It’s the middle of Clean Drain Dry Week, and today’s spotlight is on Clean Watercraft Wednesday, a day dedicated to raising awareness about one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS): cleaning your boat or watercraft before and after hitting the water.

AIS—like zebra mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil—pose a serious threat to local lakes, rivers, and native ecosystems. These hitchhikers can easily spread when watercraft and equipment are not properly cleaned after use.

“Clean Watercraft Wednesday is all about forming good habits,” said Zach Burnside, Invasive Species Program Manager of Wildlife Forever, “A few minutes spent inspecting and cleaning your boat can protect an entire lake for years to come.”

Participants are encouraged to share photos of themselves cleaning their boats or gear using the hashtag #CleanWatercraftWednesday and tag Clean. Drain. Dry.

Cleaning your boat is especially important for travelling boaters. Crossing jurisdictions often comes with a jumbled mess of laws and regulations. Always Expect to Inspect your boat by being prepared and only traveling with boats Clean, Drained, and Dry, and most importantly: free of AIS.

Wildlife Forever through its funding partners is a national leader in developing, educating and engaging the public in programs to battle and avoid spreading invasive species. Additional programs include:

Project 435 Expect 2 Inspect Citizen Carp Control

To learn about services, contact Zach Burnside or visit CleanDrainDry.org