Aquatic invasive species decontamination stations help boaters and fishermen...

Aquatic invasive species decontamination stations help boaters and anglers understand regulations and clean their boats and equipment.

Apply for a sign through the Clean Ships, Clean Waters program.

Warm weather means more boaters and anglers are enjoying Michigan's waterways. Unfortunately, problematic aquatic invasive species such as the aquatic milfoil and star ketozoan often spread to new waterways when they are transported in the bilge water of ships or become entangled in ship propellers or trailers. These plants, along with other aquatic invasive species, pose serious threats to the health of aquatic ecosystems and often impact our ability to enjoy lakes and rivers. To prevent the spread of invasive species, boaters should clean, drain and dry all equipment each time they leave the water. However, research has shown that boaters often do not clean their boats or trailers because decontamination equipment is not available at launch sites.

Educating boaters and anglers about invasive species and providing them with resources to decontaminate their equipment is critical to protecting our waterways. To help boaters and anglers protect our waters, the Michigan Clean Boats, Clean Waters program has established a boat and trailer decontamination station. This educational sign includes regulatory information, an illustration of inspection points where invasive species are commonly found on boats, and space to place tools such as a drain wrench, brush, plant clip, and other decontamination equipment. The sign measures 48 x 48 inches and is typically printed on weather and UV resistant aluminum or metal.

Organizations interested in a boat and trailer decontamination station can request a design file at the Clean Boats, Clean Waters Outreach Materials website . The design file is available for free. The average cost for printing and installation is $500. Although the program does not provide direct funding for the sign, small grants are available through the Clean Boats, Clean Waters program. The award process is competitive and the application period usually begins in the fall. Learn more and sign up to receive notifications when the next round of funding becomes available on the grant website .

Since 2020, more than 50 signs have been posted at local and state boat ramps, campgrounds and parks. Many signs were posted by lake associations, nature reserves and park departments. In a recent survey, many groups said they were very happy with the panel design and saw boaters using the decontamination tools. Some groups manually secured the tools with lanyards or pulleys to prevent theft, while others ordered additional tools to assemble the panel in the event of theft.

Even if a clean boat, clean water cleaning station, or boat wash facility is not available, boaters and anglers should take the following steps to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species:

• Clean boats, trailers and equipment. Remove all aquatic organisms, including plants, from boats and trailers before launching or transporting them. If possible, wash boats and trailers before leaving the access point or at a nearby car wash.
• Before moving a ship, empty all water from holds, ballast tanks and living wells. Disinfect nurseries and basements with a bleach solution (1/2 cup bleach per 5 gallons of water).
• Dry boats and equipment for five days before launching them in another body of water.
• Dispose of unused bait in the trash and not in the water.

Michigan State University Extension leads the Clean Ships, Clean Waters program in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy .

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