Maine Urges Boaters to Help Prevent Spread of Invasive Aquatic Species

July is officially Maine Lakes Appreciation Month, as declared by Governor Janet Mills back in May. Maine lakes and ponds are some of the healthiest in the country and contribute billions to the economy. However, these same waterbodies and the plants and animals they support are increasingly threatened by aquatic invasive species, such as zebra mussels and milfoil, that compete with and displace native communities.

As part of Lakes Appreciation Month, the Maine Department of Fish & Wildlife is asking recreational users to be vigilant about thwarting the potential spread of invasive species by making clean, drain, dry part of their outdoor adventure routine.

It works like this:

CLEAN off visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud from watercraft, motors, trailers, and other equipment before leaving the water-access area. Dispose of debris in a trashcan or other responsible location away from the water.

DRAIN water from the watercraft prior to entering a waterbody and when preparing to leave a launch site.

DRY boats, kayaks, canoes, SUP’s, tubes, wakeboards, and other gear completely before reuse.

Maine F&W will be also offer free invasive aquatic plant workshops across the state throughout the summer.