Clean Boats Blitz July 3-7

Department of Natural Resources staff, volunteers and regional Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) partners will be at boat launches statewide July 3-7 for the Clean Boats, Clean Waters Landing Blitz.

This year, Wisconsin’s effort is part of a larger Great Lakes regional event taking place June 28 through July 7.

“This is the first time that these valuable educational events will be held simultaneously across the entire Great Lakes region,” said Bob Wakeman, the DNR’s statewide AIS coordinator. “It’s a chance to work directly with boaters and deliver a coordinated, regional message about the importance of AIS prevention during the busiest boating weekend of the year.”

Invasive plants and animals can spread easily by hitching a ride on boats and other equipment, including trailers. They can also hide in the water in livewells, bait and fish buckets, and motors, so it’s important to drain those and the boat. And, it’s vital to clean off anchors because many invasive species can also hide in mud. To learn more about invasive species and their impacts on Wisconsin’s waters and economy, visit DNR.wi.gov and search for “invasive species.”