Invasive Species
Invasive species in a lake can cause many harmful effects that affect the ecosystem, water quality, native wildlife, and even human activities.
These invasive species often compete with native plants, fish, and animals for food and habitat. They can also reduce the diversity of local species, sometimes even leading to local extinction.
Dense mats of invasive plants such as Eurasian watermilfoil or hydrilla can make swimming, boating, and fishing difficult or unpleasant. Zebra mussels , on the other hand, can clog boat motors, water intake lines, and filtration systems.
Communities often have to spend significant amounts on invasive species control, lake management, and restoration efforts. Poor water quality and decreased recreational use can not only reduce the lake's usefulness but also lower waterfront property values.
How do these invasive species move?
Typically, these species attach themselves to boats, trailers, engines, anchors, and other nautical equipment, as well as to plants attached to boats and trailers. In their microscopic form, they can be transported in bilge water, live wells, or bait buckets.
What can you do?
Residents, vacationers, guests, boaters, fishermen: everyone can help prevent the spread of these invasive species from one lake to another.
Inspect and wash your boat, bilge, motor, livewell, and other items like the trailer and anchor every time you transport your boat between bodies of water.
How to wash your boat:
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Empty your buckets and bait onto dry land before leaving the area. Never throw live bait directly into the water.
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Empty the water from your boat , including the engine, bait well and bilge, as soon as you leave the water and before you set off.
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Rinse your boat and equipment with hot water (40°C or more), or
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Clean them with a high-pressure jet (at least 250 PSI) , or
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Let your boat dry and expose it to the sun for at least 5 days before launching it in another body of water.
These actions are simple, quick, inexpensive and help protect your lake... and your investment.
Boat wash stations are available:
These boat washes were found on AllonsPêcher.com . You can visit this site for more details on each location or to find other nearby locations.
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