SACRAMENTO, CA — The Division of Boating and Waterways along with its partners invite the public to learn how to prevent the further spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) into California’s waterways. Free educational workshops will be offered between March and May at three Northern and Central California locations. Advance registration is required.

California has one of the highest levels of recreational activity in the nation. With 1,100 miles of coast, hundreds of navigable rivers, lakes, and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, there are ample recreational opportunities for the state’s approximately four million boaters. With this popularity, it is critical that the public learn the negative impacts that AIS can have on California’s water delivery systems, hydroelectric facilities, agriculture, boating, fishing and the environment. AIS such as quagga and zebra mussels multiply quickly, encrust watercraft and infrastructure, alter water quality and the aquatic food web and ultimately affect native and sport fish communities.

AIS workshop speakers include staff from California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways, California Coastal Commission, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services and the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center.

The public is invited to attend one of the following workshops:

Oakley - Thursday, March 19

Register by March 16

Time: 8:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.

Location: Big Break Regional Shoreline Park, 69 Big Break Rd, Oakley (94561)

Sacramento – Thursday, April 2

Register by March 20

Time: 8:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.

Location: Lake Washington Sailing Club, 2901 Industrial Blvd., West Sacramento (95691)

Santa Cruz - Thursday, May 14

Register by May 11

Time: 8:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.

Location: Santa Cruz Yacht Club, 244 4th Ave #3835, Santa Cruz (95062)

To register, please contact Boating Clean and Green’s Program Manager Vivian Matuk via email at vmatuk@coastal.ca.gov or call (415) 904-6905. Free parking is available at the workshop sites. Lunch will not be provided.

The Boating Clean and Green Program is an education and outreach program that promotes environmentally sound boating practices to marine businesses and boaters in California. California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways and the California Coastal Commission conduct the program. For more information on the program, please visit www.BoatingCleanAndGreen.com.