[DEQ] DEQ looking for local partners to help educate boaters about invasive species

Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy sent this bulletin at 06/04/2015 09:03 AM EDT

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DEQ looking for local partners to help educate boaters about invasive species

June 4, 2015

For More Information:
Kevin Walters, 517-284-5473, waltersk3@michigan.gov
Karen Tommasulo, 517-284-6716, tommasulok@michigan.gov

The DEQ is seeking volunteers and orgnizations interested in hosting events at lakes around the state to educate boaters about preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Michigan’s 2nd Annual Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Landing Blitz will be held during Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week, June 26 through July 5, at boat landings statewide. The event is a collaborative effort between the DEQ, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and local partners.

Boaters will learn simple steps they can take to help prevent the spread of unwanted aquatic plants and animals such as Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels by cleaning, draining and drying boats and equipment. To prevent the spread of AIS and protect Michigan’s aquatic resources, boaters and anglers are required to:

• Remove aquatic plants from boats, boating equipment and boat trailers before launching a boat.
• Drain live wells, bilges and all water from boats before leaving a boating access site.
• Dispose of unused bait in the trash. Do not release bait into the water.
• Never transfer fish to water bodies other than where they were caught.

AIS crowd out native species, disrupt lake ecosystems, and interfere with boating, fishing and other recreation. Boaters can unknowingly transfer invasive species and fish diseases, such as viral hemorrhagic septicemia, to new waters when they don't clean boats, trailers and other equipment.

If you or your organization are interested in hosting a Landing Blitz at a boating access site in your area on at least one day during the June 26 – July 5 event period, contact Kevin Walters at waltersk3@michigan.gov or 517-284-5473; or visit www.michigan.gov/aquaticinvasives to learn more.