Clean Boats Clean Waters

Invasive Species are Bad News for Boaters

Michigan has nearly 39,000 square miles of Great Lakes waters and more than 11,000 inland lakes larger than five acres. So it’s natural that boating is one of the most popular recreational activities in the state, with nearly one million watercraft registered.

Unfortunately, invasive non-native plants, fishes and other organisms disrupt these precious ecosystems. They also interfere with the enjoyment associated with boating and damage recreational watercraft.

Volunteers can make a big difference

Volunteers can show boaters how to inspect their equipment, demonstrating cleaning techniques for boats and trailers and by sharing educational information about invasive species, volunteers can make a big difference in Michigan’s efforts to prevent the spread of AIS from one body of water to another.

Through the Clean Boats, Clean Waters program, volunteers will organize and conduct a boater education program in their community. Adult and youth teams will educate boaters about where they are most likely to find invasive species on their recreational watercraft.

See: Volunteer Form (PDF)