Wildlife Forever, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MI DNR) and the Ottawa National Forest, announces the installation of 14 watercraft cleaning stations at key public boat launches across Michigan. This strategic infrastructure expansion improves access to public waters and empowers boaters to Clean, Drain, and Dry watercraft.
The powerful solar powered CD3 stations are made in America, user-operated and do not require staff to operate. Each unit includes tools and messaging to help boaters remove weeds and inspect for aquatic invasive species (AIS). From high-pressurized air to heavy-duty vacuums and brushes, cleaning stations also feature powerful lights. Boaters and anglers are reminded to drain all watercraft and compartments and to trash unused bait.
"Our public waters require bold partnerships and proactive solutions to the challenges of invasive species," said Zach Burnside, Conservation Program Manager of Wildlife Forever. "By deploying public access tools and technology directly into the boater workflow, we greatly reduce the risk of AIS spread and begin making Clean Drain Dry a habit for Michigan boaters."
"This project is a testimony to the success of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and in making on-the-ground investments into improving public access and reducing risks of AIS," said Pat Conzemius, President & CEO. "I'm proud that the U.S. Forest Service and Michigan DNR have committed to this critical conservation partnership to protect Michigan waters," said Conzemius.
Watercraft cleaning stations are strategically deployed across high-traffic boat launches managed by the Michigan DNR and backcountry access sites within the Ottawa National Forest. This multi-jurisdictional approach protects both heavily utilized waterways and remote, high-quality watersheds. Nationwide, AIS are a severe threat to public waters, fisheries' biodiversity, aquatic habitats, and regional economies. Data and research have proven that user-led watercraft cleaning stations drastically increase boater compliance with Clean Drain Dry habits and reduce risk of spread and economic impact.
Find your nearest cleaning station at Expect2Inspect.org. This project is funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), administered by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).
Wildlife Forever leads the national Clean Drain Dry Initiative and provides ready-to-use cleaning stations, education materials, marketing, communications, and branding support, and strategic guidance to effectively engage recreational users and protect local waters.
For more information, please visit CleanDrainDry.org.