Clean Boats, Clean Waters

Volunteer Watercraft Inspection Program

Laura Felda-Marquardt

Lakes Specialist

Invasive Species Program

Sponsored by :UW-Extension

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Wisconsin Association of Lakes

Milfoil Masters’ from Minocqua, Hazlehurst, Lake Tomahawk Middle School and $25,000.

Eurasian water-milfoil threatens Northern Wisconsin.

It all started with kids!

Building Awareness

25 counties received 150 resource kits to educate boaters.

Wisconsin Watercraft Inspections

Wisconsin hires 11 watercraft inspectors Watercraft inspections Signage Monitoring

Illegal to Launch Law

Section 30.715, Stat. 2001 WI Act 16 prohibits the launching of boats or boating equipment or trailers in navigable waters if the person has reason to believe that the boat, boat trailer, or boating equipment has any aquatic plants attached or if a law enforcement officer has reason to believe that zebra mussels are attached.

Clean Boats, Clean Waters program arrives

Developing Resources

Workshop Training Opportunities

Rhinelander

Green Bay

Oshkosh

PhillipsGrantsburg

Balsam Lake

La Crosse

Hayward

Stevens Point

Fitchburg

Crandon

Wautoma

Eau Claire

Workshop Activities include:

Background information on aquatic invasive species.

How to organize an effective watercraft inspection program.

Hands-on training for watercraft inspections and invasive species identification.

Workshop results

14 workshops358 trained

volunteers and agency staff.

Tool kits sent to Maine,Vermont, Nevada, Michigan and Virginia.

What we learned...

How do I set up a volunteer watercraft inspection program?

Volunteer duties:

Visually check boats and trailers for hitching plants and animals.

Demonstrate how to clean recreational equipment.

Distribute educational information.

Recruiting Volunteers

Adults and youthBe specific about

duties.Select optimum

days.Schedule volunteer

hours.Appreciation

Materials Needed

Clipboard, pencilWatercraft

Inspection form and Check Point List.

Tool kitPlastic bagsCell phoneDigital camera

Boat Landing Message: Inspect and remove

any visible mud,plants, fish or animals before transporting.

Drain water from your equipment before transporting.

Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.

Spray/rinse with high pressure, and or hot water.

Dry for atleast 5 days.

Spotting a ViolationExplain the dangers

of invasive plants.Discuss the

prevention steps.Help remove plants.Request a sample

and get location of prior waterbody.

Respect boaters’ wishes.

Keeping records

Determine traveling patterns of recreational users.

Identify types of recreational equipment.

Inventory boater knowledge of invasive species.

Steps for an effective program:

Know who owns the boat landing.

Determine effective inspection hours.

Recruit adults and youth.

Develop an accurate and concise message.

Know what educational materials are available.

Keep watercraft inspection records.

Report new infestations.Encourage others to

organize a watercraft inspection team.

More steps...

Clean Boats, Clean Waters

Volunteers can make a difference in changing boater behavior and preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species.