banner-paddlersAll watercraft have the potential to transport aquatic invasive species from one water body to another. If you are using a kayak, canoe, paddle board, or inflatable you can avoid transporting aquatic invasive species by cleaning, draining, and drying your watercraft after every use.

CLEAN

  • Inspect your boat thoroughly and remove all dirt, plant and other material from your rudder, hull, cockpit and gear.
  • If you are coming from an infested waterbody or find any aquatic invasive species during your inspection, decontaminate your boat using hot water.

DRAIN

  • Drain water from your hatches, cockpits, boards, and gear on land before you leave the immediate area. Open all hatches or plugs, turn the boat upside down and rest on an open hatch to incline the watercraft and drain it.

DRY

  • Dry your watercraft and gear, store them in a dry place where aquatic invasive species cannot survive. Inspect your watercraft and gear for moisture before launching as some aquatic invasive species can survive for long periods if kept in cool, moist locations.

DISPOSE

  • Dispose of all dirt, plant and other material above the waterline on dry land or in a trash receptacle.
  • Remember: most storm drains flow directly into lakes and other waters. Do not wash your boat or gear or drain them near a storm drain.

Self-inspect and clean your watercraft and gear every time you haul out and go between waterbodies. When leaving an area infested with aquatic invasive species or if you find any aquatic invasive species during your inspection, use pressurized, hot-water to clean your watercraft and/or keep your watercraft dry for at least 5 days.

Did you know?

Just one small piece of Eurasian watermilfoil can result in an entire lake becoming infested within just two years!

News & Updates

Did you know?

In 2007, quagga mussels were discovered in Lake Mead, 1,000 miles farther west than any other known quagga mussel infestation at the time.

Quick to multiply

New Zealand mudsnails reproduce by cloning so one small New Zealand mudsnail can lead to a snail population of 12 million in just three seasons! These snails were discovered in Lake Padden in 2018.