05/20/2026
Did you know that education is the most effective tool we have for stopping the spread of aquatic invasive species?
Education is highly effective because the majority of AIS spread occurs through unintentional human activity. By making boaters, anglers, and other water users aware of how their actions can affect our shared waters, these users are far more likely to take the necessary steps to avoid spreading AIS.
These steps include:
🌿 CLEAN off visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud from all equipment before leaving water access.
🪣 DRAIN watercraft bilge, livewell, motor and other water containing devices before leaving water access.
💧DRY everything for at least five days OR wipe with a towel before reuse.
For ANGLERS, the additional step of DISPOSE is recommended:
🪱 DISPOSE of unwanted bait, worms, and fish parts in the trash. When keeping live bait, drain bait containers and replace with spring or dechlorinated tap water. Never dump live fish or other organisms from one water body into another.
📸: Clean Lakes Alliance
