Invasive water species: Wisconsin DNR asks residents to help stop spread during holiday weekend

WISCONSIN (CIVIC MEDIA) – With Independence Day just around the corner, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds residents to do their part to stop the spread of invasive aquatic species.

As people go out to enjoy the water this summer, watercraft inspectors from Clean Boats, Clean Waters will be out greeting boaters and demonstrating prevention techniques. Their efforts to educate the public on the dangers of allowing foreign entities into Wisconsin waters is part of the larger Great Lakes Landing Blitz, an interstate prevention campaign first organized in 2008.

The Great Lakes Landing Blitz’s mission is to raise awareness of the issue and encourage boaters to be active in prevention. Erin McFarlane, a statewide Clean Boats, Clean Waters educator with UWSP-Extension Lakes, spoke about the importance of the program.

This campaign displays the strong commitment the people of Wisconsin have to help preserve the amazing legacy of our waters. Every year, hundreds of people voluntarily help raise aquatic invasive species awareness and emphasize the importance of boaters taking action.

The Blitz will be in effect from Monday, June 30 to Sunday, July 13. Those who plan on getting out on the water this summer can help stop the spread with the following prevention steps:

• Inspect boats, trailers and equipment before and after use
• Remove mud attached to water plants and animals
• Drain all water from boats, vehicles and equipment
• Never remove plants or fish from a waterbody
• Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash

For more information on invasive species and what you can do to help, visit the Wisconsin DNR’s website.