Wisconsin visitors and residents alike know that the Fourth-of-July is Wisconsin’s busiest and best boating holiday. It’s also a great time to remember that whether you’re paddling, fishing, jet skiing or boating, you can help protect lakes and rivers from aquatic invasive species. During the annual Clean Boats, Clean Waters Landing Blitz, June 30 – July 13, watercraft inspectors will be at boat launches to remind you that the power to protect our water resources is shared by all of us who love Wisconsin’s lakes and rivers. Several landings in Jefferson County are included in this effort including on Lake Ripley and Rock Lake.

Wisconsin’s AIS program launched the first Landing Blitz campaign in 2008 and, thanks to the energy and commitment of our Clean Boats, Clean Waters participants, the outreach event was a great success! Fellow water-rich states took notice. In 2018, the event became a collaborative education effort among all the Great Lakes states and provinces.

For those who use social media, you can help spread the word about the importance of aquatic invasive species prevention by posting photos and messages using #CleanBoatsCleanWaters.

Invasive plants and animals, like Eurasian watermilfoil, spiny water fleas, and zebra mussels, can spread easily by hitching a ride on boats and other equipment, including trailers. They can also hide in the water in livewells, bait and fish buckets, and motors, so it’s important to drain them and to pull the plugs to drain your boat. Because many invasive species can also be hidden in mud, it’s vital to clean off anchors. Always take the following simple steps before leaving a boat landing:

 Inspect boats, trailers and equipment for attached aquatic plants or animals.
 Remove all attached plants or animals
 Drain all water from boats, motors, livewells and other equipment
 Never move live fish away from a waterbody
 Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash
 Buy minnows from a Wisconsin bait dealer
 Only use leftover minnows when either 1) fishing with them on the same body of water or 2) on other waters if no lake/river water or other fish have been added to the container.

Jefferson County Land and Water Conservation Department
Courthouse, 311 S Center Avenue, Room 113
Jefferson, WI 53549-1701
920-674-7110

Following these steps also helps boaters comply with Wisconsin state law, which prohibits the transport of aquatic invasive species. To learn more about invasive species and their impacts to Wisconsin’s waters and economy, visit DNR.wi.gov and search “Invasive Species.”

Editor’s note: The above press release was received from Jefferson County Land and Water Conservation Department.