Stop Invasive Species – Clean Your Boat!

The Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation adopted new regulations last year that require boaters to remove all visible plant and animal materials from boats, trailers and associated equipment, and to drain boats prior to launching and after retrieving from Department of Environmental Conservation and Parks boat launches. Boaters are advised to check their boats, trailers and fishing and boating equipment, bunks, rollers, trim tabs and other likely attachment points on boats and trailers for any plants or animals that may be clinging to them. Following a thorough inspection, boaters should follow the CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY standard:

• CLEAN boats, trailers and equipment of any debris, and dispose of it in an upland area or receptacle provided for this purpose.

• DRAIN the boat completely, including bilge areas, live wells and bait wells. Water ski and wake board boat operators should be sure to drain all ballast tanks. Many aquatic invasive species can survive in as little as a drop of water, so it is imperative that all water is removed.

• DRY all equipment for at least five days before using it in another water body. Longer drying times may be required for difficult to dry equipment or during damp or cool periods. Drying is the simplest and most effective way to ensure equipment does not transport plants or animals.