Aquatic invasive species decontamination stations help boaters and anglers know the regulations and aid in cleaning off their boats and gear
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Warm weather means more boaters and anglers are out enjoying Michigan’s waterways. Unfortunately, troublesome aquatic invasive species, such as Eurasian watermilfoil and starry stonewort, often spread to new waterways when they are carried in the bilge water of boats or tangled on watercraft propellers or trailers. These plants, and other aquatic invasive species, pose a serious threat to the health of aquatic ecosystems and often interfere with our ability to enjoy lakes and rivers. To prevent the spread of invasive species, boaters should clean, drain, and dry all equipment every time they leave the water. However, research has shown that oftentimes boaters do not clean their boats or trailers due to a lack of decontamination equipment provided at launch sites.
Educating boaters and anglers on invasive species and providing them with resources to decontaminate their equipment is essential to the protection of our waterways. To make it easier for boaters and anglers to protect our waters, the Michigan Clean Boats, Clean Waters program created a Boat and Trailer Decontamination Station. This educational sign includes regulatory information, an illustration of inspection points for where invasive species are typically found on boats, and space to attach tools such as a drain plug wrench, brush, plant grabber, and other decontamination equipment. The sign is 48" X 48" and is typically printed on aluminum or all-weather/UV-resistant metal.
Organizations interested in a Boat and Trailer Decontamination Station can request a design file on the Clean Boats, Clean Waters outreach materials webpage. The design file is available for free. The average cost for printing and installation is $500. While the program does not provide direct funding for the sign, small grants are available through the Clean Boats, Clean Waters program. The grant process is competitive, and the application period typically opens in the fall. Learn more and sign up for alerts when the next round of funding is available on the grant's webpage.
Since 2020, over 50 signs have been installed at state and locally managed boat launches, campgrounds, and parks. Many of the signs have been installed by lake associations, conservation districts, and parks departments. In a recent survey, many groups said they were highly satisfied with the design of the sign and have seen boaters using the decontamination tools. Some groups manually attached the tools with cords or reels to prevent theft while others have ordered extra tools to replenish the sign if or when theft occurs.
Even when a Clean Boats, Clean Waters Decontamination Station or a boat wash is unavailable, boaters and anglers should still follow these steps to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species:
- Clean boats, trailers and equipment. Remove all aquatic organisms, including plants, from watercraft and trailers before launching or transporting. If possible, wash boats and trailers before leaving an access site or at a nearby carwash.
- Drain all water from bilges, ballast tanks and live wells before transporting a watercraft. Disinfect live wells and bilges with a bleach solution (1/2 cup bleach to 5 gallons water).
- Dry boats and equipment for five days before launching into a different water body.
- Dispose of unused bait in the trash, not in the water.
Michigan State University Extension leads the Clean Boats, Clean Waters program in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy.
