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South Colton and Clifton-Fine to get boat decontamination stations to help stop spread of aquatic invasive species

Posted 5/27/15

Under a new state pilot program, South Colton and Clifton-Fine are getting boat decontamination stations to help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species. Using high pressure, hot water …

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South Colton and Clifton-Fine to get boat decontamination stations to help stop spread of aquatic invasive species

Posted

Under a new state pilot program, South Colton and Clifton-Fine are getting boat decontamination stations to help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Using high pressure, hot water decontamination units, stewards will clean boats that have not been cleaned and drained, especially those last used in waters with high risk for invasive species. Boater participation is voluntary yet strongly encouraged, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

Invasive species attach to the outside of boats or the bilge, live well, bait well and ballast areas on the inside of boats, wreaking havoc on native fish and plants as they travel from water bodies.

“Lake associations spend millions of dollars every year pulling Eurasian watermilfoil and they have to repeat this effort every summer,” DEC said. “It is more economical to prevent invasive species than to try to eradicate them.”

DEC said they advise boaters and anglers to check boats, trailers and other fishing and boating equipment for any plants or animals that may be clinging to it. People should be sure to check bunks, rollers, trim tabs and other likely attachment points on boats and trailers. Following a thorough inspection, DEC encourages boaters to follow the “Clean, drain and dry” standard:

• Clean boats, trailers and equipment of any debris, and dispose of it in an upland area or receptacle provided for this purpose.

• Drain the boat completely, including bilge areas, live wells and bait wells. Water ski and wake board boat operators should be sure to drain all ballast tanks. Many aquatic invasive species can survive in as little as a drop of water, so it is imperative that all water is removed.

• Dry all equipment for at least five days before using it in another water body. Longer drying times may be required for difficult to dry equipment or during damp or cool periods. Recommended drying times for various seasons can be found at www.100thmeridian.org/Emersion.asp. Drying is the simplest and most effective way to ensure equipment does not transport plants or animals.

If boating equipment cannot be completely and thoroughly dried, it must be decontaminated prior to use in another water body, DEC said. Various decontamination techniques and special techniques to clean boats previously used in zebra mussel infested waters are provided on DEC’s website at www.dec.ny.gov/animals/48221.html.

For a listing of the aquatic invasive species that have been reported from publicly accessible state waters, visit the DEC boating access directory at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7832.html.