The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is reminding boaters and anglers to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species during the Great Lakes Landing Blitz, which will take place from June 30 to July 13. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources encourages everyone using the state's waters to follow prevention steps each time they go boating or fishing.
During the Independence Day weekend, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will have volunteer inspectors at boat landings as part of the Clean Boats, Clean Waters program. The goal is to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species such as zebra mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil. Erin McFarlane, statewide educator with UWSP-Extension Lakes, said boaters are encouraged to follow prevention steps. The program began in 2008 and expanded by 2018 to include participation from Great Lakes states, provinces, federal agencies, and Indigenous Nations.
Boaters in Wisconsin are required to take steps to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. These include inspecting and cleaning boats and equipment, removing plants and animals, draining water from boats, not moving plants or animals between waterways, and throwing away unused bait. State law supports these actions. "Every year, hundreds of people voluntarily help raise aquatic invasive species awareness and emphasize the importance of boaters taking action," McFarlane said. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Clean Boats, Clean Waters volunteers continue to promote these steps to protect local waters.
