Clean Boats Clean Waters

Since 2006 the Clean Boats, Clean Waters program has been educating Michigan boaters about aquatic invasive species with trained volunteer boat inspectors. New funding from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has enabled Clean Boats, Clean Waters to grow into a comprehensive aquatic invasive species boater outreach program. The program’s mission remains the same: to prevent new aquatic invasive species introductions and limit their dispersal from water recreation activities through outreach and engagement. The reinvented Clean Boats, Clean Waters program promotes understanding of boat cleaning practices and regulations through the distribution of educational materials, an online resource library, boat washing demonstrations, grants and partnerships.

Michigan State University Extension is leading the effort to refresh and implement the new Clean Boats, Clean Waters program in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. The reinvented Clean Boats, Clean Waters program builds upon existing partnerships with statewide and local partners including the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association, Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas and lake associations and is actively seeking new opportunities and partnerships to share the clean, drain, dry message.

Preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species is easy

CLEAN boats, trailers and equipment.
DRAIN live wells, bilges, ballast tanks, and all water by pulling drain plugs.
DRY boats and equipment.
DISPOSE of unwanted bait in the trash.

Learn how to identify and report aquatic invasive species through the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network.

Aquatic Invasive Species News from MSU Extension

Enrollment now open: Popular MSU Extension course Introduction to Lakes Online offered January 2026

Published on September 3, 2025
Register today for this unique opportunity to learn about inland lakes.
The honk heard across the Great Lakes 

Published on July 30, 2025
Learn more about the comeback story of the giant Canada goose and how to coexist with them. 
Granting change: Small grants empowering Michigan communities

Published on June 6, 2025
The Clean Boats, Clean Waters program awards $35,000 to twelve conservation groups to educate and empower their local communities in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species, while actively engaging with boaters and anglers.
Aquatic invasive species decontamination stations help boaters and anglers know the regulations and aid in cleaning off their boats and gear

Published on August 12, 2024
Request a sign through the Clean Boats, Clean Waters program.