DEC reminds people to ‘clean, drain, dry’ boats to stop invasive species spread

The Department of Environmental Conservation is reminding people to “clean, drain and dry” their boats to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Boat stewards will be stationed at more than 220 boat launches and decontamination stations throughout the state to help people clean their boats and other equipment such as trailers and fishing gear.

Boat stewards last year intercepted more than 11,000 aquatic invasives at boat launches statewide, according to DEC.

“Since the Watercraft Inspection Steward Program began, boat stewards statewide have conducted more than one million inspections, playing a crucial role in protecting thousands of lakes, ponds, and rivers throughout New York State from invasive pests,” Interim DEC Commissioner Sean Mahar said in a statement.