Help Prevent the Invasion: Learn How to Inspect Your Watercraft June 12th
June 10, 2010
Sue Jones, 224-3764 (office), 514-5452 (cell), jones.susan@co.dane.wi.us;
Warden Greg Stacey, 275-3318
Land & Water Resources
June is Invasive Species Awareness Month in Wisconsin
(Madison, June 8, 2010) Aquatic invasives are harmful to the health of Dane County’s lakes, rivers and streams. They crowd out native plants, alter the ecosystem and in some cases, kill native fish through disease. Many of these invasives spread from one body of water to another via watercraft or anglers.
As part of Invasive Species Awareness Month and the 16th annual Take a Stake in the Lakes Days, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Water Guard warden Greg Stacey will demonstrate how boaters, canoeists, kayakers and anglers can take some simple steps to ensure that their watercraft are free of invasives on Saturday, June 12th from 9 a.m. to noon at the Lake Farm Park boat landing on Lake Waubesa (4330 Libby Road in Madison). Dane County Watershed Management Coordinator Sue Jones will be distributing “sponges with a message” to alert paddlers about how they can stop the spread of invasive creatures. These sponges are provided by The River Alliance of Wisconsin, through a grant from the Alliant Energy Foundation.
“We are fortunate to have so many bodies of water suited for recreation in Dane County,” said Dane County Lakes and Watershed Commission Chair Melissa Malott. “It’s fun to take your boat or fishing equipment to explore new waterways. All of us at the Dane County Lakes & Watershed Commission and the Office of Lakes & Watersheds simply ask that boaters and anglers help prevent the spread of existing invasives and to keep new ones from coming in,” Malott concluded.
The Plan to Prevent and Control of Aquatic Invasive Species in Dane County
In 2009 the Dane County Office of Lakes and Watersheds completed an aquatic invasive species prevention and control plan (www.danewaters.com/resource/InvasiveSpecies.aspx ). County staff are implementing the plan by working together with stakeholder groups, surrounding counties and the state to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species in Dane County waters. A Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources grant is supporting plan implementation.
The plan serves as a guide for Dane County and its partners in combating problems caused by aquatic invasive species that are already here, such as Eurasian water milfoil, and in preventing the introduction of others, such as Asian carp and viral hemorrhagic septicemia. “We need the help of everyone who enjoys swimming, boating or fishing to do their part,” said watershed management coordinator Susan Jones. “Together, I know we’ll make some great strides in controlling these invasives.”
Tips for Boaters and Anglers to Reduce the Spread of Aquatic Invasives
Greg Stacey offers the following actions boaters, paddlers and anglers can take to assist in the efforts to keep invasive aquatic species from spreading or being introduced to Dane County lakes, rivers and streams:
- INSPECT your boat, trailer, and equipment and
- REMOVE any attached aquatic plants or animals (before launching, after loading, and before transporting on a public highway)
- DRAIN all water from boats, motors and all equipment
- DON’T MOVE live fish away from a waterbody.
- DISPOSE of unwanted bait in the trash.
- BUY minnows from a Wisconsin bait dealer. Use leftover minnows only under certain conditions
The watercraft inspection demonstration and aquatic invasives education are part of the 16th annual Take a Stake in the Lakes Days, June 3-26, an annual series of community events, activities and hands-on workshops that highlight the importance of the lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands to the quality of life in Dane County. For more information, visit www.takeastakeinthelakes.com.
###