Aquatic Invasive Species Landing Blitz: Focuses on Protecting Lakes

zebramusselsCitizen volunteers and aquatic invasive species experts will team up at boat landings throughout the state to educate boaters about preventing the spread of harmful species during Michigan’s Aquatic Invasive Species Landing Blitz, June 30 through July 8, 2018.

The Landing Blitz is a collaborative outreach campaign to raise awareness about preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) through recreational boating and related activities. Boaters will learn about preventing the introduction and spread of AIS from the movement of watercraft and equipment between water bodies at both public and private boating access sites throughout the state.

“Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!”

Locally, the Landing Blitz will be conducted at Riverside Park in Grand Haven on July 2 and 3 from 1-3 pm by Ottawa County Parks and the Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds. Those who stop by can expect to learn more about:

• Boat washing & equipment decontamination procedures
• The Clean Boats Clean Waters program
• Reporting protocols for watch list species and others
• Awareness of specific regulations (Part 413 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act PA 451 of 1994, Fisheries Order 245 Fish Disease Control, etc.)
• Proper bait disposal

The Landing Blitz is sponsored by the Michigan Departments of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Natural Resources, and Agriculture and Rural Development in partnership with local organizations as part of Michigan’s annual Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week. For more information about aquatic invasive species in Michigan can visit: www.michigan.gov/InvasiveSpecies

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