This Holiday, You Can Protect Our Waterways
This Fourth of July holiday weekend, boaters are being asked to help stop the spread of invasive, nonnative plants and animals in our waterways.
Some local conservation programs will hold workshops reminding the public of ways boaters can help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, which pose great risks to the health of our lakes and fisheries. But you don’t need to go to a workshop to participate in protecting our waterways. Participating is easy!
Invasive species are nonnative plants, animals and diseases that cause great ecological, environmental or economic harm. Some have already been found in Michigan, while others pose a large risk of surviving and causing problems if they are introduced and become established here.
Michigan state law prohibits the transport of aquatic invasive species. It is illegal to possess, transport, transfer or introduce certain invasive species in Michigan without a permit.
How You Can Help
Follow these steps to prevent the establishment and spread of invasives:
- Inspect your boat, trailer and equipment
- Remove all attached plants or animals from watercraft, trailer and any conveyance used
- 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