Upper Saranac Foundation

You are here: Home / Programs / Invasive Species

Invasive Species

Invasive-Species

Clean your Boat!

Preventing the Introduction and Spread of Invasive Species

If you suspect Invasive Species, please do the following:

Mark the location
  • Contact Guy Middleton 518 796-1052
Email
  • Leave your name, camp address, and your phone number

Guy will call you as soon as possible



Species of Concern

What can I do to Keep Invasive Species Out?

If you like to boat or paddle, you’ve probably heard the phrase Clean, Drain, Dry. These are the three simple and effective steps you can take to prevent aquatic invasives from spreading from one body of water to another. In fact, these steps are so important that New York State now requires boaters to take “reasonable precaution” before launching anywhere in the state.

Aquatic invasive species, from Eurasian watermilfoil to zebra mussels, can attach to and hitchhike on boats, motors, trailers and paddles. They can also be transported in bilge and ballast water, live wells and bait buckets.

So what can you do?

Clean – After each trip, inspect your boat, trailer and anything else that came in contact with water (buoys, anchors, ropes, etc.) for attached mud, plants and debris. Remove and dispose of anything found.

Drain – Identify any standing water in boat compartments, bilge tanks, motors or live wells and drain the water from them.

Dry – Let your gear and equipment dry completely for at least 48 hours, but ideally five days, before your next trip. For canoes and kayaks, you can also towel dry.

One of the quickest ways to ensure your boat and equipment are Clean, Drained, & Dry is to stop by one of the free boat wash stations in the Adirondacks. You can find the nearest wash station at adkcleanboats.com.

There are also stewards located at many of the popular boat launches throughout the Adirondacks who will be happy to assist you with inspecting, cleaning and draining your boat.

Given the number of waters infested with aquatic invasive species (AIS) in the Adirondacks, particularly ones in close proximity to Upper Saranac Lake and within the same watershed, the large numbers of boats moving between these waters, and the large numbers of boats moving into the region from other places, it is inevitable that Upper Saranac Lake would become infested with a number of AIS without a comprehensive prevention and eradication plan. The Upper Saranac Foundation’s Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention and Preparedness Plan was developed and implementation began in 2015. The Plan can be found here: USL Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention and Preparedness Plan