being the Squash Lake Association’s volunteer AIS coordinator and Eurasian water milfoil hand-harvesting project coordinator.

In addition, she has served as a board member of the Squash Lake Association and Oneida County Lakes and Rivers Association, as well as being a member of the Crescent Town Lakes Committee.