Clean Boats, Clean Waters

Do you want to become involved in the fight against aquatic invasive species?  One way you can help is to join the Clean Boats, Clean Waters program.  The volunteer organization got its start after a group of northern Wisconsin kids received a $25,000 grant to help find a way to stop the spread of an invasive species called Eurasian Water-Milfoil.  As part of the Milfoil Masters program, the kids trained volunteers for more than 100 lakes about the correct way to inspect boats and equipment for invasive species.  The kids also taught the volunteers what to do if they found an aquatic hitchhiker.  The program was such a success, it spawned the creation of Clean Boats, Clean Waters.

Today, Clean Boats, Clean Waters is made up of volunteers, both young and old, who are trained to educate boaters on how, and where, exotic plants or animals can hitch a ride on their boats and equipment.  These volunteers perform inspections at boat landings throughout the state, and they also help the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources by reporting any new exotic species found in our state’s waterways.

If you’d like to learn more about the Clean Boats, Clean Waters program and all that the volunteers do, or to find out how you can get involved, check out...

UW Extension Lakes Program - 2008 Clean Boats, Clean Waters Program