Stop the Spread

Clean Boats Clean Water volunteers and Department of Natural Resources staff will be at boat launches throughout the state during the July 4th weekend helping boaters inspect their boats and learn the necessary steps to slow the spread of aquatic invasive species. The sixth annual “Landing Blitz” aims to educate and reward boaters for taking steps in preventing the spread of invasives such as Zebra Mussels and Eurasian Water-Milfoil.

“The Landing Blitz is always a great event for both boaters and our Clean Boats Clean Waters volunteers,” said Bob Wakeman, aquatic invasive species coordinator. “We’re happy to see it inspired Michigan to start their own Landing Blitz, which can only strengthen our joint efforts to stop the spread of invasive species. We would also like to thank all the volunteers over the years who have helped make this campaign successful.” The DNR anticipates another banner year that will hopefully encourage other states to blitz their lakes as well.

Boaters spotted already practicing the important prevention steps of “inspect your boat, remove plants and animals, drain water from live wells and buckets and never move live fish” might be rewarded with a free Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers towel.

Clean Boats Clean Waters is a partnership between DNR, the University of Wisconsin Extension Lakes program in Stevens Point.